Just Like Jesus - Holistic Evangelism
God created us as whole people. We are physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual all at the same time. When we share the Good News of Jesus Christ we should remember how Jesus ministered. He healed the sick, fed the hungry and comforted the bereaved. While communicating the Gospel message Jesus demonstrated his care for the holistic needs of the people. He communicated the Good News of the Kingdom of God through both words and deeds.
There are two traps we can fall into when we evangelize. The first is to care for the other person, but when they are ready to hear the Good News, not to tell them about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The second trap is the trap of speaking but not acting to meet the needs of the other person. When people see that you practice what you preach, they are much more likely to hear your message. Concrete caring actions show that your witness is not just empty words. Your acts of care and words of hope will show them a God who loves them completely and cares for every aspect of their lives.
In this season of Lent open your eyes to people in your office, school, neighborhood and community who not only need your loving care but also need to hear the Good News of Jesus.
Adapted from ‘Me, an Evangelist? Every Christian’s Guide to Caring Evangelism’ by William J. McKay, Stephen Ministries, St. Louis, MO, 1992.
