Brad writes on providing a place for “evangelism” that brings the journey amongst friends into the focus, which , is as it should be , and MUST be. With the way in which Brad and his Church have taken to Elizabeth O’Connor’s writings, and the ideas that the Church of the Saviour has lived inbto their story over the past 57 years in D.C., and the “living room” welcoming, relaxing atmosphere Brad describes here, I am envious, but happy that such a lived story takes place down there in Texas.
A Jewish God-fearer in a room full of Christians: Part 4 – Church, people, missions and evangelism
….providing a resource for spiritual and emotional growth, and helping them realize their full potential, or rather empowering them to become the person that God created them to be.
They have missionaries that they have become close friends with in Mexico, Venezula, Gautemala, and our own city’s gangs.
Though we do have concerts, multi-media contemplative-worship experiences, workshops, and discussion groups in other places. The Library and community centers have been an incredible resource for that. We’re currently looking for a more permanent public space for those things, a public living room of sorts, where newcomers would feel more welcome than coming to a private residence yet we would still have the comfort of a living room.
Our “evangelism” is lived out, focused on truly creating friendships with people and helping them, really ministering to them. Their are no agendas except to really be a friend. It’s amazing how open people have been, and even eager to further their journey towards finding who God truly is, just because of the trust we win with them by merely wanting to be a friend, resource, and help. I think in this way we have seen many become students (“disciples”), as opposed to just converts. It places salvation and redemption back into their original contexts, that of a starting point and a long journey of growth.
I find particular resonance in the Living Room model….the welcoming, relaxing, encouraging discussion and story telling atmosphere where stories illuminate a common journey where calling can bubble to the surface, and people can be Loved Into realizing who they were meant to be; to realize the potential for which they were brought into being; their “place” in creation and in the ongoing work of the Kingdom.
Thanks, Brad , for sharing this.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for noticing 🙂 Wow, I didn’t know I used so much bad grammar. I need to use my editor more often… she’s been my lifesaver.
Please keep us in your prayers during this time of transition. Nadine and my only source of income, starting next weekend, will be the recording studio. Up until now, we’ve never used it as a business.
We’re in the middle of application and interviews to join the Missionary Church, which looks to be an incredible thing for us, but we’re not sure of the outcome or timing of it all. It looks very promising that we will partner with them, but we’re still unsure of when everyhthing will happen.
Thanks again for your thoughts, and more especially your blog.