Evangelism
Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things
24/02/08 22:02
Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things
Pastor David Lenz
24 February 2008
Text: Mt. 14:13-21 Jesus (and the Disciples) Feed the 5,000
We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me, he said.
Do the work of an evangelist: I Timothy 4:5 - review
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3: Attempt Ordinary Things
The Cure for EFD (Evangelism Frustration Disorder)
Bring what you have Be authentic. Do whats achievable.
o Jim Henderson said, Do whats doable, because that is all we are going to do anyway.
Jesus will build with what you have
o Stacey King said, I will never forget that tonight Michael and I scored 71 points.
You are doing the work of an evangelist if:
Intentional
Right attitude: Col 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
5 Examples
Sharon
o Mother of young children who walks around the lake regularly
o Prays for the other mothers and children.Praying behind their backs.
Jim Henderson
o At the grocery store
o Very quick checkout clerk with a button that said, We want to adopt.
o Jims response, I have some friends who adopted, I will be praying for you.
Chris
o Video store clerk
o A man asks, What kind of zippo do you have?
o Chris response: I dont have one but I would love to see yours.
o Man tells Chris his philosophy on life complete with skeletons and his life story.
o Chris response: WOW thats interesting!
o Chris additional response, I think God has more in mind for us than that.
o Mans response, Is it OK if my son comes to your church?
Video:
o Taking out the trash
Paul
o At the gas station with an ash cross on his forehead.
o Attendant: Are you a Christian Man?
o Paul tells her about Alpha
o Paul and Nancy stopped by later with an Alpha brochure
o Attendants response: Can I bring my boyfriend?
Call to Action
Attempt ordinary things
WOW..Thats interesting.
Pastor David Lenz
24 February 2008
Text: Mt. 14:13-21 Jesus (and the Disciples) Feed the 5,000
We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me, he said.
Do the work of an evangelist: I Timothy 4:5 - review
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3: Attempt Ordinary Things
The Cure for EFD (Evangelism Frustration Disorder)
Bring what you have Be authentic. Do whats achievable.
o Jim Henderson said, Do whats doable, because that is all we are going to do anyway.
Jesus will build with what you have
o Stacey King said, I will never forget that tonight Michael and I scored 71 points.
You are doing the work of an evangelist if:
Intentional
Right attitude: Col 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
5 Examples
Sharon
o Mother of young children who walks around the lake regularly
o Prays for the other mothers and children.Praying behind their backs.
Jim Henderson
o At the grocery store
o Very quick checkout clerk with a button that said, We want to adopt.
o Jims response, I have some friends who adopted, I will be praying for you.
Chris
o Video store clerk
o A man asks, What kind of zippo do you have?
o Chris response: I dont have one but I would love to see yours.
o Man tells Chris his philosophy on life complete with skeletons and his life story.
o Chris response: WOW thats interesting!
o Chris additional response, I think God has more in mind for us than that.
o Mans response, Is it OK if my son comes to your church?
Video:
o Taking out the trash
Paul
o At the gas station with an ash cross on his forehead.
o Attendant: Are you a Christian Man?
o Paul tells her about Alpha
o Paul and Nancy stopped by later with an Alpha brochure
o Attendants response: Can I bring my boyfriend?
Call to Action
Attempt ordinary things
WOW..Thats interesting.
Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things [reflections]
24/02/08 22:01
Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things
24 February 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.
1. The last three sermons have described new skills/attitudes needed to do the work of an evangelist. Articulate as many of these skills as you can remember.
2. How has your thinking changed from listening to the last 3 sermons? Describe an example of what’s happened as a result.
3. As you listened to today’s sermon…….any new thoughts or ideas?
24 February 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.
1. The last three sermons have described new skills/attitudes needed to do the work of an evangelist. Articulate as many of these skills as you can remember.
2. How has your thinking changed from listening to the last 3 sermons? Describe an example of what’s happened as a result.
3. As you listened to today’s sermon…….any new thoughts or ideas?
Can We [Talk] Listen? [questions]
13/01/08 16:13
Can We [Talk] Listen?
13 January 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.
Do you have a “creepy” evangelism experience you can share?
What were you thinking during or after the sermon? How was the sermon helpful?
What does a prompting/nudge from God sound like or feel like to you?
What sphere of influence is the most difficult for you? And why?
13 January 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.
Do you have a “creepy” evangelism experience you can share?
What were you thinking during or after the sermon? How was the sermon helpful?
What does a prompting/nudge from God sound like or feel like to you?
What sphere of influence is the most difficult for you? And why?
Can We [Talk] Listen?
13/01/08 16:10
Can We ]Talk] Listen?
Pastor David Lenz
13 January 2008
Text: Acts 8:26-39
“Get up and go towards the south”…….So he got up and went……”Go over to the chariot and stay near it.”…….So Philip ran up to it……”Do you understand what you are reading?”….. < white space> ……..Then the eunuch asked Philip, “About whom does the prophet say this?”
A Creepy Experience
A strange man asks, “Are you saved.”
Should have been a moment of joy meeting another believer but instead it was creepy.
The man didn’t offer a name, didn’t ask my name. Heard the answer and moved on.
Too often we:
Talk before we listen
Talk before building a relationship
Talk without really caring about them
“To answer before listening is folly and shame.” Prov 18:13
Philip and the Ethiopian – The Art of Spiritual Conversation
The Prompting - “Go on a road trip.”
Very specific. “Go south to the road – the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
So much ministry depends on paying attention to God’s promptings.
The prompting often seems un-spiritual.
The Action - “He started out.”
“Life’s great moments evolve from simple acts of cooperation with God’s mysterious promptings.” Bill Hybels
God is talking all the time. We need to listen and respond. Simple acts of cooperation.
Another Prompting - “Go to the chariot and stay near to it.”
The ministry of proximity.
A Natural Question - based on the circumstances. “Do you understand what you are reading?”
White space – Philip is silent and gives the Ethiopian time.
The Ethiopian invites Philip’s opinion.
The Ethiopian believes and is baptized.
Important Theological Truth
No human ever leads another human to Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to Jesus.
It is not all on Philip. It is not all on us.
Debbie’s Story
Not part of our nature to care what someone else thinks or worried about how to respond.
Natural questions:
“Tell me about your tattoos.”
“What do you believe?”
Call to Action: A simple prayer
“Holy Spirit, I am available as you need me today. Help me to listen. Help me to respond.”
Summary Quiz – What were the final three summary points of the sermon?
Pastor David Lenz
13 January 2008
Text: Acts 8:26-39
“Get up and go towards the south”…….So he got up and went……”Go over to the chariot and stay near it.”…….So Philip ran up to it……”Do you understand what you are reading?”….. < white space> ……..Then the eunuch asked Philip, “About whom does the prophet say this?”
A Creepy Experience
A strange man asks, “Are you saved.”
Should have been a moment of joy meeting another believer but instead it was creepy.
The man didn’t offer a name, didn’t ask my name. Heard the answer and moved on.
Too often we:
Talk before we listen
Talk before building a relationship
Talk without really caring about them
“To answer before listening is folly and shame.” Prov 18:13
Philip and the Ethiopian – The Art of Spiritual Conversation
The Prompting - “Go on a road trip.”
Very specific. “Go south to the road – the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
So much ministry depends on paying attention to God’s promptings.
The prompting often seems un-spiritual.
The Action - “He started out.”
“Life’s great moments evolve from simple acts of cooperation with God’s mysterious promptings.” Bill Hybels
God is talking all the time. We need to listen and respond. Simple acts of cooperation.
Another Prompting - “Go to the chariot and stay near to it.”
The ministry of proximity.
A Natural Question - based on the circumstances. “Do you understand what you are reading?”
White space – Philip is silent and gives the Ethiopian time.
The Ethiopian invites Philip’s opinion.
The Ethiopian believes and is baptized.
Important Theological Truth
No human ever leads another human to Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to Jesus.
It is not all on Philip. It is not all on us.
Debbie’s Story
Not part of our nature to care what someone else thinks or worried about how to respond.
Natural questions:
“Tell me about your tattoos.”
“What do you believe?”
Call to Action: A simple prayer
“Holy Spirit, I am available as you need me today. Help me to listen. Help me to respond.”
Summary Quiz – What were the final three summary points of the sermon?
Counting Conversations, Not Conversions [questions]
21/10/07 16:26
Wondering Questions
The goal of wondering questions is to open a dialogue in which you can learn about others and they about you. They aren’t a springboard for a Gospel presentation; they’re a springboard for getting to know someone on a deeper level, building trust, and demonstrating respectfulness and grace.
Life Lessons
I’ve made it my lifelong goal to learn from others; what the greatest lesson you’ve learned thus far in your life’s journey?
Tell me about your greatest success and your greatest failure along the way.
Would you share the greatest piece of wisdom ever passed on to you?
Life Goals/Career
What prompted you to pursue your career?
What do you like most about what you do; how about the least?
Do you see what you’re doing as a lifetime career or a stepping stone to something else?
World Events
How did 9/11 affect your view of God and the world?
Good vs Evil
Have you ever sensed the presence of evil?
Have you ever sensed the presence of God?
Have you had any major turning points in life?
Belief
What do you find the most difficult pill to swallow concerning belief in God?
Why do you think so many other people find it difficult to come to a belief in God?
Marriage or Dating
How did you meet your spouse (or friend)?
What have you learned about yourself through marriage (or dating)?
What do you enjoy the most about marriage (or dating)? The least?
Dreams
What did you see yourself doing career-wise when you were eighteen?
What dreams have you let go of?
What dreams are you still hanging on to?
Major Influences
Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?
Has there been one book or movie that has greatly influenced you?
Besides your parents, who stands out as having had a major influence on you?
The goal of wondering questions is to open a dialogue in which you can learn about others and they about you. They aren’t a springboard for a Gospel presentation; they’re a springboard for getting to know someone on a deeper level, building trust, and demonstrating respectfulness and grace.
Life Lessons
I’ve made it my lifelong goal to learn from others; what the greatest lesson you’ve learned thus far in your life’s journey?
Tell me about your greatest success and your greatest failure along the way.
Would you share the greatest piece of wisdom ever passed on to you?
Life Goals/Career
What prompted you to pursue your career?
What do you like most about what you do; how about the least?
Do you see what you’re doing as a lifetime career or a stepping stone to something else?
World Events
How did 9/11 affect your view of God and the world?
Good vs Evil
Have you ever sensed the presence of evil?
Have you ever sensed the presence of God?
Have you had any major turning points in life?
Belief
What do you find the most difficult pill to swallow concerning belief in God?
Why do you think so many other people find it difficult to come to a belief in God?
Marriage or Dating
How did you meet your spouse (or friend)?
What have you learned about yourself through marriage (or dating)?
What do you enjoy the most about marriage (or dating)? The least?
Dreams
What did you see yourself doing career-wise when you were eighteen?
What dreams have you let go of?
What dreams are you still hanging on to?
Major Influences
Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?
Has there been one book or movie that has greatly influenced you?
Besides your parents, who stands out as having had a major influence on you?
Counting Conversations, Not Conversions
14/10/07 16:24
Counting Conversations, Not Conversions
Pastor Kirk Wulff
14 October 2007
Statistics
57% of evangelical Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to tell others.
94% over 18 are unlikely to respond to the Gospel as it is currently being presented.
90% of Americans believe in God but only 30% are in church on Sunday.
Seismic shifts in our civilization
Modernism
Dominated by development of science, math, rational thinking, analysis, industrialization.
Objective truth is a system of propositions laid like bricks and cemented by logic.
Individualism
Evangelism
Confrontational
Proof based
TELL people the good news
Post Modernism
There is more going on that the rational mind can explain? Open to supernatural.
No need for objective truth…..What’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for others.
Hostile toward any belief system that tries to impose its beliefs on others.
Peer driven, communal, feeling driven
Certainty is impossible
Evangelism:
Is it real for you? Is Christianity working for you?
Do you like me? Are you like me?
Are you normal?
Post-Christian
Have decided what Christianity is about and don’t want it
Huge trust issues with God, the church, and Christians reinforced in the news about priests molesting children, pastors preaching against homosexuality and then living a Jeckel and Hyde life style, pastors laundering money
Evangelism: we don’t start at 0 we start at a -5.
Research by Karen and Kathy
Conversation leads to Community, which leads to Conversion.
Modern world trusted experts. Post modern world does not.
The silent questions: Who are these people? Can I trust them? Do they just want my money?
Belong before you believe.
Look for your “Person of Peace”
Someone you connect with, have chemistry with.
Drop spiritual clues …..not a bait and switch thing.
The spiritual art of noticing.
The spiritual art of “small talk”…..we chat our way to change. Speeches are over rated.
The emotional on-ramp to deeper conversations. Are we normal?
The ministry of active listening. You can’t argue a post-modern into the kingdom you listen them in.
Pastor Kirk Wulff
14 October 2007
Statistics
57% of evangelical Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to tell others.
94% over 18 are unlikely to respond to the Gospel as it is currently being presented.
90% of Americans believe in God but only 30% are in church on Sunday.
Seismic shifts in our civilization
Modernism
Dominated by development of science, math, rational thinking, analysis, industrialization.
Objective truth is a system of propositions laid like bricks and cemented by logic.
Individualism
Evangelism
Confrontational
Proof based
TELL people the good news
Post Modernism
There is more going on that the rational mind can explain? Open to supernatural.
No need for objective truth…..What’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for others.
Hostile toward any belief system that tries to impose its beliefs on others.
Peer driven, communal, feeling driven
Certainty is impossible
Evangelism:
Is it real for you? Is Christianity working for you?
Do you like me? Are you like me?
Are you normal?
Post-Christian
Have decided what Christianity is about and don’t want it
Huge trust issues with God, the church, and Christians reinforced in the news about priests molesting children, pastors preaching against homosexuality and then living a Jeckel and Hyde life style, pastors laundering money
Evangelism: we don’t start at 0 we start at a -5.
Research by Karen and Kathy
Conversation leads to Community, which leads to Conversion.
Modern world trusted experts. Post modern world does not.
The silent questions: Who are these people? Can I trust them? Do they just want my money?
Belong before you believe.
Look for your “Person of Peace”
Someone you connect with, have chemistry with.
Drop spiritual clues …..not a bait and switch thing.
The spiritual art of noticing.
The spiritual art of “small talk”…..we chat our way to change. Speeches are over rated.
The emotional on-ramp to deeper conversations. Are we normal?
The ministry of active listening. You can’t argue a post-modern into the kingdom you listen them in.
The Romans Road
29/04/07 16:57
The Romans Road
Pastor David Lenz
29 April 2007
Text: Romans 1:5, 1: 20, 3:23 and 6:23, 3:24 and 6:23, 8:15-16, 10:9-10, 12:5-6, 15:13
Intro:
Imagine a spiritual conversation with a friend
Been praying please open his/her heart
“How can I become a Christian?
Your palms get sweaty because you don’t have a plan.
Many techniques. (4 Laws, Evangel Explosion, Alpha). No single right way. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. HS does it.
Romans Road is a way to share your faith: 1 book with a series of verses
Begins with God, not just a private affair, leads us into community
1: It’s not about me.
Reservations of many popular salvation plans devised for the American hyper individualistic society.
Donkey Shrek: What about me? Pick me? Pick me?
Rick Warren’s best selling book, “The purpose driven life.”
Westminster Catechism: Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man? Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.
2: God has already begun a relationship with us thru creation.
Chuck Colson in Born Again: Standing at the rail of the USS Melette – “There was no possible explanation for how this whole magnificent universe could remain in such perfect harmony without some awesome power.
Do we know all of God from nature? - Of course not. Bible gives the only full accounting of God. But before we even crack the Bible we have a sense.
3: Sin separates us from God
Ted Turner: “So I’ve had a few drinks and a few girl friends. What’s the big deal?”
Good and bad jumbled together: prognosis in the end is certain and eternal death.
4: We are rescued by the work of Christ
Cross cultural training exercise……David and Linda couldn’t complete the assignment. We don’t have all the pieces we need to solve the problem.
Jesus died. His life makes us righteous.
5: We are welcomed into God’s family
Elaine in Seinfeld says “NO WAY!” or “GET OUT” when she hears something she can hardly believe.
Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. “NO WAY!” We hardly dare believe this.
6: The simple act of confessing
Nicky Gumbel’s compares this to a marriage ceremony:
Don’t know what the future holds. Joys and heartaches….
Dare to stand-up in public and promise: “I do”, “all the days of my life”
Same thing when we accept Jesus. “I do …. Commitment of faith for all the days of my life.
7: Life in Jesus means life in community
Driving home from a music theory exam listening to the NFL draft:
Initially all about the individual player. Joe Thomas, 6’7”, 311 pounds, Tremendous athlete, quick feet, Strong shoulders, room on his frame to add more size…….
After the selection all about the team and the contribution the selected player will make relative to a specific need on the team.
What is my contribution to my Christian team? How can I complete the team? What need can I fill?
8: Life in Jesus means a life filled with Spirit-given hope.
Story about the mouse: head half in the whole with hind end sticking out hoping the world would go away.
We will not be freed from difficulties. But we can face even the greatest challenges with a confident hope. HS fills us with joy and peace and hope.
Conclusion
Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. Something that cannot be suppressed. It must be expressed!
Pastor David Lenz
29 April 2007
Text: Romans 1:5, 1: 20, 3:23 and 6:23, 3:24 and 6:23, 8:15-16, 10:9-10, 12:5-6, 15:13
Intro:
Imagine a spiritual conversation with a friend
Been praying please open his/her heart
“How can I become a Christian?
Your palms get sweaty because you don’t have a plan.
Many techniques. (4 Laws, Evangel Explosion, Alpha). No single right way. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. HS does it.
Romans Road is a way to share your faith: 1 book with a series of verses
Begins with God, not just a private affair, leads us into community
1: It’s not about me.
Reservations of many popular salvation plans devised for the American hyper individualistic society.
Donkey Shrek: What about me? Pick me? Pick me?
Rick Warren’s best selling book, “The purpose driven life.”
Westminster Catechism: Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man? Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.
2: God has already begun a relationship with us thru creation.
Chuck Colson in Born Again: Standing at the rail of the USS Melette – “There was no possible explanation for how this whole magnificent universe could remain in such perfect harmony without some awesome power.
Do we know all of God from nature? - Of course not. Bible gives the only full accounting of God. But before we even crack the Bible we have a sense.
3: Sin separates us from God
Ted Turner: “So I’ve had a few drinks and a few girl friends. What’s the big deal?”
Good and bad jumbled together: prognosis in the end is certain and eternal death.
4: We are rescued by the work of Christ
Cross cultural training exercise……David and Linda couldn’t complete the assignment. We don’t have all the pieces we need to solve the problem.
Jesus died. His life makes us righteous.
5: We are welcomed into God’s family
Elaine in Seinfeld says “NO WAY!” or “GET OUT” when she hears something she can hardly believe.
Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. “NO WAY!” We hardly dare believe this.
6: The simple act of confessing
Nicky Gumbel’s compares this to a marriage ceremony:
Don’t know what the future holds. Joys and heartaches….
Dare to stand-up in public and promise: “I do”, “all the days of my life”
Same thing when we accept Jesus. “I do …. Commitment of faith for all the days of my life.
7: Life in Jesus means life in community
Driving home from a music theory exam listening to the NFL draft:
Initially all about the individual player. Joe Thomas, 6’7”, 311 pounds, Tremendous athlete, quick feet, Strong shoulders, room on his frame to add more size…….
After the selection all about the team and the contribution the selected player will make relative to a specific need on the team.
What is my contribution to my Christian team? How can I complete the team? What need can I fill?
8: Life in Jesus means a life filled with Spirit-given hope.
Story about the mouse: head half in the whole with hind end sticking out hoping the world would go away.
We will not be freed from difficulties. But we can face even the greatest challenges with a confident hope. HS fills us with joy and peace and hope.
Conclusion
Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. Something that cannot be suppressed. It must be expressed!