Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Shown in Words.

Is evangelism a part of your lifestyle? How do you know? One way to tell is how you speak. For example: When you attend worship and Bible class on Sunday mornings, how do you refer to those people who are in worship who are not members of the congregation? Do you refer to them as strangers? If you do, it means that you believe them to be unwelcome and invading “your” territory. Perhaps you refer to them as visitors. Although this term is better than strangers, there is still the subtle implication that these visitors are welcome so long as they leave.

Have you ever thought about those people who worship who are not members as guests? The difference between a guest and a visitor is that guests are always welcome, and we want guests to return. We cannot wait until a guest comes back to visit us again. Do our words reflect this type of hope and love to those who worship with us who are not a part of our worshiping community?

Of course, such is the language we may use with one another. What is the language we use in speaking to those who worship with us who are (not yet) a part of membership? When we speak with them, are our words welcoming, inclusive words, or are our words harsh and standoffish?

It is interesting to think, and who knows, when we take the time, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to reach out our hand, to greet and visit with others, we may even meet a new friend. We may even meet the person who will become a close friend. And we may even be the person to offer some word or words of encouragement to someone who is in need of encouragement.

With the Lord’s help, we can develop a lifestyle evangelism mind set which will show forth in our words to each other as well as to others so that we welcome others as guests whom we want and expect to become a part of our fellowship here on earth and ultimately in heaven.

29 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs