I recently launched into my latest spiritual growth adventure. A book study, The Master Plan of Evangelism by author Robert E. Coleman.

Hold on! Don’t stop reading this blog post and count me out as a want to be Billy Graham just yet! Yes, you may know by now, I am passionate about sharing my faith, as a Christ follower to people of all ages and backgrounds. I have not always acted on that belief. You see, I have struggled most of my adult life with being obsessed with image and an elevated need to be “liked” or the need to be seen as a “successful professional” tied to the mannerisms and appearances of success. How about that for some insight ( part of my story)?

So, a great deal of my life, I’ve hesitated to engage acquaintances, co-workers, and strangers about Christ. Not feeling or knowing how to encounter people without risking that compelling need to be liked, or to be seen as less than the ultimate professional. This thinking caused me to shy away from showing up and speaking out! If only I could have had received the super special evangelism training classes all my worries and hesitations to share the gospel would be gone! Not true!

Coleman’s book shares the premise that. “It all started when Jesus called a few men to follow him and share God’s message with their neighbors”. We are called to do the same. But evangelism resources can appear to be difficult, rigid even intimidating. With all the resources available, where should we turn to find advice on how to share the Good News with others? ” Jesus simply asked his disciples to “come and see” ( John 1:39) or “Follow me” (John 1:43). He directs us to the Bible; the ultimate example is found in Jesus Christ.

Jesus based his teaching on character first, then on methods (the how to). Jesus certainly did not select the men he wanted to lead by their impressive educations, financial standing, or status in their communities. The quote my friend Marty, continually shares with me when I start to doubt my capabilities is “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called”! Remember the command given in Matthew 28:18-20 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all nations”. What I am saying is, we are all called by Jesus to evangelize! To share the Good News the gospel of Jesus Christ…right?

Not so simple. Many of us do not see talking to strangers, neighbors or even folks in the atrium of our places of worship as an option. I suggest we change some of this narrative. Instead of using the word evangelism, we consider using the phrase “here is my story ”. Everyone has a story, correct? Their very own story about who they are and how they became the person they are today.

We all should wrestle with owning our story first. I have been blessed to be connected to some awesome mighty men in my life! Men of faith, men eager to serve their neighbors, men willing to share mistakes they made in life, frustrations they struggle with and the openness to share all of this with others. To be vulnerable and willing to answer the challenges of everyday life. I believe It’s important to surround yourself with quality like minded people ”As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17

In his most recent book Messy & Foolish, author Matthew Warner gives a unique view of evangelism. He believes that we cannot keep being “Industrial evangelists, having the policies, cramming process and people in one end and popping perfectly formed and faithful citizens out the outer”. He goes on to say, “we need artful evangelists, not industrial evangelist”. “Evangelization is an art more than a science. It’s not merely the logistical challenge of disseminating fact, but a dangerous adventure in loving each other”. So, my friends, we all may consider being more of an artist! “As an artist, we love the creative part. We love making things. We love dreaming big and imagining that anything is possible! That part is fun. Where most art breaks down, though, is in the sharing of it”. Possibly Jesus just wants us to share our own story with others? Slow down, dig deeper and create your very own heart felt story of why you have come to know this Jesus and why his story of grace, forgiveness and salvation is beyond important for everyone to hear. Be prepared to have your personal story ready to confess with your mouth, be that kind of unique creative artist! Each one of us have our own exclusive and different story to share with the world. Challenge yourself to answer questions like. Who do you say Jesus is? How did you come to know Jesus? Did your life change for the better or for the worst? Did your life change overnight or did it take some time to become a Christ follower? What is holding you back from surrendering everything to him? “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them” ( Romans 10:8-17)

A part of Mighty Men’s monthly rhythms is to be intentional about sharing our stories with one another, one on one and in the larger group gatherings. Mighty Men, strive to always be sharing our stories our belief that Jesus is truly the Son of God and inviting men into community (evangelizing hey). Let’s say we are more comfortable sharing our stories while delivering a bed to a child who have never slept on a bed of their own, the elderly who struggle to stand in line for holiday food and neighbors in need or simply enjoying a “cold one” as a group sitting around a campfire at Gray Wolf Camp! Set yourself free. Don’t settle for sitting in your chair and watching Netflix or listening to the political talking heads placing blame on one other. Don’t choose to be isolated. Be bold and see for yourself what is special about knowing your own story and then choosing to be a part of the spiritual adventure group for men 50+. I’ll bet that if you make the effort that you will have a place to go where everyone knows your name! You won’t regret it.

Now you’ve been asked! What is your story? Not sure, maybe we can help! Don’t wait, go NOW to https://www.mightymenofc.com/ read about who we are, what we do and why we do it. Everyone has their own unique story to share. People are waiting to be asked to join in and share their story too! What are you waiting for? “If you want to live a life fully alive, you must take a risk. It is the only way to find your peace and your place in the world” Matthew Warner . 

~ HAMMER

Founder of Mighty Men