Deacon Tom Lindell
“…and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.”
—Luke 9:2-6
My brothers and sisters,
This simple passage from Luke has Jesus commission his disciples to go out and demonstrate what it is like to follow Jesus’ message.
Jesus reminds them to dress humbly, neither staff nor bag, no food or money. Their assignment was to bring the “good news” of God’s kingdom and heal the sick.
In short, they were to be evangelists.
Jesus’ admonition about eating what was placed before them, could have conflicted with strict Jewish dietary restrictions. Can you imagine being asked to do this today?
Evangelism for most Episcopalians is not part of their DNA. Of course, that depends on how you interpret the E-word.
The dictionary defines evangelism as spreading the Christian gospel by preaching or personal witness. Most Episcopalians I know would abhor preaching the gospel on the street corner, preferring instead the latter—acting out an honest, transparent life and lifestyle.
Many years ago, I had the privilege of listening to The Rev’d Carol Anderson, then rector of All Saints Beverly Hills, preach on evangelism. Her simple statement has stayed with me ever since.
She said evangelism is simply meeting and greeting those on our path. I have always chosen to model that behavior as a public persona.
What this means is that I have overtly chosen to live out—to the best of my ability—being a role model. If Christianity is to continue to exist, it is up to every one of us live out Carol Anderson’s definition of evangelism.
Therefore, evangelism is not about seeking converts; however, they will come join us if they experience genuine authenticity in those they meet.
Years later, I happened to hear her speak at our diocesan convention. I went up to her and told her about her definition of evangelism and what it has meant for me. She did not recall saying that, but I did.
—Deacon Tom