3 Keys to Rethinking How We Evangelize with Sam Youngblood

[@ContemplativeSoul]

I'm glad to see this being brought up and received well. In my early 20s I would sometimes just invite someone to church, not even caring if they'd say yes, because I had thought that the commission rested primarily on me just doing the action, and that action is what made me a Christian. I viewed it almost like a 'sacrament', that opening my mouth renewed the covenant between me and God daily. It became a talisman, that maybe doing so would bring me good fortune or keep bad things away

[@fordse2002]

I vote for having a Part II. :D

[@davidvartanian]

Great convo. Psalms 1 talks about how the blessed person meditates on the Law day and night. If I talk with anyone long enough in pretty much any setting, something spiritual or explicitly Christian is going to spill out. It is the thing I think about day and night. I think that’s why the first church was so evangelistic even though the epistles don’t really command evangelism.

[@robinwadsworth9775]

Yes! I especially love the point that if we are truly treating each other the way Jesus commanded, we will stand out from the crowd and attract people to us and God. We must focus first on Gods big picture about our lives collectively as a community. So much of what we tend to follow is errant church and western culture.

[@Disciple-makers]

Sounds like some great work on the BLT, thanks for the wholistic study of mission Sam. I appreciated the David Bosch and Roland Allen references. I pray this interview spurs others on to greater effectiveness in missional living beyond just “evangelism” which doesn’t actually appear in Matthew 28. I like to sit at the feet of Jesus in Matthew 28 and plainly ask “what does Jesus ask me to do? What do we organize to do instead”? “Christians do not neglect, as far as in them lies, to take measures to disseminate their doctrine throughout the whole world. Some of them, accordingly, have made it their business to itinerate not only through cities, but even villages and country houses, that they might make converts to God. And no one would maintain that they did this for the sake of gain, when sometimes they would not accept even necessary sustenance; or if at any time they were pressed by a necessity of this sort, were contented with the mere supply of their wants.” Origen (A.D. 248) Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.4 pg.468 “And if we persuade even a few, our gain will be very great; for, as good husbandmen, we shall receive the reward from the Master.” Justin Martyr (A.D. 160) Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.1 pg.177 “unexhorted, unorganized, spontaneous expansion has a charm far beyond that of our modern highly organized mission” Roland Allen I agree the early church did not speak on evangelism much, but they were certainly making disciples. After the Constantinien shift there would have been no need to speak on mission or evangelism, unlike our modern society in which the majority are unsaved. “The great heresies in the early Church arose not from the rapid expansion resulting from the work of these unknown teachers; but in those churches which were longest established, and where the Christians were not so busily engaged in converting the heathen round them.” Sam is right - ask what kind of disciples we are before making disciples. I would just caution that in wrestling on the theology of mission, let us not forget to still engage in the mission and see what can be learned and revealed by God in that step of obedience.

[@TruthTraumaTheology]

Yea bro this stuff is right up your ally. I am grateful for your work and look forward to collaborating in the future.

[@samuelyoungblood]

I really appreciate the thoughtful response and the quotes you shared! I agree that we should continue to take tangible action, experimenting as we discern living out God’s mission (and that includes how we authentically express our faith and communicate the gospel in a pluralistic environment). Figuring it out in the modern age takes a lot of wisdom, with global considerations, Christianity still being the vast majority religion identified with in an American context (though definitely on the decline), and the potency of technology. We as the church need to keep the conversations going on these regards.

[@traymaunu8330]

@@samuelyoungblood hey man, is there a way to privately contact you ?

[@fromthewrath2come]

How important is it to understand the Hebrew Context (Jesus fulfilled Hebrew prophetic expectation then expanded to the whole world) when speaking to others.

[@rachelanderson3819]

Context, 3000 died when God gave law to Moses. Acts 3000 saved, given life through law of Christ.

[@samuelyoungblood]

Yeah, that’s an interesting connection!

[@fromthewrath2come]

God restores what the enemy has destroyed.

[@gilbertkimeng9852]

Love it. BLT

[@mad1max71]

First of all, I think your Podcasts are awesome...especially when it comes down to Mental Health! However, I do have a concern as a Disciple who's been around for 31 years and served in several capacities (Worship, Bibletalk Leader, Group Creator and Facilitator, etc.). Leadership (Elders and Evangelists) needs to be in on your Podcasts as well When Lay People in various Ministries watch your Podcasts, especially those whose faith isn't as strong as you, I, or your various Podcast Guests, it could spark Descension, Hostility, or even people walking out of Church altogether. You're doing Great Work that needs to be supported by Staff. My fear is that folks watch your Podcasts, then go to their Ministers, Deacons, and Elders with a barrage of complaints and hurt feelings without the heart to support and make things better for everyone. In my humble opinion, I think there needs to be a Special Worldwide Conference with you and several Supporting Leaders in our Church just for Elders and Evangelists about Change and Fresh New Ideas that your Podcast has been promoting so that Leaders and the rest of the Congregation can be on the same page to the Glory of God! Please Bro, let me know what you think about this. I want to see you make an incredible impact that God uses to change our perspective on Church and Discipleship forever. God Bless. Your Brother in Christ, Hassan Maxwell