About a year and a half ago, Matt, Justin, Nathan, and I were in Orlando for the Gospel Coalition National Conference. As part of the conference, a number of people from all over the world shared testimonies of how they came to faith in Christ. Even though these folks were from just about every continent on earth, many of them had come to faith while living in Dubai.And almost all of them were influenced for Christ-either directly or indirectly-by Mack Stiles. So I walked away from that conference knowing that Mack Stiles has a lot to teach us about evangelism.
Thankfully, Mack has recently published his third book on evangelism. In it, he talks a lot about creating a “culture of evangelism.” He explains more about how we can create this kind of culture in this blog post. But here, I want to unpack what this culture looks like. In his book, Mack provides 11 characteristics of a culture of evangelism that I list below. By God’s grace, these are the kinds of things that are already happening at Harbor. But there is plenty of room for growth. So as you read through this list and the accompanying Scripture, ask yourself if these characteristics are true of you, your family, and your community group. And ask for God’s help in growing in one or two key areas.
1. A Culture Motivated by Love for Jesus and His Gospel
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Cor. 5:14-15)
2. A Culture That is Confident in the Gospel
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16)
3. A Culture That Understands the Danger of Entertainment
“As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. (Ezek. 30-32)
4. A Culture That Sees People Clearly
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. (2 Cor. 5:16a)
5. A Culture That Pulls Together as One
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Phil 1:3-5)
6. A Culture in Which People Teach One Another
…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15b)
Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 1:13)
7. A Culture That Models Evangelism
What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2)
8. A Culture in Which People Who Are Sharing Their Faith Are Celebrated
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (Phil. 2:19-22)
9. A Culture That Knows How to Affirm And Celebrate New Life
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we hear of your faith in Christ…just as you learned it from Ephaphras our beloved fellow servant. (Col. 1:3-4, 7)
10. A Culture Doing Ministry That Feels Risky and Is Dangerous
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. (Phil. 1:12-13)
11. A Culture That Understands That the Church Is the Chosen and Best Method of Evangelism
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor wit all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)
What are a couple of areas where God might be calling you to grow as we work to create a culture of evangelism?