This is just a quick update for anyone who has not heard my newest news. In my previous post I directed people to my main blog over at Typepad. Well...I have moved that blog over to WordPress. My new address is: www.heartofapastor.wordpress.com. For periodic posts on evangelism come and see me over at my main blog.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to "see" you soon.
Take care!
-edh-
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Moving...
I started this blog, not too long ago, to be a forum to discuss evangelism. I had some lofty goals to host a site to have conversations and share resources. I quickly found out that hosting TWO blogs is very time consuming and that I need to be a better steward of my time. So with that I am going to cease posting here and focus on my main blog - The Heart of a Pastor at www.erichullstrom.typepad.com.
I will still have have posts about evangelism, but just in a different place. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to "see" you soon.
-Pastor Eric-
I will still have have posts about evangelism, but just in a different place. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to "see" you soon.
-Pastor Eric-
Thursday, March 13, 2008
I'm still here...
I am still here and wanting to post thoughts on evangelism. But since it is Lent, I am taking a break from blogging so I can focus on the many worship services that are being planned. I will be back after Easter so I hope you stop back then so we can can continue our conversation.
God bless and have a very happy Easter!
-edh-
God bless and have a very happy Easter!
-edh-
Thursday, March 6, 2008
ELCA Evangelism Strategy part 2
It has been a long time since I have been around to continue this series. Believe me...it's not because of a lack of interest or passion around the topic of evangelism, it's...well...the age ole excuse...busyness. I have had a couple deaths in my congregation recently. Combine that with the season of Lent (especially near Holy Week) and that is a recipe for add-more-gray-hairs-to-my-head syndrome. But I will be getting back to this discussion very soon.
In the mean time, make sure you check out the comment section of my previous post. Eric over at Lemonholm (http://lemonholm.blogspot.com/) left a good comment with Bishop Mark Hanson's (ELCA presiding bishop) take on evangelism. I followed up with a frustration of mine - not about what bishop Hanson said, but about how this is put into practice. I am curious what you all think. What is your experience?
As always...thanks for stopping by and check back again as we continue our discussion of evangelism...more specifically...the ELCA Evangelism Strategy.
Take care and God bless!
-edh-
In the mean time, make sure you check out the comment section of my previous post. Eric over at Lemonholm (http://lemonholm.blogspot.com/) left a good comment with Bishop Mark Hanson's (ELCA presiding bishop) take on evangelism. I followed up with a frustration of mine - not about what bishop Hanson said, but about how this is put into practice. I am curious what you all think. What is your experience?
As always...thanks for stopping by and check back again as we continue our discussion of evangelism...more specifically...the ELCA Evangelism Strategy.
Take care and God bless!
-edh-
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
ELCA Evangelism Strategy
Before we go any further with this evangelism discussion, I feel the need to slow down a bit and highlight the evanglism strategy adopted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This strategy was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2003. The strategy is not too long and it is nothing earth shattering, but important nonetheless. For the complete text of the strategy go to: http://www.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/
But here's a quick synopsis for us to consider now...
The strategy is broken down into four objectives:
(1) Call the Church to prayer
(2) Prepare and renew evangelical leaders
(3) Teach discipleship
(4) Start and renew congregations
Each objective is broken down into a goal and a series of actions to take. This may seem like we are taking something as basic as evangelism and turning it into a series of steps to take in order to accomplish a common goal...butts in our pews...but it is more than that. One thing that is crucial to remember is that evangelism is not something we DO but something we ARE. By definition we are evangelists. As I have said before, if we dare to call ourselves "Christians" then we also have to call oursevles "Evangelists".
This strategy is nothing more than a document to give us guidance to live out who we are. I think as a Church we have lost our way. We have lost our focus on what we are called to do. Too many people think ministry is about padding our membership numbers so we can brag about how fast we are growing. But ministry is more than that. Ministry is about living out the Great Commission where we "Go therefore and create disciples...". Ministry is about loving people in such a way that they see our good works and give glory to God in heaven. Ministry is not about numbers but rather about people living as disiciples of Jesus Christ. How do we do this, well, this strategy gives us a starting point.
So what I would like to do over the next few posts is spend some time talking about these various objectives and hear your feedback. But first, take some time yourselves and read the document. It won't take you too long. If you have read it already, read it again to refresh your memory.
We have a very important task ahead of us and it is time we get going.
Take care and God bless!
-edh-
But here's a quick synopsis for us to consider now...
The strategy is broken down into four objectives:
(1) Call the Church to prayer
(2) Prepare and renew evangelical leaders
(3) Teach discipleship
(4) Start and renew congregations
Each objective is broken down into a goal and a series of actions to take. This may seem like we are taking something as basic as evangelism and turning it into a series of steps to take in order to accomplish a common goal...butts in our pews...but it is more than that. One thing that is crucial to remember is that evangelism is not something we DO but something we ARE. By definition we are evangelists. As I have said before, if we dare to call ourselves "Christians" then we also have to call oursevles "Evangelists".
This strategy is nothing more than a document to give us guidance to live out who we are. I think as a Church we have lost our way. We have lost our focus on what we are called to do. Too many people think ministry is about padding our membership numbers so we can brag about how fast we are growing. But ministry is more than that. Ministry is about living out the Great Commission where we "Go therefore and create disciples...". Ministry is about loving people in such a way that they see our good works and give glory to God in heaven. Ministry is not about numbers but rather about people living as disiciples of Jesus Christ. How do we do this, well, this strategy gives us a starting point.
So what I would like to do over the next few posts is spend some time talking about these various objectives and hear your feedback. But first, take some time yourselves and read the document. It won't take you too long. If you have read it already, read it again to refresh your memory.
We have a very important task ahead of us and it is time we get going.
Take care and God bless!
-edh-
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Good News
We all have a story to share...the problem is too many people just don't know what their story is.
After I arrived home from the Western Iowa Synod school of evangelism back in October of 2006 I began a quest to find people to share faith stories during worship. The first person I talked to was N. N is a single mother with a cute little 2 year old boy...one that likes to walk up front during worship to see me. She serves on the board of education and church council. I knew some of her story and thought she would be a good one to share in worship. So I called N one day asked if I could come over to ask her a question...with an air of apprehension in her voice she said "yes" (I think she though she was in trouble because the pastor was coming to see her). We sat down in her living room and began to explain what I was looking for...I wanted her to share her faith story during worship the following month. With a look of fear in her face she began to talk (non-stop) for 30 minutes about why she should not give her faith story. I learned more about N in those 30 minutes than in the 2 years I knew her. After she finally stopped talking I said, "N...you just shared with me your faith story. Pair that down to about 3-5 minutes and you'll have something". She was shocked.
A faith story is not necessarly something like: "I read my Bible everyday and have read through it 25 times." "I pray every day for 10 hours", etc... Those stories are fine and dandy, but that is not everyone. A faith story is nothing more than your relationship with God through Jesus Christ - your doubts, fears, questions and struggles. A faith story can included high points AND low points. A faith story - your faith story - is YOURS and not someone elses.
I know that sharing faith stories (or personal testimonies) does not sound all that "lutheran", but it should. When I hear that people have some of the same questions, doubts, fears, stuggles that I have, I am encouraged. I helps me see that I am not alone. It also reminds me that we are all in the same family...God's family. But not everyone shares my views. Actually...for many people...faith stories scare them (whether they are the sharer or the listener).
Part of the fear comes from the belief that faith is a very private matter - "my faith is my faith and your faith is your faith". But the fact of the matter is that faith is very public. Jesus didn't call us to become hermits but rather called us into community (read a little Bonhoeffer and you will quickly see that). Another part of the fear is that people are afraid others will judge them if their stories don't "measure up". Heaven forbid if you state publically that you get angry with God or have had doubts. And lastly, people just don't know or understand their story, much less know how to put it in words. That is where faith community leaders need to come in. If we are open and honest about our faith journey, maybe others will begin to see that it is O.K. for them to share their stories.
So here are some tips:
(1) Find an active extrovert in your congregation and ask them to share a 3 - 5 faith story. Give them ONE and only ONE question to focus on such as: Why is God important in your life? How has Jesus healed you? How does your faith help you day by day?
(2) Meet with people one on one and help them open up about what they believe. Assure them they are not being tested.
(3) Share your faith story in worship...and be honest (not a hero).
(4) Ask an elder in your congregation to speak with your confirmation group. Ask them to share their story with the youth.
What has worked for you? Do you have a time during worship where faith stories are shared?
We know how to share good news so let begin sharing the Good News.
After I arrived home from the Western Iowa Synod school of evangelism back in October of 2006 I began a quest to find people to share faith stories during worship. The first person I talked to was N. N is a single mother with a cute little 2 year old boy...one that likes to walk up front during worship to see me. She serves on the board of education and church council. I knew some of her story and thought she would be a good one to share in worship. So I called N one day asked if I could come over to ask her a question...with an air of apprehension in her voice she said "yes" (I think she though she was in trouble because the pastor was coming to see her). We sat down in her living room and began to explain what I was looking for...I wanted her to share her faith story during worship the following month. With a look of fear in her face she began to talk (non-stop) for 30 minutes about why she should not give her faith story. I learned more about N in those 30 minutes than in the 2 years I knew her. After she finally stopped talking I said, "N...you just shared with me your faith story. Pair that down to about 3-5 minutes and you'll have something". She was shocked.
A faith story is not necessarly something like: "I read my Bible everyday and have read through it 25 times." "I pray every day for 10 hours", etc... Those stories are fine and dandy, but that is not everyone. A faith story is nothing more than your relationship with God through Jesus Christ - your doubts, fears, questions and struggles. A faith story can included high points AND low points. A faith story - your faith story - is YOURS and not someone elses.
I know that sharing faith stories (or personal testimonies) does not sound all that "lutheran", but it should. When I hear that people have some of the same questions, doubts, fears, stuggles that I have, I am encouraged. I helps me see that I am not alone. It also reminds me that we are all in the same family...God's family. But not everyone shares my views. Actually...for many people...faith stories scare them (whether they are the sharer or the listener).
Part of the fear comes from the belief that faith is a very private matter - "my faith is my faith and your faith is your faith". But the fact of the matter is that faith is very public. Jesus didn't call us to become hermits but rather called us into community (read a little Bonhoeffer and you will quickly see that). Another part of the fear is that people are afraid others will judge them if their stories don't "measure up". Heaven forbid if you state publically that you get angry with God or have had doubts. And lastly, people just don't know or understand their story, much less know how to put it in words. That is where faith community leaders need to come in. If we are open and honest about our faith journey, maybe others will begin to see that it is O.K. for them to share their stories.
So here are some tips:
(1) Find an active extrovert in your congregation and ask them to share a 3 - 5 faith story. Give them ONE and only ONE question to focus on such as: Why is God important in your life? How has Jesus healed you? How does your faith help you day by day?
(2) Meet with people one on one and help them open up about what they believe. Assure them they are not being tested.
(3) Share your faith story in worship...and be honest (not a hero).
(4) Ask an elder in your congregation to speak with your confirmation group. Ask them to share their story with the youth.
What has worked for you? Do you have a time during worship where faith stories are shared?
We know how to share good news so let begin sharing the Good News.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Blogging and evangelism
A question (or rather a statement) was shared with me about the connection between evangelism and blogging - wondering if there was one. And that is a good question and a ligitimate comment.
-- Is there a connection between blogging and evangelism?
-- Can one effectively engage in evangelism through a blog?
Allow me to address these questions and I would invite your feedback. First off, I believe there is a good and strong connection between blogging and evangelism - but maybe not a traditional connection. Evangelism at a basic level is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through the spoken word. Obviously, blogging is not a "spoken word", but hang on with me a second. Evangelism is also sharing the Gospel through our actions as James teaches us, "Faith without works is dead". But can the Gospel be shared and proclaimed through the written word (a blog)? I believe so.
I know there are a number of people who come across my blog through random searches through Google, Yahoo or the like. People searching for something that has nothing to do with my blog but yet they stop by. Maybe they are intrigued by what pops up in the search results. Maybe they are led to my blog by the Holy Spirit. I don't know. I also don't know how long people visit or what they actually read. But whatever the case, I believe (at a very basic level) a seed is planted. And any of you out there that have a blog also experience this - people stopping by through chance (or through the Holy Spirit as I believe). Even if a phrase such as "God loves you" catches someone's attention, the Good News has been proclaimed and as such, evangelism has occured. Maybe it's not the traditional form of evangelism, but the Gospel is being proclaimed through the written word.
But evangelism can not stop there. When a seed is planted we have to continue nuturing that seed (or any seed that anyone has planted). And this is where the Church comes in (each and every Christian) and why our calling and command to be evangelist is vitally important. If a freshly planted seed is not nourished, it will die. So...we need to listen to the call and command to make disicples of all nations and actually do it. We need to keep in mind the people who carry the young and infant seed of the Gospel freshly planted in their heart. We need to nurture those seeds so they do not die.
So when I write I keep that in mind. I think about the person (non-Christian, atheist, agnostic, etc) who stumble by and catch something I wrote. I don't know if anything I write will change any lives, but I firmly believe the Holy Spirit can do much with very little.
But let me also say...blogging is NOT my only form of evangelism - and it shouldn't be for anyone. It is just one way I can share about my faith and the awesome love of God through Jesus Christ to a wide "audience" of people. And that is exciting.
So I am not sure if I adaquately defended my position here but I would love to hear from you. Is there a connection between evangelism and blogging? Does anyone really care or should we just move on to some other "real" evangelism topics? Eitherway, I am glad the comment was made. Thank you!
God bless you as you share your faith with boldness and authority.
-edh-
-- Is there a connection between blogging and evangelism?
-- Can one effectively engage in evangelism through a blog?
Allow me to address these questions and I would invite your feedback. First off, I believe there is a good and strong connection between blogging and evangelism - but maybe not a traditional connection. Evangelism at a basic level is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through the spoken word. Obviously, blogging is not a "spoken word", but hang on with me a second. Evangelism is also sharing the Gospel through our actions as James teaches us, "Faith without works is dead". But can the Gospel be shared and proclaimed through the written word (a blog)? I believe so.
I know there are a number of people who come across my blog through random searches through Google, Yahoo or the like. People searching for something that has nothing to do with my blog but yet they stop by. Maybe they are intrigued by what pops up in the search results. Maybe they are led to my blog by the Holy Spirit. I don't know. I also don't know how long people visit or what they actually read. But whatever the case, I believe (at a very basic level) a seed is planted. And any of you out there that have a blog also experience this - people stopping by through chance (or through the Holy Spirit as I believe). Even if a phrase such as "God loves you" catches someone's attention, the Good News has been proclaimed and as such, evangelism has occured. Maybe it's not the traditional form of evangelism, but the Gospel is being proclaimed through the written word.
But evangelism can not stop there. When a seed is planted we have to continue nuturing that seed (or any seed that anyone has planted). And this is where the Church comes in (each and every Christian) and why our calling and command to be evangelist is vitally important. If a freshly planted seed is not nourished, it will die. So...we need to listen to the call and command to make disicples of all nations and actually do it. We need to keep in mind the people who carry the young and infant seed of the Gospel freshly planted in their heart. We need to nurture those seeds so they do not die.
So when I write I keep that in mind. I think about the person (non-Christian, atheist, agnostic, etc) who stumble by and catch something I wrote. I don't know if anything I write will change any lives, but I firmly believe the Holy Spirit can do much with very little.
But let me also say...blogging is NOT my only form of evangelism - and it shouldn't be for anyone. It is just one way I can share about my faith and the awesome love of God through Jesus Christ to a wide "audience" of people. And that is exciting.
So I am not sure if I adaquately defended my position here but I would love to hear from you. Is there a connection between evangelism and blogging? Does anyone really care or should we just move on to some other "real" evangelism topics? Eitherway, I am glad the comment was made. Thank you!
God bless you as you share your faith with boldness and authority.
-edh-
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