Lesson 5: Soul Tending Outward through Sharing the Gospel
(see Soul Tending pages 92-95)
What are some of the ways that we tell people who we are just by how we dress and act?
Although to believe so is to risk stereotyping, the clothes we wear and the friends we have say a lot about us. Most of us probably don’t even mind that others look at us and get a small idea of who we are. We dress and act in he way we want to present ourselves.
Usually we want to present ourselves in such a way that people look at us and know at least something about us. Yet when it comes to witnessing to our faith in Jesus Christ, most of us experience a little anxiety. This relation may be because most of us carry around negative stereotypes of “witnesses.” What are some of the images or personality types that come to mind when you think of people who “witness” about their faith?
The truth is that none of us have to fit into a particular mold of witnessing, or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. But we are all called to bear witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ. This calling is part of who we are as Christians. We don’t necessarily have to wear “Jesus Saves” T-shirt, knock on doors, or hand out tracts; but we are to let others know through our actions and words that we profess faith in Christ. Our behaviour needs to demonstrate the values and truths we hold dear, proclaiming to others that we believe in a God who lives among us, preaches good news to the poor, heals the sick, binds up the brokenhearted, eats with outcasts, and forgives all who break relationship between themselves, others, and even God (sin). Think about witnessing, or sharing the good news of God’s love, as reflecting God’s light into the world.
Some of us might worry that we can’t let others know that we are Christians becasue they will think we are hypocrites. But you don’t have to be a “model” Christian to witness to Jesus Christ and God’s love. Witnesses point to someone other than themselves. Daniel Migliore points out several features of the act of witness in Faith Seeking Understanding. The witness swears to tell the truth. Faithful witnesses are not attention-drawing. Instead, they direct attention to someone or some event distinct from themselves. The act of witnessing requires personal participation, commitment, and risk-taking. We don’t have to be perfect to be witnesses. In the act of bearing witness and engaging in ministry, God changes us and our faith grows.
Thankfully, we don’t have to bear witness alone. The heritage of witnessing is passed on from generation to generation. We learn from the witness of those who have gone before us, and we teach the next generation by our witness.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) study catechism teaches that the mission of the church is to bear witness to God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ. The mission is lived out in all aspects of ministry from evangelism (preaching in word and deed) to simple hospitality. Bearing witness means caring for the needy whether they be homeless or our next door neighbor. The catechism teaches that we are all “the needy” becasue we all need a savior. This truth is the witness that is passed on” We have a savior who meets our needs.
Think of all the people who have pointed you toward the love of God. These people make up your “cloud of witnesses,” spoken of in Hebrew: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Sometimes we just don’t feel like we are up to the job of bearing witness. Some days it seems our prayer life is in shambles, our integrity is in question, and we aren’t sure what we believe. But we are not alone. Read aloud the last words Jesus tells his disciples before his ascension into heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
PRACTICE: Think about those persons in your life who have been witnesses for you. Write down, and even perhaps share on this blog, what made them such great witnesses and for what you admire them most. Now read John 13:35. Take a minute to gather your thoughts about someone God may be underlining or pointing out to you to share God’s love. What will be your witness? How will you reflect the light of God into this persons life?
HOMEWORK: (1) Share your faith with someone in your congregation, and encourage them to do likewise with you. (2) At the beginning of each day, pray that God will lead you to someone who needs to hear your witness of God’s love and that the Holy Spirit will give you the words and encouragement to share it. (3) At the end of each day, consider the ways in which you have reflected the love of God in the world. Make a list in your journal of ways that you did this and also any missed opportunities. (4) Gather others and plan a “cloud of witnesses” party. Invite people from your congregation and the community to celebrate the ways they have been a presence of God’s love. (5) Visit http://www.evangelismcoach.org/, read articles, and even contact Chris Walker with questions you may have about witnessing.
REFLECT: How does sharing your faith deepen your relationship with God and others?