Taking the Initiative

The definition of successful evangelism, according to Crusade, is this: Taking the initiative, to share our faith, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and leaving the results to God.

I have had the opportunity to share my faith many times since I became a Christ-follower in 1992, and I have come to deeply appreciate the "leaving the results to God" part of CCC's statement. My tendency is to approach a spiritual conversation as a transactional opportunity, and my personal definition of success (sometimes conscious, sometimes not) becomes whether the person chooses to follow Jesus. Given that I am wired as more relational in nature, and not generally an effective "deal-closer", I have been frustrated at times in my evangelism efforts.

The more I internalize Crusade's definition of successful witnessing, however -especially the last part - the free-er I become to engage others in relationship and even to care about them as individuals without imposing a standard of performance on the interaction. This is especially true with my family, with whom I have the closest relationships. My primary role as a son and brother is to know them better, to ask good questions and really listen to them. Knowing that I am to leave the results to God when it comes to faith decisions makes a world of difference.

God's Servant

I am praying that God will use me as his servant as an effective manager of the regional Ops Team. The last year has been a learning process, as I have not managed a team in a long time. One thing I've learned about myself: I love to repeat processes, which over the years this job will allow me to do. A challenge for me: consistently spending time pursuing relationship with God, in prayer and in the Word. Lord, I need your grace and the prayers of your people to be an effective servant. Please help me remember that. To those of you reading: please pray for me. Thank you!