A Spring Evangelism Surge

As most of us know by now, our annual theme is “Power Surge,” which suggests the ideas of force, extra effort, intentionally going beyond the norm toward a specific goal. I want to call upon all of us to participate in an evangelistic surge during this springtime of the year. As we watch the trees bud, the flowers bloom, the grass grow, and the creatures of God scratching, humming and running about with new activity, let us also become extraordinarily active in spreading the good news of God in Christ Jesus to others.

Such an effort might take on numerous forms, depending on time, setting, and the circumstances of the people we approach. One of the best general methods, however, is meeting people where they are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This method often requires more careful listening than it does bold talking, for in so doing we demonstrate the love, care and compassion that Jesus the Christ showed toward those he encountered and subsequently drew toward himself. Almost every day, we meet people who need someone to hear their story of struggle and to, in turn, hear a comforting story of deliverance. They need someone not to pester, but to partner, not to badger but to believe, not to annoy but to anoint with the spirit of kindness and understanding, so they might come to realize that they matter to you, but mostly to God, who can gracefully handle any situation in which they find themselves.

Brothers and sisters, I encourage all of us to share in this “Spring Evangelism Surge,” and thereby reaffirm our own faith in God, assist others in their life challenges for the better, and expand the family of God, which is our sacred calling as followers of Jesus, the One. n

—Pastor Parker