What style of evangelist are you?
"So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
I vacillate between the outspoken Christian to the quiet, loving, girl hoping her life is testement to Jesus. Always, I am hoping someone will ask, "Why are you so joyful, peaceful, kind?", and that I am ready with my answer of faith.
I have a friend Sean Kennedy, some of you know him. Back in the day, when we first started hanging out, I was in awe at his boldness for Christ. We were both pretty much rookies in the faith journey, still rough around the edges. But, Sean, he never let an opportunity pass. The grocery store, the drive thru, his neighbor, Chipotle.
It was such an exhilarating experience. I loved watching people's faces light up at this energetic, broad shouldered marine sharing a smile and a quip with them. And with the ice broken, he then shared his faith. Not once did I see anyone get angry or insulted. They always seemed grateful and honored someone would share something so deep with them, and that some stranger would invite them to Church. 
I'm not as bold. In fact, it's hard for me to even sit on a plane. I heard a lesson once saying you should ALWAYS share your faith on the plane. Mmm made flying hard. I twist and turn in my seat. Talk to my neighbor and look for an opportunity. I wring my hands and pray, and then it seems like everytime, something really stupid escapes my mouth--if anything comes out at all.
One of those 'street prophets' --you know the ones that stand on the street corner and say, "The kingdom of heaven is near. Repent!"-- actually had a big impact on me turning from sin and letting Jesus in my heart. I don't know what I advocate, but there was a man outside the Denver Art Museum about 12 years ago who pointed at me and shouted words resembling the "Repent" statement. Moments later I was in tears in the bathroom stall. Days later I was in the phone book looking for Churches to visit. Christ worked through other events in my life that helped this hard, unwilling, icy heart to surrender, but I thank Jesus for the prophet standing downtown Denver, Colorado that summer day. 
Do you know any outstanding witnesses for Christ? Have you ever been convicted by a modern day street prophet?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Word Wednesday by KM Welcher
Posted by KM Wilsher at 10:39 PM
Labels: Church, evangelist, go into all the world, Jesus, prophet, repent, street prophet, the kingdom is near, witness
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7 comments:
I'm like you. My boldness is something that needs major work, and I often rely on others to make the first move, so to speak.
Those streetcorner preachers have more guts than I could ever summon.
Which just might be a sad thing to admit.
I think they have a different gift, Billy, not a better one. I can't imagine anyone more outspoked for Christ, poetic, or greater example of his love than you!
I am just in awe of those who are so bold! It's kinda powerful.
Keep writing the truth with your beautiful talent Billy Coffey~
I need help here.
I once watched a Rob Bell (I think that's his last name) video called BULLHORN guy.
It was awesome.
It was about a guy who would scream the "fire and brimstone" stuff on a street corner. It really brought home how NOT to be so scary and preachy that it pushes people away, but that you need to be firm in your beliefs and not scared to share them.
It's a delicate balance, one I've not mastered, nor ever will, probably. I must learn to be more bold than I am, though, that's one thing I know.
I've never been convicted by a street prophet, but one of the most motivational Christians I've ever heard speak is Ron Brown.
He's an assistant football coach at Nebraska, and he's AMAZING.
If you ever get a chance to listen to him, I highly recommend it.
Thanks for sharing guys.
I'll have to look up Rob Bell and Ron Brown.
I think both you, Lynn and Kat, are very active witnesses for Him.
Hope you have a great week!
I, too, find it difficult to be bold about my faith. I am certainly not ashamed of it, and I like to think that anyone who knows me or has read my blog has a pretty clear picture of where I stand, but I find it very difficult to actually talk to someone and share my faith.
Recently, I was having a facebook conversation with someone, and tried to explain my faith, and never heard from the person again. So then of course I feel like a failure and don't want to try again!
But I don't know what seeds were planted, and I'm trusting that I said the words Christ wanted me to say.
Thanks for this post!
I like what you said about "seeds planted" Avily. I forget about that sometimes. We don't make the seed grow. He does. You are a beautiful, Godly woman :)
Thanks for your comments.
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