I first heard this word and its meaning about forty years ago. According to Webster’s Dictionary, it means: 1. To induce someone to convert to one’s faith;  2. To recruit someone to join one’s party, institution or cause.  Interesting to me, is I have never in all these years used that word in any conversation.

There have been times that my doorbell has rung and the folks on the outside were over eager to recruit me to their particular sect or religious affiliation. Some were at times struggling to hear my “not interested.”

Hm? Wondering if this particular word and its forceful sounding definitions are sometimes confused with EVANGELISM. Evangelism’s definition is: the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. Are you a sideline fan of Christ? Are you willing to witness to others His role in your life? Are you a cheerleader for our Lord?

One of my favorite things about Joy Lutheran is our inviting friends, relatives, new neighbors to our services; sharing our community of faith, witnessing to our beliefs in Jesus’ love for everyone. Our many outreach programs offer a personal witness to the Christian gospel.

Don’t be afraid to leave the sideline and be Christ’s advocate. Encourage those who do not know the Lord to find a place where faith can grow and be tended by a loving community of like-minded believers.

No Bible story I’ve read stirs to mind a scenario where Jesus and His disciples were forcing followers to join them, or corralling the locals to sit and listen. They simply shared their own joy and peace and God’s promises. Evangelism is not forcing beliefs; it is heartfelt sharing.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, I imagine His disciples told stories, shared personal experiences, and simply had conversations about our Lord. Believe that you can witness in any conversation with another by sharing your “story” of faith. A seed will be planted with your effort.

Jill