Personal Evangelism –
Spreading
the Gospel
By Michele Burpeau,
Ph.D.
Evangelism is not
a job duty reserved for the Pastor. Evangelism – the spreading
of the Gospel – isn’t a job duty solely reserved
for the Evangelism Committee either. Evangelism is a “job
description” for every Christian. We are used to “hearing”
the Gospel, but sometimes acts of spreading the Gospel are not
spoken verbal acts but are “spoken” by our actions.
Spreading the Gospel
may be done as simply as wearing a necklace like the one shown
in the photo here. There have been times and places in my life
where wearing this piece of jewelry was considered inappropriate.
I’m reminded of the times when I was working in an environment
where wearing a cross was discouraged. Advertising one’s
religious preferences or beliefs was not considered politically
correct as it was thought that it might offend someone. But,
now, I freely wear this piece of jewelry.
It’s just a
necklace, as far a necklaces go. Nothing too fancy. Nothing
too expensive. Nothing too flashy. Just a silver chain with
a silver cross. The cross has a bit of historical significance
as it is decorated with dogwoods, the state flower of the Commonwealth
of Virginia, which is my birthplace. And, it was given to me
by my mother. Other than that, an observer would say that it’s
just a necklace. It’s my “everyday” necklace.
I wear it while swimming, while sleeping, and with other jewelry.
It’s a standard piece that I’m always wearing.
However, this simple
necklace gets noticed a lot and to those who notice, it is much
more than a “simple necklace”. Often times someone
will comment on it and say “Look, I’m wearing a
cross, too!” and reveal a necklace hidden under a collar.
Often a conversation is started about what church you go to
and about a Christian book or movie that was read. The necklace
is a real conversation started. Recently, I was in an office
and someone commented on my cross, and then all four of the
employees there showed crosses that they were wearing with the
comment, “We all wear our crosses!” It’s the
start to talking about my faith and my beliefs...and that gets
to the heart of what evangelism is all about...the spreading
of the Gospel by words, deeds, and actions.
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There are a lot of events going on at FBUMC this July so make
sure to stop by the News Page and mark
your calendar with all the activities.
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Come join in the services at the Church at 8:30 a.m. or 11:00.
In between there is plenty of good fellowship around something
to eat in the Fellowship Hall. Come and have fun as a community
of people striving to bring hope and faith and courage and more
peace to our world through knowing Jesus Christ.
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on the website or suggestions regarding the ministries of FBUMC
to Pastor Doug Swan
