Passive Evangelism

This post may ruffle some feathers, not my intention.

I have spoken to insecure Christians who profess they are terrible at evangelism. They lack the boldness to say Jesus's name and never win an argument with an educated Atheist. I am not afraid to evangelize myself, I just don't feel OBLIGATED to evangelize.

There are mission-based churches that suggest evangelism is the top priority of every believer. They guilt their congregation with words like damnation and hell. "You family members will go to hell if they don't hear about Christ," the preacher warns.

I take a more subtle approach to sharing the gospel, the good news. I am convinced that Jesus is the ultimate intercessor and savior. I take the lost, broken, confused, and arrogant to the throne room. I don't worry that their salvation is in my hands...because it isn't!

The Great Commission is in Matthew 28:18-20:
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Mission conferences constantly use this verse to compel Christians to evangelize their neighbors. But, let us break down this verse.

1. All authority has been given to Jesus...
This verse celebrates God's sovereignty! Our lack of influence or our shyness will never send someone to hell. God's grace is irresistible, and those who God calls will be saved.

2. Therefore make disciples and baptize them...
I believe that the authority to baptize has not been given to me, rightly so. I also believe I am incapable of making someone a disciple. There are members within the church who are trained and called to raise up disciples. Every believer is not called on to baptize; every believer is not called on to make disciples. Paul gives us a perfect example in 1 Corinthians 1:17

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."

Even the great apostle admits he wasn't called on to baptize (at that specific season). John the Baptist also makes a similar statement in the gospel of John.

"They came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.' To this John replied, 'A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.'"

This is my main point: A man can receive only what is given him from heaven...I am not the Christ. John the Baptist had a season when he baptized and called others to repentance. But, he also knew this ministry was limited and only for a delegated time. "We planted, they watered, BUT God made it grow."

All Christian share their faith, but it looks different during certain seasons of life. Don't beat yourself up if you aren't a Billy Graham. God will place people in your life who need your testimony. God loves you and He loves the world. Don't evangelize because you feel guilty or obligated! Evangelize because your cup is running over and you can't stop talking about the One you love.