Sharing The Faith

“Why don’t Mennonites believe in evangelism?” asked my breakfast partner. This was the question of the appointment. With small chat out of the way, the purpose of the invitation became clear.

This is not the first time I have had been asked this question. It is usually asked by someone who has a heart for evangelism themselves and is frustrated by what feels like a lack of support by their congregation.

I hesitate in responding to the question because it contains a false assumption. The question has an inherent conclusion that Mennonite congregations are opposed to evangelism. This is not true.

I don’t think people in Mennonite congregations are against sharing what it means to them to be a follower of Jesus. They may be timid, but not opposed.

Many people attending Mennonite congregations are not comfortable with simplistic equations that promise salvation to strangers. They twinge at the ‘four spiritual laws’ and the ‘sinners prayer’. But this does not mean they are opposed to evangelism. They just don’t want to reduce the work of the Holy Spirit to a few catch phrases or a particular three part strategy.

Being a follower of Jesus is not a secured condition that follows a single prayer; rather it is a lifelong commitment that follows a thoughtful, significant decision. That commitment will need ongoing affirmation through the various stages and challenges of life. New birth begins a process of growth and maturation – a process that does not end nor is it contained to a single act.

It is important for Mennonite congregations to enhance their interactive activity; not to only make converts, but to initiate relationships. Within growing relationships, explaining what it means to be a follower of Jesus is an ongoing conversation of evangelical proportions, not a one-time encounter.

The story is told of an old Mennonite farmer who was asked by someone whether he was a Christian. The old man hesitated for a moment and then with a smile answered, “Well for that question, I think you should be asking my neighbour.”

I like that response. It presumes strong relationships with our neighbours. But it also suggests a quality of relationship where a faith commitment is obvious. It isn’t something just talked about. It is something that reverberates throughout the relationship.

I pray that God will grant Mennonite congregations a renewed vision for the redemptive power of relationships. I pray that God will increase our yearning to build new relationships with our neighbours and co-workers – so that the people historically known as ‘the quiet in the land’ will beam with the peaceful confidence of God’s passionate love to restore and redeem.

Maybe It Really Is That Simple

I have had the wonderful pleasure of attending the Annual Sessions of our Area Churches this winter. It was encouraging to experience the energy and excitement of those who have shared a long commitment to the work of the broader church. I also hear a common desire to see this commitment passed along to others.

I usually worship with a congregation in the Area Church following these meetings. This too has been an important way for me to better understand our Canadian Church family.

During one of those congregational visits I was able to meet with a small group of young adults. We talked about what it means to be church in a changing context. They described how their peers are busy, and seem to portray little interest in traditional church. There was however, a keen interest in being engaged with issues of poverty and social justice. It was suggested that a natural place for people to become engaged with the church is when the church engages with these issues. We also noted that having responsibilities at Worship Services increases the probability of young adults attending those Worship Services.

I found the conversation intriguing and insightful. These young adults were swimming against the current of contemporary society and making congregational involvement an important part of their lives. I felt honoured to be in the presence of such pioneers.

We continued the conversation, discussing how we might be able to increase the involvement of young adults in our congregations across Canada. As the dialogue came to a close, I noticed a young man sitting quietly among the circle. He had been engaged in the discussion but had not said a lot. So I asked him for his thoughts.

He paused for a moment and said; “Most of my friends are not interested in Church. It’s too bad, because I think they would really enjoy it.”

The group disbanded, but this final statement impressed me. It was such a simple assessment, but such a profound clarity. After debating effective ways to engage young adults, perhaps the solution is simpler than we realized. If we offer more involvement with Worship Services and congregational ministry, young adults might just find that they really do enjoy it.

Maybe it really is that simple.