Evangelism Committee

Committee function

This committee shall stimulate and lead all members of the congregation in continuous study of the gospel.  From time to time, the committee shall endeavor to reawaken the spiritual indifference of others who are as yet unwon to the gospel of Christ’s church.  To accomplish this end, the committee shall devote itself to deepening its spiritual life and shall periodically study the congregation in the context of its surrounding community.

From the July 2007 Bethlehem Star

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mt 28:16-20 (NRSV)

O Lord, talking about evangelism makes me uncomfortable. If it were up to me, I don’t think I could do it. I’m embarrassed about how many people use your name and don’t want to be one of them. But I’m starting to realize that you have done something special for me and don’t think it would be right if I kept it to myself. Whenever I talk about you, it seems like the words I use are so small for all you have done and that I forget to say something. It seems so awkward. I wish someone else would do it for me. But I remember some of the people who told me about you, and usually the words they used were pretty small, especially for how great you are. You are the Lord and I am a servant. Please mold me into someone who can trust in you more fully so that I can do this. You say you will be with me, but I’m scared and not really sure about this. All I can do is trust that you know what you are doing when you are calling me.
AMEN.

From August 2007 Bethlehem Star

Why Evangelism?

We Lutherans are very uncomfortable with the idea of Evangelism. We probably have many rea- sons to be this way, but that does not take the task away. One of these reasons is that we are afraid of what to say and what people would think about us.

Because of this, I have a request for you. First, ask yourself what is good news about. Jesus?

Second, start talking with your family and friends about this. Then, listen to them as they say what is good news about Jesus, or why they don't think what you have to say is really Good News.

This Holy Listening is challenging. Don't be surprised if the way you think and talk about Jesus starts to change when you do this. 11ris is what happens when the Holy Spirit is at work glorifying Jesus and the Father.

It brings us into more than we can ask for or even imagine (Eph 3:20).

The amazing thing is that it the Holy Spirit actually comes when we talk about Jesus. We don't always see it or even acknowledge it, but it is there. So, Go in Peace. Share the Good News.

Thanks Be to God.