Evangelism or Marketing our Faith

When you write a sermon, part way through you should ask the question: "So What?"

It helps you remember why you are doing what you're doing or whay you are saying what you're saying.

I didn't do that yesterday. So here is my answer to that question...'word of mouth' is key.

I believe that speaking up about what we believe matters, because the 'other' voices win out if we don't, i.e. the voices of hate, fear, narrow-mindedness, judgment etc. So we are required to say 'there is another way'...and explain.

I believe that what we say and do matters and that we need to express and live compassion in all we try to do, and when we do, we touch or sense the HOLY.

So, the framework of John Spong's concept of 'evangelism' (in his book "Why Christianity Must Change or Die") works for me. Evangelism is about NON-absolutes, that is God is beyond our limitations. It isn't a program by a few, but by all, and evangelism is a prophetic voice. I think it matters and just like the word itself, which has been hijacked by the 'right', we need to recover its power and passion.

Hillhurst has an 'evangelical' spirit; which is 'good news' and passion. I like that!

- John

P.S. I would've asked the congregation to talk to someone around them answering this question: What is something about your faith OR your church that you love? Sharing good news is important.

So, what is something about your faith OR your church that you love?

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Comments

[John]

seems the e word has got our tongues AND KEY BOARDS!