From the Pastor

Pastor's Corner - August 2008

Dear Members and Friends:

God is looking for evangelists and you may be qualified to be one. Today evangelists use modern means to reach people wherever they are. Church growth experts also tell us that alliance to denominations is rapidly decreasing. People who have a need or desire to explore religion will visit whichever congregation is most convenient or the one that has the most appealing preaching or music program. People are now consumers of religion in much the same way that they are consumers about everything else.

Two years ago a young person came to visit me in the office and dramatically related his conversion experience. Such a major reorientation of one’s life is what Jesus meant by being “born again.” (John 3) and what Paul meant by becoming a new creature. Paul said: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor: 5:17) From this biblical understanding, a conversion is more than a change in personal preference; it is a change of identity. When seen from that point of view, it is safe to say that real conversions are relatively rare; and when they do occur, people take notice.

An evangelist is a Christian like you who is excited about what Christ has done in your life. Is there joy in your heart? Tell someone about it. Have you been able to forgive? Tell your story. Have you felt the power of God’s Holy Spirit in your soul? Share your transformation experience with a friend.. But it is even more basic than that. Do you believe First United Methodist Church has a God given mission to fulfill in downtown Miami? Invite family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors to visit our worship. Offer to pick them up on a given Sunday and bring them with you. Show that you believe in what happens here and the Lord we obey!

An evangelist is a friendly Christian. However elaborate new evangelistic tools, strategies and efforts may be, the most basic way to bring a person to the conversion experience is the one-on-one conversation. Most of us are so busy, in a hurry and not really listening to others, that we miss many precious opportunities to testify for Christ. It does not take a degree in religion to tell someone about the changes that God can bring into a life. An evangelist is a witness.

An evangelist practices daily prayer. Pray for that person in your heart and mind and ask the Lord to make you sensitive to the pain or joy that the person may be harboring. Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the right words to say and at the right time. If you know that there will be another time, then it might be better to get to know the person better. Often you only have one chance to tell someone what Christ means to you. The Church and its members are agents of God for the conversion of people. Remember, it is not about changing denomination or congregation. It is about changing lives. Just be yourself, let Christ shine through you, and tell someone how Jesus loves you and how you follow Jesus. An evangelist lives his or her life after the example of Christ.

Go, tell the Good News!

Pastor Emilio