"If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me."
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was a British Christian who was captured at the age of 16 by Irish raiders and was enslaved for 6 years during the fourth century. He escaped slavery in his early 20's and returned to Britain where he studied in the ministry and became a Parish for nearly 20 years. God had changed his mind and heart through the years of his captivity and he had developed an understanding of the Irish culture and its people. At the age of 48 he had a dream that he was being called back to the Irish people to spread the gospel among them.
The Irish were considered to be "Barbarians" and an misunderstood culture but Patrick had grown to know them, their language, and culture through the six years of his captivity. He would return to Ireland to evangelize the people and meet them where they were. He was not returning to Ireland to refine the culture but to minister to their needs and proclaim freedom in Christ.
The British leaders scoffed at Patrick's approach to spreading the gospel and the idea of him spending time and living life with the "pagans" and "sinners" was not something they wanted to support. Patrick approached his ministry the same way Jesus did during his time on earth. In Mark 2:17 Jesus states that he came not to call the righteous but the sinners. As a Christian in today's culture we need to remind ourselves of the attitude Saint Patrick had even in the 4th and 5th century.
So after hearing the history of Saint Patrick...how did we get to the celebrations we have today in America of mindless alcohol-fueled debauchery?
I think that many Christians today are afraid of venturing into the dark places of the world and into the places that are whispered about among the church but that is where the Gospel needs to be heard! The Gospel needs to be heard from those who are choosing to live a life outside of the freedom of Christ. The Gospel needs to be heard by those who are in the bars becoming carelessly drunk, looking for that one night stand, and trying to live out the last few moments abandon choices.
I think for some Christians evangelizing is a scary word and thought. And if you aren't confident and strong in your faith it can be a dangerous thing to put yourself in a situation that the devil could use against you.
Here's some pointers for all of you who want to know the best way to evangelize...
Don't do the crazy Jesus Loves You stare...you know you do it...
Don't pretend to be perfect...because we know you aren't
Don't get frustrated...woosah
Don't be a bad listener...rolling your eyes is not suggested
Don't invade their personal space...all you huggers out there...you know how you are!
Do participate in a conversation that is important to that person.
Do listen to how that person feels.
Do love them where they are...you were there too!
Do be transparent about your walk with Christ
Do invite them to an event/place where they can fellowship.
Do remember this does not happen overnight
Do be patient.
As Christians we need to meet these people where they are and instead of trying to change them let Christ do the changing.
Go put your green shirt on, grab a Guinness (or a water) and spread the Gospel to those most in need.
"I pray to God to give me perseverance and to deign that I be a faithful witness to Him to the end of my life for my God."
Saint Patrick
Some powerful words here that ring very true! Thanks for them. And for some of the background on St. Patrick. I'm one of the guilty ones that doesn't know much about it. And I purposely don't wear green because I'd rather be difficult. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sam! Thanks for always being difficult haha
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