Peter -n- Melodye

You might remember that the first Christians were called "followers of the Way" (Acts 9:2; 18:25-26). They had found the Way of Life and had given themselves over to it . They lived together, ate together, fought together, celebrated together. They were intimate allies; it was a fellowship of the heart. How wonderful it would be if we could find the samae. How dangerous it will be if we do not. John Eldredge, Waking the Dead, page 183. Emphasis mine. Does anybody else wonder if there's not something bigger, more alive...? I don't think God made me for this level of ... whatever. Life abundant -- what does it mean? Whatever it is, I'm hungry for it, starving for it. Oh, God, answer this prayer of my heart!

I'm more of a discipleship kind of person rather than an evangelist... I agree that some people find it easier to evangelize than others. Some people are not nearly as intimidated by changing the subject to a spiritual topic, maybe even by "cold call" evangelism. Whether that "not nearly as intimidated" relates to a spiritual gifting or to training or to personality or simply to faith is a question I will leave to Greek scholars and sociologists... But I will submit that the Bible is pretty clear as to which believers are expected to carry out the Great Commission -- it's a command given to all believers. And, whether I like it or not, even little old "but-I-don't-have-the-gift-of-evangelism" me is included in "all believers." So it comes down to faith and obedience ... or lack of faith and disobedience. But that doesn't mean that I need to start knocking on doors and preaching on street corners tomorrow. In fact, there's a...

I had a really neat conversation with my brother today. You know how usually conversations stay in "lite mode", talking about kids and activities and stuff. (And I don't have any problem with that -- relationships are largely built on shared experiences and it is these experiences that gradually build up a firm foundation of mutual care and ultimately relationship.) Well, today my brother broke through in our conversation. He had very interestedly inquired into my work for several minutes, asking details and stuff. Then he asked (somewhat hesitantly - which told me this wasn't a "glossy" question but heart-felt) "If so much of your church planting work is completely dependent on the Holy Spirit then what very specific requests can you give us so we can be praying?" Then he went on to ask for names of people I'm coaching or discipling, names of people I'm evangelizing, what big-picture things need to be kept in mind, etc. Then he asked...