Sermons

Evangelism - Jesus Style
The Very Rev. Tracey Lind
July 8, 2007
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Yesterday I read a wonderful article on-line by our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. ("Pondering the Great Commission", July 6, 2007 episcopallife online)

Perhaps you also read it. She was talking about how we understand the Great Commission of evangelism in a multifaith world, particularly the directive in Matthew: "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them..." (28:19-20)

As I began reading, I wondered, how is she going to handle this issue? Is she going to argue that baptism is necessary for salvation, and that there is only one to God - the Jesus way? What will she say about those who follow other religious traditions?

As I read on, I was impressed, delighted and relieved: I was impressed by our Presiding Bishop's scholarship - her knowledge of both scripture and tradition; I was delighted that she openly tackled such a central question and important issue for the church, one that many clergy like to avoid; and I was relieved that Bishop Katharine affirmed the centrality of baptism and the importance of evangelism in a way that honors and respects those who walk other paths to and with God. In short, our Presiding Bishop articulated what I believe in my heart: while it is not necessary to try and save people - that's God's work; there is an urgency to share the good news God's love for all creation, and to invite people who are searching into relationship with the God we know, "particularly as we know God in Christ." Bishop Katharine went to on say that evangelism "has more to do with showing and telling, through word and deed, what it is like to know the gift of that relationship."

At the end of her essay, the Primate of our church asks, "How might our evangelical work be different if we began with the disciple-making part (the befriending we know in Jesus) rather than counting coup in numbers of baptisms achieved?" She concludes by answering her own question: "My sense is that our evangelical work is likely to be more gracious if we focus on how our own lives exemplify the actions we claim in baptism--washing, forgiving, welcoming, demonstrating Holy Spirit, entering into communion, living as a holy one of God."

As I reflect on this morning's gospel reading from Luke, I think that what Jesus was saying in his sending forth of 70 disciples on their first evangelical mission. He didn't tell them to baptize. He didn't tell them to "save" anyone. Rather, he instructed them to proclaim in word and action, shalom - the marvelous kingdom of God. It was a very simple assignment--go and share the good news of God's reign of justice, love and mercy.

Jesus was very direct and specific in his instructions to his seventy ambassadors or evangelists.

1. "Go out as lambs into the midst of wolves." Approach the world with innocent, gentle and trusting grace, as if it's a friendly universe - even though you will meet those who seek to harm you.
2. "Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals. Do not allow possessions or pretenses to get in your way. Don't get caught up in the uniform or the outfit. Don't worry about money. Rather, trust God to provide what you need.
3. "Greet no one on the road." There's an urgency to this mission, so don't get sidetracked, diverted or distracted, but go where you are sent. And, don't procrastinate, just do it.
4. "Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.'" Now, we're getting to the heart of the matter. Jesus told his disciples to take the risk and knock on a door, and bid "shalom" to its occupants.

   Shalom is a wonderful Hebrew word that is more than a friendly greeting and means more than simply not being at war. Shalom is a vision of a world where there is a place of welcome for everybody and where there is enough food to go around. Shalom is a vision of a world where there is no disease and where there are no prisons, no violence and no war. Shalom is a vision of a world where everybody gets to enjoy Sabbath rest, including those who work for fast food restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and sweat shops. Shalom is a vision of a world where all human beings live together as sisters and brothers with one God whom we call by many names and come to by many routes. Shalom is a vision of a world where peace, justice and kindness reign. As commonplace a Hebrew greeting as it is, to bid shalom with intentionality is to wish the very best for the one you greet.

5. If welcomed in, they were instructed by Jesus to "Eat whatever is offered to you, and don't look for better accommodations." This is a command of radical hospitality - be a good guest. For Jesus' Jewish followers, it probably meant don't worry about eating non-kosher food. For you and me, it means and don't refuse what is offered to you, even if you don't like it very much.

   This directive reminds me something that happened on a Witness for Peace trip to Nicaragua in 1987. It was during the Contra War. We were visiting a small village in the heart of the war zone. Our host families were very poor but generous people. Our trip leader instructed each of to remember that our hosts were going to offer us the best hospitality that had to given, and we were to receive graciously - eating what was placed before us and sleeping in the accommodations we were provided. I saw my host walking through the village with two eggs and unpackaged small red meat with flies hovering about. I thought to myself - this is going to be dinner and breakfast. And sure enough, I was correct. On our trip was a rather self-righteous vegetarian whose host family killed their only chicken to cook for her dinner. She ate it.

   As we learned on our journey to Nicaragua, and as the disciples learned on their first mission trip, it is in our graciousness that people will experience the good tidings we bring.

6. Then Jesus instructed: "Cure the sick and say, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'" After receiving the hospitality of strangers, the evangelists were to proclaim in word and deed: wholeness of body, healing of spirit, and peace in community.
7. Being idealistic but not naive, Jesus also prepared his followers for rejection: "When they do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet and move on." In other words, accept the rejection-- It's inevitable.

   In this passage, we are introduced to Jesus' idea of mission and evangelism. Ambassadors for Christ are simply to be themselves. Evangelism Jesus-style did not involve great techniques of salesmanship. There are no special tools or gimmicks. Nor area there any formula and or sales pitches. Jesus' evangelists are to just be gracious and genuine people, sharing in word and action the love of God made known in Jesus.

Now, I'm not suggesting that Episcopalians should go door knocking. However, we might want to re-consider evangelism in our own day. The Anglicans and Methodists in Great Britain have embarked on a new joint evangelism initiative called Fresh Expressions. According to their web site, "Fresh expressions of church are new and different ways of being church in a changing culture. Fresh expressions of church begin where people are and make church and community there." Fresh expressions happen in cafes, bars, homes, workplaces, college dorms, after school programs, book discussions, bowling alleys, and knitting groups. Fresh expressions happen when people come together for friendship, service, and community and end up exploring faith together, and then are encouraged to be church.

In reflecting on Fresh Expressions, Archbishop Rowan Williams said: "We're rediscovering something about what the Church is...the Church is something that happens before it's something that is institutionally organized. It happens when the Good News summons [and] assembles people around Jesus Christ." (www.freshexpressions.org.uk)

My friends in Christ: we are called, commissioned, and sent to share the good news of God's love, especially as it is made known to us in Jesus. As I've often said, evangelism is like one beggar telling another where to find food. And there are gracious ways of doing it, and not so gracious. But by virtue of our baptism, we all are ordained to the ministry of discipleship - to proclaim God's shalom in word and action--each and every one of us--no exceptions!

So this morning, I say to you: live your baptism. Greet those you meet with God's shalom. Share with them (as you are able) the inspiration for your life and the source of your joy. Then, invite them (as it feels appropriate) to come and see where you find food for the soul. And I'll bet you'll be surprised at the grace that happens.