Evangelism ...Thinking Outside the Box

Hi Folks.

I know that not all of my readers are christians....but perhaps some of you may find this post helpful.

Have been thinking more about evangelism in this modern day world of ours.

I am thinking about evangelism in terms of simply giving more people access to the same church ministries and materials that I enjoy.

Do I enjoy sitting and listening, praying and singing in my church. You betcha! Can I give other people invitations to my church? Sure I can. I know they will be welcomed.

I see a lot of folks suffering needlessly in loneliness... when there are many churches awaiting to welcome them with dignity and respect.

I am not saying that each church will be your perfect match....but at least give churches a try and don't give up until you find one that you can call your own.

I personally do not feel like one needs to be an extrovert to do evangelism. In fact, I don't think you need to speak out loud at all, if that is not your personality.

I am simply talking about giving more people who live in your city, province or country, the same access to the same ministries and ministry tools that you have enjoyed for years.

You can send out invitations to your church. Your church can print up invitations and you can mail them out to the folks in your city. You can mail out bibles, or half bibles, or just one book of the bible, along with a welcome note to strangers in your community.

I personally don't feel shy about mailing preprinted invites to perfect strangers. And yes, it costs something, it costs the price of a stamp and  possibly an envelope if the invite is not in the format of a mailable post card. You can address it simply as "To Resident" or simply "To Welcome Your Household" and then print in the address. 

No need to bare your soul. No need to even share your name. You are simply trying to invite folks out to your church, so that they know where they are welcome.

Do you think it is reasonable to mail out bibles to strangers? Well, I shall leave that up to you. Yes, there is definitely more cost involved. The cost of the bible, as well as the cost of mailing out something that weighs more than a postcard. Is it too dramatic? Is it too imposing? I really don't know. 

But I do know that whenever  I have seen places that have given out bibles for free, that it really made an impression on me. It is an incredibly kind and generous thing, to give a perfect stranger a black and white copy of the real Word of God, including both the old and new testament. What a gift!

Just having access to the Word of God, for me to use in my personal life, and read aloud is a great blessing.

I have a feeling that sometimes folks are just nervous to walk in to a church because they are shy, not because they don't want to learn more about God. When you send a bible to a stranger, you may just be meeting them at their point of need, with a kind gesture of generosity. You really don't need to pressure people to be inordinately personable with you in response to your invitations of gifts of the holy bible.

There is no need for pressure at all! People will follow their hunger for God into your churches and into the Bible. It  is important for the modern church to be consistent in teaching the Word of God, so that the modern Christian Body of Believers can be fully developed and mature in His teachings.

It's about sharing, It's about giving people access to one of the greatest treasures of our time....a copy of the bible that they can call their own, and thumb through and underline and scribble in the margins.

Many of us have not become addicted to the bible apps on our computers or phones. Some of us prefer to get our hands on an actual copy of the bible for ourselves.

Reading an actual printed copy of the bible also helps folks practice their literacy outside of the habits of social media. It enhances literacy and communication skills.

Well that's all for now. I've chatted enough. I would love to hear your thoughts, if you wish to leave comments on my blog..

Have a peaceful sunday,

Carla.

The things You wish you could Say to a Preacher

Hi Friends,

I sort of hope that no one reads this post. And then again....would it really be that bad if a preacher actually read it?

Ok, deep breath.... here goes.

Preachers, I just want to say that I thank you for all your hard work .....you prayers and the time and effort you take to  create a church that I can attend in comfort and cleanliness.

But, would you graciously allow me to vent....just for today?

I just need you to understand something. Although I like preachers, I do not go to church because I like the preacher that is speaking. 

I go to church to hear about Jesus. I want to learn more of the Bible. I want to understand the deep connections that pious preachers of yesteryears...made to explain life based on in depth studies of the holy scriptures.

I want to hear you explain the different meanings of a chapter of the bible based on the original foreign language it was written in.

I want to hear you worship....not because I like the sound of your voice.....but because I want to join with you in singing praises to my God.....who is holy.

When I leave church, I want to feel like I have been in the presence of God. I want the echoes of that presence to cling to my clothing....so that others can sense that glory. It isn´t my glory, .....its the holy glory of Heaven that pours upon His people when we take the time to worship Him.

And when I sit in church and watch the preacher intently, it is not because I like his appearance or clothing or the style of the podium......no. I watch the preacher because I am looking for Jesus. I long to hear Him speak. I long to hear the voice of my Saviour who says to me ¨Come unto Me, all ye who are weary....and I will give you rest.¨

=============

Admittedly, it must be quite trippy to be a pastor, to have so many humans listening to every word you utter. It must be quite challenging to stay grounded when your church takes off and grows into a juggernaut.

But in the midst of the growth and the fan fare and the need for bigger accountants and better ushers to manage the crowds....I find myself virtually alone in the sanctuary...feeling empty and unfilled.

I did not hear about Jesus today. I was not asked to read along in my bible I brought to the sunday service.

I heard about the pastor´s personal life from the pulpit today, whimsical and heartfelt stories of his life.

But that does not teach me anything about my Lord.

But how do I go on, without causing offence. I do not want to hurt the feelings of pastors who feel that they must preach from their personal experiences. How do I explain how hungry I am for the Word? How do I explain how the time is being squandered on humanistic experiences instead of sound teaching?

Please, Pastor, talk to me about Jesus. Worship Jesus on the pulpit, so I can join in.

Allow the speaking of tongues with interpretation, just like the early church did so many hundreds of years ago. Do not hate the prophetic.

Today the church was filled with fake smoke rolling across the stage. I couldn´t stop myself from coughing.

I am lonely for my Lord.

Canada Just SHOCKED The World With Terrifying New Law

Dear Friends,

I would not consider myself well versed in these matters and I admit that I don´t actually know much about this supposed law.

But I am particularly fond of freedom of speech.

Is Russell Brand correct in this video?

Is this new law actually as bad as this all sounds?

If you are Canadian, please do your due diligence and find out more about this issue.

We must do our part to protect our personal civil liberties in this beautiful country of ours.

Peace and beauty in Christ Jesus,

Carla.