Leading Evangelism 1 - why?

One of the biggest impacts the Arrow Leadership process has had on me is my attitude towards leading evangelism in the church I am appointed to currently (and beyond). I have often seen ministers who can clearly lead others in evangelism but then opt out of doing it themselves. I would like to think I have always been open and willing in leading by example but know I have not always been effective or intentional about this. I know that I have a strong missional heart and am willing to go into situations that require me to show faith without necessary having or seeking the opportunity to speak about my faith.

However, I do wonder if I don't say enough! Evangelism is more than deed, it is about what we share verbally with others. As this point I acknowledge that the language we use is part of the issues but Evangelism isn't mission just very closely related and complementary too. People have become scared of the "e" word but it is crucial to our mission and purpose as the voice of God in our world. Maybe many of the issues surrounding the suppression of Christianity stem from the churches silence rather than supposedly being gagged. Whatever the cause, we are fearful of speaking about Jesus to our world today for fear of ridicule, losing friends or being seen as weird.

What I have discovered recently is that when you mention Jesus, people are intriged, respectful and open to knowing more. So lets tell them!

Matt

Silence in church

I have been prompted by a few people in my church to think once again about the purpose of music in church, as part of our worship expression. Having grown up in the Salvation Army music has always been a part of my worship tradition/experience. Whether brass, coral singing and congregational sing of songs (all ages) it has seemed that music is central to drawing people closer to God in times of worship.

But is music that important to worship? Does the style matter? Of course it doesn't but the reality is that there is always music in the church so how we use it must be right. My experience has taught me that it is easy to be in a music groups in a church and have no understanding of worship or faith. So often the music (or the musical group) becomes more important than the focus of the worship. The style is irrelevant, although I recognise that people connect with different styles for different reasons, because it is the purpose that should drive the people taking part in the music. Playing your part with your heart and mind focused on Jesus, no matter how small, is what is required to best serve those you are leading.

My questions to anyone involved in music group(s) in church would be; If there was no music group(s) would you still be part of the church? If there was pure silence, could you still worship?

If the music becomes more important then I would rather we stay silent.

Matt