Archive: Vision for Renewal
Renewal In Evangelism
by Barbara Brokhoff
I believe that the best word to describe the future of evangelism within the United Methodist Church is promising. I love the church, and in a secular world, and an almost amoral society, she has never been more needed than today. The church is called to be far more than a holy Masonic order, a heavenly social club, or even a sanctified service center. Rather, she is called to condemn sin, proclaim and offer Christ, provide a place for confession and repentance, and ever point persons to the Redeemer. Evangelism, therefore, is not optional, but critical. A Christian who is not an evangelist is like a fire that isn’t burning.
We do have some great things happening that could make a life or death difference to our Christless world. United Methodists are good at program. We have no peer in this area, and some of our programs are working marvelously well. Vision 2000 is proving fruitful in every conference and church which uses it. Growth Plus is showing positive results. Our Disciple Bible study is one of the best. Prayer groups are being born. Creative kinds of visitation are being carried out. Social ministries to people of varied needs and interests are being extended, and relational evangelism is working. May Christ be praised for every good program!
And we are learning anew that prayer has lasting consequences, that it is a powerful means of changing situations, persons and churches.
United Methodists are experiencing again the joy of praise. People are tired of reading litanies and liturgical responses that become mere rote. People want to sing—not chant, but sing! They want to sing the great hymns of the church, the new gospel songs, the old gospel songs, and choruses. They want to express in singing what is in their hearts. Our new hymnal offers many such options.
And, of course, preaching is always at the heart of all renewal. People are still asking us, as they asked Jeremiah, “Is there any Word from the Lord?” Now, as then, there is a Word from him! Preaching the gospel is far more than psycho-babble, opinions on current events, pep talks of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-improvement. Preaching is love, but it is also proclaiming justice. It is not the true gospel if we preach less than the indispensable Christ. “Ye must be born again” cannot be replaced by, “Let’s all try a little harder.” We are either slaves to sin or slaves to Christ.
The only freedom from one’s sinful self is the liberty found in Christ. The only ground for our forgiveness is in the work of the Cross. To put forgiveness on any other level is blasphemy. Forgiveness is so easy for us to accept, for we need it so badly, but let us never forget that it cost the agony of Calvary. So, unabashedly, unashamedly, and unremittingly, our message is “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Therein is hope, renewal, and growth. Yes, indeed, the future of evangelism is promising!
Barbara Brokhoff is an approved United Methodist evangelist in the Florida Conference.
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