Man Camp '19 Session 2: Finding Yourself in the Great Commisions
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 4:5; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:48-49; John 20:21-23
Intro: Greetings from Southlands Church! As churches aiming to multiply disciples, not just gather Christians, we face the challenge of genuine evangelism versus relying on transfer growth. Paul’s charge to Timothy, who wasn't gifted as an evangelist, remains for us all: "Do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim 4:5). But how, especially if it doesn't feel natural? Exploring the different facets of the Great Commission can help us find our place.
Key Points:
- The Universal Call & Challenge (2 Tim 4:5): All disciples are called to participate in God's mission. Like Timothy, we may not have the specific gifting of an evangelist, but we are called to do the work. It's hard work requiring intentionality, prioritizing, and carving out space in our lives.
- Four Facets of the Great Commission: Jesus gave related but distinct commissions in each Gospel, revealing different expressions of evangelism:
- Matthew 28: Explain: "Make disciples... teaching them..." Focuses on explaining the gospel, answering questions, discipleship (Apologists like Keller/Zacharias).
- Mark 16: Proclaim: "Go... preach the gospel..." Focuses on boldly proclaiming the core message, calling for repentance and faith (Preachers like Billy Graham).
- Luke 24: Storytell: "You are witnesses..." Focuses on sharing personal testimony or illustrating gospel beauty through narrative, art, music. Connects heart-to-heart.
- John 20: Reconcile: "As the Father sent me, I send you... forgive..." Focuses on peacemaking, demonstrating the gospel through acts of compassion, justice, and bringing healing to broken relationships/situations.
- Find Your Primary Fit: We aren't meant to be clones. God uses a diverse team. Identifying which expression resonates most with your wiring (Explainer, Proclaimer, Storyteller, Peacemaker?) makes evangelism more natural and Spirit-empowered. What are you not? What do you lean towards?
- Integrate Evangelism into Life: Make mission part of your rhythm:
- Hospitality: Opening your home/table lowers defenses.
- Passion: Connect through shared interests (hobbies, sports, arts); common passion builds bridges to the ultimate passion.
- Service: Meeting needs tangibly demonstrates God's love (e.g., premarital counseling, crisis help). Be interruptible.
- The Invitation "Dance": Inviting people to faith/church requires discernment (timing, context, type of invitation). It's a relational dance, sometimes risking awkwardness, but essential. Pray for wisdom.
Conclusion: Every believer is called to the mission, but we participate differently according to how God has wired us. Understanding the four facets of the Great Commission helps us find our sweet spot. Integrating evangelism naturally through hospitality, shared passions, and service, empowered by the Spirit, makes "doing the work" less daunting and more fruitful.
Call to Action: Embrace your role in God's mission. Identify your primary Great Commission leaning (Explain, Proclaim, Storytell, Reconcile). Seek ways to sharpen that expression. Intentionally look for opportunities to integrate evangelism into your daily life through hospitality, shared passions, and acts of service. Pray for wisdom and boldness to invite others.
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