I Sam 11:26-12:10,13-15
Psalm 32
Gal. 2:5S-21
Luke 7:36-8:3
Pentecost 3
Proper 6C
HE 2A 10:00
PERSONAL EVANGELISM
**********
I recently heard a story of a postman in a New Jersey town (In Evangelism News from "815" via Our Church Times 6/18/89, page 3). He kept track of people new to his postal route, and then on his off-duty hours, he would go back and visit with them. He would ask them which church they belonged to, and would direct them to the nearest parish of that denomination. And if they indicated they did not belong to any church, he would invite them to his own beloved Episcopal Church. Not only that, but he would arrange to pick them up and take them on that first Sunday. He sat with them during the service and helped them through the complexities of our service. He encouraged them to come back, and he helped them to meet other parishioners.
Under his gentle shepherding, many asked to be part of an Inquirers' class, and he would go with them to the class sessions, and when they were presented for Confirmation, he was there with a significant book or other memento as a gift. This one person, by himself, was responsible over a period of a few years, for bringing more than 75 persons into our Faith - quietly, gently, and lovingly - in the manner of his Lord and Saviour, and ours. None of the tension of the second reading this morning, no pointing to outright sinfulness as in first reading, but the gentleness of Jesus in the Gospel reading.
Just think what would happen in our parish if we had just two such evangelists. We have more than two with that potentiality. The results would be truly amazing. The congregation would be doubled or tripled rather soon. It is true that we are not all postmen or postwomen - but people do move into and out of our neighborhoods all the time. We often help them to find certain stores and banks. Why not help them to find this community of faith? And if they have no church home, then why not this community of faith?
You may say that you are tongue-tied and don't know what to say or how to say it. Well, we are promised that the Holy Spirit will guide us on what to say at such times; so if we mistrust ourselves, that is good; we should be relying on power beyond ourselves.
Yet there are a few basic guidelines on how to talk to and with others about your Church. (Cf. Qur Church Times 6/4/89 page 2).
1. Obviously, you take a positive approach. We are proud and happy to be Episcopalians. We do not need to be a bit apologetic about trying to bring unchurched people into our fold and into a closer relationship with God.
2. And then, you be an inquirer. Talk to every likely prospect: people you meet in business or at work or at school; newcomers to the neighborhood, your children's playmates and their parents, people you meet at a party or at the store. Ask them, "Do you have a church that you attend?" That choice of words is important. Most people will admit to a church, but multitudes do not attend. And remember that 90% of the people you talk with will not know nearly so much about the Episcopal Church as you do, even though you may think that you know almost nothing.
3. Plan your approach. Try to understand the home in which the person lives. What sort of people are they? Do you know, or can you discover, any interests they have which might provide a natural opener in conversation? Which of our parishioners would they be most congenial with? Make it clear from the start that you are an Episcopalian. Generally, people will start talking about religion right then. If interest is shown, don't just say, "I hope you will come sometime." Instead, say, "Good. Can I pick you up - and your family - next Sunday at 9:45? I'll help you get acquainted and assist you in following the service.
If we truly reach out to others with the gentleness and lovingness of our Lord Jesus, people will be attracted and will want to enter wore deeply into the fellowship of the Church.
You may remember that the last decade of the 1900's was a "decade of evangelism" for our Church - reaching out to the many who have no church or no church fellowship. But it should take no special program to make us reach out to others. It should be a natural part of being a Christian, even for Episcopalians. In fact, especially for Episcopalians, because we are sometimes thought of as reserved and even as cold, by those who visit in our churches - as God's FROZEN people! Maybe some churches are that way, but let it not be said about St. Mark's!
We have a local parting shot in the fellowship of our churches in many places: "See you in church!" But when we are trying to attract others, the word is, "Do you have a, church that you attend?" And if the answer is No, then the word is, "May I take you with me to my church?"
On this coming Fathers' Day, these thoughts about reaching out apply to fathers, and to mothers as well. We remember especially those who guided us and were with us in the manner of Jesus, and in our lives try to follow the examples that they set for us.
****
Previously preached Chelsea 6/28/89; Grace, Newton.,6/14/98; Charlestown 6/13/04, Danvers 6/17/07