The Crux of Evangelism
It comes down to this: Do you care? Do you value lost people? Do you have the same compassion for them that Christ had for you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)?
By Caleb Kaltenbach
KANSAS CITY, MO—Easter experiences are still being reported to various Christian magazines and outlets and a common theme is emerging: Some pastors pledged an Easter service like no other, but it turns out these were empty promises.
Stan Hanson, pastor of the newly planted Crossways Christian Church, told his congregation: “Don’t miss Easter! Arrive early, bring a friend, and get ready for an experience unlike any other.”
Crossways member Tom Harlow offered this critique of the service: “Let’s see. They had a creative opener, more lights, good singing, and a sermon on the resurrection. Pastor Stan also dressed up. So it was like any other Easter.”
We reached out to Hanson, who insisted, “It was unlike any Easter service I’ve been to. I talked about how the resurrection promises new life. And we had a special singer.”
After a pause, Hanson continued: “We also had a real live bunny petting zoo and a high schooler in a bunny outfit. It was . . . unlike . . . any other.”
The Lopez family attended Crossways on Easter.
“One of the bunnies in the petting zoo hissed at me,” said little Cecile Lopez, 9. “I didn’t even know rabbits could hiss.”
Cecile’s mother, Alicia Lopez, said the teen in the bunny outfit gave her the creeps. “The bunny just walked around the lobby, didn’t greet anyone, and stared a lot.”
This Sunday, Hanson is expected to announce plans for a Christmas Eve service like no other. (Rumor has it there might be a live nativity.)
Caleb Kaltenbach is just kidding.
It comes down to this: Do you care? Do you value lost people? Do you have the same compassion for them that Christ had for you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)?
Love has persuasive power. Compassion makes our arguments more convincing, but without love, our arguments sound hollow.
If we’re serious about trying to reach lost sinners and fish for people like Jesus told us to, then it’s essential we understand the beliefs, behavior, and belonging of those we’re fishing for so we can use the right kind of “bait.”
Peace isn’t just a seed. It’s a strategy. It’s strength. It’s Spirit. And peace, just might be the generational tree where your legacy rests.
To focus outward means that the church’s primary concern is the people outside its walls and influence. It means that the church’s assets—its money, its talent, its time, and its facility—are focused toward reaching into that group.
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