Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

The first acts of Christian evangelism occurred while Jesus was still with us in human form. For example, consider the centurion in Capernaum, as told in Luke 7. He was a representative of an oppressive force that often terrorized people. Yet he was kind to those who lived under his control, building them a synagogue. Perhaps he was simply shrewd, showing calculated mercy to keep the peace.   

Can you imagine approaching someone who has the authority to kill you to talk about your faith? Yet someone did tell the centurion about Jesus. I wonder how that conversation went…   

“Centurion, I was at a synagogue in another town last Sabbath, and I saw Jesus heal a man with a shriveled hand! Maybe Jesus can heal your servant.”   

“Why would this Jesus do that for me?”   

“Well, I heard Jesus preaching too. He said we should love our enemies, do good to them, without expecting to get anything back. He said if people do this, our reward will be great, because we are children of God who is kind even to the ungrateful and wicked. He said we should be merciful, just as our Father God is merciful.”   

What stirred in the centurion’s heart that made him understand the power and mercy of Jesus? I don’t know. But I do know that his faith came after someone told him about Jesus.   

Today we have grown complacent about evangelism. Sure, if someone comes into our church, we’ll welcome her.   

But what if that person lives next door and has a foreign sounding name and different color skin? Should we be politically correct and not risk offending him by sharing our faith story?   

We deceive ourselves if we don’t think we can and should proclaim the Gospel. How might the world, ever more infiltrated with those whose hearts are hardened even to the point of terrorism, be different if we reached out more often to witness to God’s healing power and love?

If your congregation is up to the challenge of evangelism, here are some discussion questions to consider:   

1. Read Luke 7: 1 – 10. What were some ways that the centurion demonstrated that he was open to learning more about God? Who do you know who seems to be a good person but you have no idea if he/she believes in Jesus, God or has any faith? 
2. In the Luke 7 account, the centurion had a particular need – his servant was very ill. How have you found ways to share your faith with someone who is struggling with life? 
3. When you consider your own faith story, are you prepared to share it in a concise yet meaningful way? Here is a homework assignment: Imagine sharing your faith with an acquaintance. Write what you would say, or compose at least two or three main reasons why you are a believer. Come back to the group prepared to deliver your story. When doing so, encourage one another. 
4. Next assignment: Consider one person or couple or family you would invite to come to church with you. What would you say? Come back to the group prepared to rehearse your invitation delivery. Encourage one another. 
5. Next assignment: Invite someone to church!

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