Lutheran Vocational Evangelism

(Location, Location, Location: Evangelism Takes Place in One’s Life, Not in Church)

The so called Church Growth Movement, which was based on social or sociological practices suggested that the church service was the place for evangelizing and tended to make the worship service an evangelistic event. One problem with this teaching is that most people who attend worship are already Christina. Another problem is that those who are Christian are often seeking to deepen their faith in the worship service. And finally, the use of the church service for evangelism is that it leaves the Christian with no place to go for spiritual growth and it negates the fact that it is in one’s daily life that the Gospel is shared best, on a one on one contact.

Thus, as we go back and listen to Jesus tell us that as we are going about our daily lives, as we are living lives of faith, no matter where we are, no matter our location or vocation, that we are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. We attend Divine Service so that we are given forgiveness of sins, so that we are strengthened in our faith, and so that we so filled that when we are asked, so that when we have the opportunity, we know that God will give us both the words, which we have been given in the Divine Service as well as the courage to speak the words He gives to give an answer for the hope that we have in Jesus.

So, whether you are at your workplace, office, school, workshop, lobby, at home or out, no matter what your location, as you live your life as a priest, serving God by serving others, so you are bearing witness of your faith. And as you are asked, then the one asking will be open to hearing your answer. God will give you the courage and the word to speak. And yet, God will give faith, when and where He pleases, according to His time frame and good and gracious will.

Yes, sometimes God may give faith in church, but more often than not, it happens in life. Thus, we are always ready to give an answer for the hope that we have in Jesus as our Savior.

25 of 52    © Rev. Dr. Ronald A. Bogs (2018)