By Bruce N. G. Cromwell
A lot has been made in recent years about the so-called “fourfold gifts for ministry.” Based on Ephesians 4:12, these include (1) apostles, (2) prophets, (3) evangelists, and (4) shepherds and teachers. Though the church needs all of these, and not all people are gifted equally in all areas, all are called to follow the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) to go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching.
For many this can seem daunting, especially the evangelization part. I’ve pastored many people who get really nervous about sharing their faith. Some don’t feel as though they know enough Scripture or have the right words to say. Some have been so turned off by street preachers who seem more interested in yelling than in bringing people closer to Jesus that they fear they’ll be seen as a similar hotheaded zealot. Even though the gospel is always good news, it’s not always easy to share. Just ask St. Paul.
He faced strong opposition while preaching in Thessalonica and in Athens, so he went to Corinth. But he was resisted by some leaders there too. In the midst of this struggle, Paul received the comfort of a vision. “Do not be afraid,” the Lord said. “Keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10a).
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“By listening, we can help walk through the concerns together.”
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Building and Deepening Relationships
In the same way, wherever we may be and whatever we may be facing, we do not need to be afraid. And we should never be silent about sharing our faith! Paul’s experience in Corinth shows us that sharing the good news does not have to be complicated either. He lived there for 18 months and built strong relationships. That’s a great model for us to follow.
Evangelization and making disciples begin by having a deep relationship with Jesus and by living out His call to love the people around us, deepening our relationships with others too. By showing our kindness and gentleness, our compassion and our care, we create space where meaningful conversations can occur. And in the healthiest of conversations, we listen as much as we speak. I’d suggest we even start by listening.
What is the other person thinking? What do they believe? What objections do they have? Why do they have them? By listening, we can help walk through the concerns together.
Share What’s Happened
When the Holy Spirit prompts us, we can speak. Share how your faith has changed you, even if you can’t explain it all.
I’ve shared many times that my favorite testimony in the Scriptures comes from the man who flunks his theological exam. He can’t explain what’s happened. But he still can tell what’s happened to his life. “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25b).
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“Take comfort in knowing that sharing the good news of what God has done in, to, and through you is evangelization.”
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Where did you come out of darkness into the light? How has Jesus brought greater joy and peace into your life? What struggles do you continue to have, even as you grow in your faith? It’s OK to share these hardships and how God is helping you overcome them.
As you love others by listening and then speaking, trust that the Spirit will guide you and will bless your friend as God blesses your conversation. Trust that God’s Word, as shared through your story, will not return void but will bear fruit. And take comfort in knowing that sharing the good news of what God has done in, to, and through you is evangelization.
Not everyone is an apostle, blazing new trails, starting new ministries, or planting new churches. Not all are prophets, boldly proclaiming the Word of the Lord. And not all are called to shepherd a flock and to teach others how to walk closer and closer to the Lord in their journey of faith. But we all are called to evangelize, to proclaim the gospel.
So don’t be silent! Tell others what God has done and is doing in your life. And may we all continue to work to make not just believers but fully devoted followers of Jesus.
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Bruce N. G. Cromwell, Ph.D., is the superintendent of the Central Region Conference, the author of “Loving From Where We Stand,” and a member of the Study Commission on Doctrine. He serves as the Protestant chair of the Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue, sponsored by the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Mindi Grieser Cromwell, the chair of the ministry and theology department at Central Christian College of Kansas. They have two sons, Levi and Bennet.
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