Reconciling Conservatism With Evangelism

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately which seems to be a habit of mine. 😃 

Much of that train of thought has found it's way back to a question I asked myself quite a number of years ago. I have a heart for missions and sharing the Gospel, but I reached a time in my life where I felt like "the only one." Let me explain. 

As I surveyed the bulk of the people around me, it seemed that they were concerned with a variety of things other than evangelism. Doctrinal issues were highly debated, differences in dress deeply ingrained, family traditions strongly maintained, business performance well charted, church services conducted appropriately, etc. In fact, I would say they were busy with good things. However, I felt called to speak. To share the Gospel out loud with a world that was dying silently. 

So I began to ask the question. "Is it possible for me, as a Mennonite woman, to be a bold declarer of the Gospel?" If you read my previous post, "Mennonites: The Silent in the Land", you may understand why this question was a difficult one for me. I remember vividly, the day I wrote three different options for my life on a piece of paper and circled the one mentioned above. I reached the conclusion that boldness was possible, but I would need to be ok with being odd and different and out of the norm at times just like many Christians over the centuries have been.  

Throughout the years, I have continued to wrestle with questions and issues as they arise and have come to see that many of us are in one ditch or the other. In fact, whole churches are veering far left or far right. Some focus highly on evangelism and offer faulty doctrine and poor discipleship. Others fear change and concentrate so carefully on  guarding doctrine and disciplining their current members, that they forget to go out and win more souls for the Master. 

<a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/tug-of-war">Tug Of War Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

The question I have is, can these two lines of thought, which are both part of Scripture, go together in a balanced and healthy way? 

As I observe the Apostle Paul's life, I see a beautiful picture of balance. He was constantly preaching to Gentiles who had never heard the Gospel. At the same time, he warned, guided, and admonished the churches he was taking care of. Doctrine and evangelism to him were two necessities that fit together hand in hand in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. 

This summer, I visited a lovely church in Southern Ontario. I used to teach in that community to a time. But as I sat in their midst once more, I was amazed. I was impressed by the number of people involved in ministry to some degree or another, but what blessed me even more, was the way the entire church was behind them and working with them. This specific church has a garden that they maintain in order to provide food for the needy. Some of the older women are involved in community ministries and a few of their youth have ventured off to far off lands. 

As I listened, the pastor got up and began to preach a sermon about one-anothering. Later that day, another one spoke on a few points of doctrine. I couldn't help but notice how well-rounded they were. Based on truth, but reaching out. 

Jesus spoke truth at every turn, and yet He had such compassion in His heart that He reached out to those around Him.

I realize that there are many gifts in our churches. Some are called to preach, some teach, some to evangelize. I believe a lot of good can happen in a church as members work together. When the evangelist appreciates the one who expounds on solid doctrine and the preacher in the home pulpit gladly supports the one walking outside the walls, churches become solid powerhouses for the kingdom of God. 

As my Dad always says, muscles and bones are mandatory in every church and in every organization. 

"Alignment comes from the bones; movement comes from the muscles."(bodymindcentering.com)

Living Solo in a Double World

Upon some urging by one of my sisters, I have decided to construct a blog post containing some advice for singles living in a world where many of their friends, relatives, and fellow church members are married. To set the record straight, I am very grateful for the life God has given me and believe He gives the gift of singleness and marriage to different people according to His will. Which leads me to... 

#1) Find God's purpose for You. 

If at this point you are unmarried, obviously that is God's plan for you at this point. Choose to be grateful and to serve the people around you. Ask God, what He would have you do, and you can be sure He will bring you many opportunities. Bless others and the Lord by serving faithfully where He calls you. Go on missions trips. Give money to the church. Take baking to neighbours. Wash someone's vehicle. Hold a young mother's child in church. Get involved at a soup kitchen. Etc. Etc. The opportunities are endless if you look beyond yourself. 

#2) Find your tribe. 

There is a bible verse that states that it is not good for man to be alone. I have observed that all people, regardless of their spot in life, need others. We do not do well alone and single people are no exception. Find a family to belong to if you don't have your own close by. Help other young families with their children if they will let you. Spend time with good friends. 

#3) Eat with others. 

If you are a single person who finds it hard to provide your own meals, drop broad hints like, "I haven't had a good casserole in awhile!" Then, if someone does finally invite you for lunch, make sure you praise the hostess' work in voluminous tones! Perhaps they will have you back. 😉

#4) Navigate weddings well. 

If you are on your own, you may end up sitting in a row with six other couples to listen to a sermon about something that doesn't apply to you. But wait, it does. Remember first of all, that you can sit up straight because your Partner is in the row with you. I have never known Jesus to forsake me. Second, because of Him the marriage sermon most assuredly will apply to you. Bring it into perspective and apply it to your relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, I have gleaned many helpful bits of advice for relationships with other people from marriage sermons. Love, forbearance, understanding, communication, and commitment are needed across the board.

#5) Use your time well. 

As single people, we are not tied down to a family or partner. As my father has stated, "You are as free as a bird." This can be both good and bad. I have seen singles who waste their time and resources on completely selfish pursuits. On the opposite side, I have observed singles pouring their hearts and entire lives out for people around them and actually leveraging the advantages of singlehood to make an eternal impact. Choose to use your freedom for His glory. 

#6) Take your loneliness to the Right Source. 

Single people will be lonely and left out at times. It is part of the package. Nobody else can be at fault for the fact that they have children and you don't or that they have someone to talk to every night and you don't. Find your satisfaction in Jesus Christ. He will be there for every lonely time and every time you are misunderstood. 

#7) Allow other people to speak into your life. 

I have had married people tell me that they feel sorry for me that I don't have the benefit of a partner to sharpen me and help me grow. So I have come up with a solution. I allow people to speak into my life. Even ask for it sometimes. Choosing to learn from others, seeking their advice, and allowing them to speak into my life have become very important to me. 

#8) Have healthy relationships with the opposite gender. 

This is a bit of a dicey topic, but it is essential. I have found it extremely important in my single existence, to have male voices speak into my life. These come in the form of my father, brothers, friends, pastors, co-teachers, etc. God created both genders with strengths and weaknesses and I believe we do well to have healthy, God-honouring relationships where we aspire to build each other up in the Kingdom of Heaven. And of course, from a woman's perspective, I appreciate the advice on buying a vehicle, the man who fixes my tire when the rim is bent, and the brother who tells me to stop worrying too much, etc. 

In conclusion, I would like to state that being single is a blessing and a gift in serving the Lord in His kingdom. May we all choose to be content and joyful where God has placed us for His service.