Monday, June 02, 2008

Evangelism Never Stands Alone...

"I think Mother's life tells us something more-that evangelism never stands alone."

"Alone, evangelism is vulnerable to distortion or suffocation--it often becomes either an unworthy kind of proselytism, or is easily snuffed out in favor of other priorities. But when evangelism is a part of the the total mission of the church, surrounded by compassion and service and training for life, then it is vital and enduring."

"It is meant to be a part--not the total--of the Christian task. Look at the imperatives that always accompany the Great Commission: baptizing, teaching, discipling, healing. Look at the example of Jesus and his disciples. I agree. Evangelism is the priority mission of the Body of Christ. But it cannot, must, should not stand alone."

"To me, Kenneth, Mother's life says that for the Body [of Christ] to be able to evangelize, it needs supporting ministries, like the Bible institute, the radio station and publications. And wherever human need appears, the Body's automatic function is to respond. It is the very nature of the gospel to respond to the demands that a sin-sick world makes upon its resources. Such a response gives it credibility. This is what we are also discovering in the 'Caravans' (rural assistance) ministry in which I am currently involved. People give themselves to Jesus naturally in that kind of an environment."

-taken from, "One Step Ahead", The Innovative Strachans and the Birth of the Latin America Mission by W. Dayton Roberts (pgs. 183-184)

I like how Susan Strachans' daughter Grace, describes evangelism as a whole.

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