Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Everyone is required to share the good news of Jesus with those they come in contact with, but some seem to be much better at it than others. These few are relaxed, positive, motivated and seem to enjoy each opportunity to share. What makes them different than the rest of us? God has included evangelism as part of their spiritual gift mix.

Do you like to talk to people about Jesus, especially those who don’t know Him? Are you able to share the gospel in a way that is clear and understandable for others? Do you look for opportunities to share the plan of salvation? Has God used you to help bring unbelievers to salvation? Do you come away from times of sharing the gospel with great encouragement and enthusiasm? If you do, evangelism is part of your spiritual gift mix.

What if you don’t have this gift? Can you still minister with youth and others? Of course! If God didn’t give you this gift He didn’t want you to have it! No gift is better than any other gift. We thank God for those with the gift of evangelism for they are the spiritual obstetricians that bring new life into the church. But we need pediatric doctors, family doctors, etc., to help these new ones grow. If evangelism isn’t your gift, don’t feel left out. According to scripture, there are some things all believers are commanded to do whether it’s a spiritual gift or not. Serving, giving, and evangelism all fall into that category. We are responsible to share the gospel with others. I find the best way to do this is to be just what God tells us to be – a witness. A witness doesn’t argue a point, he just relates what he knows. He shares personal experience. When I realize that is what God wants me to do then I find it is much easier than acting like a lawyer trying to argue people into the truth. I share what Jesus has done for me and God uses that in mighty ways. After all, He does promise that He will use His Word for His glory.

Scripture
Ephesians 4:7, 11, “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it…. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers…”

Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

Reflect

• Do you have evangelism as part of your spiritual gift mix? If so, what are you doing to develop it? How do you use it?
• If you don’t have the gift of evangelism, are you using that a an excuse to not share the gospel as often as you can? If you struggle with this, write out your testimony (your witness) so you can say it in 2 to 3 minutes. God will take it from there.
• Write down the names of several people you have spoken to about Jesus in the last year. Pray for them now and continue to remember them when you pray.
• If you have the gift or not, ask God to give you opportunities to speak for Him this day. Then be alert for them. Even be intentional about creating opportunities, too.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Posted on July 27, 2008