Carl A. Boyle, a sales representative, was driving home when he saw a group of young children selling Kool-Aid on a corner in his neighborhood. They had posted the typical hand scrawled sign over their stand: "Kool-Aid, 10 cents." Carl was intrigued. He pulled over to the curb. A young man approached and asked if he would like strawberry or grape Kool-Aid. Carl placed his order and handed the boy a quarter. After much deliberation, the children determined he had some change coming and rifled through the cigar box until they finally came up with the correct amount. The boy returned with the change, then stood by the side of the car. He asked if Carl was finished drinking. "Just about," said Carl. "Why?" "That's the only cup we have, "answered the boy, "and we need it to stay in business."
It's difficult to operate a Kool-Aid business if you only have one cup. We sometimes make that mistake in the church.
This morning we are focusing our attention on the evangelistic task of the church. For many persons the word "evangelism" brings to mind one cup: The televangelist and the tent revival, or the street corner preacher handing out tracts. In some churches, it means a once a year special event or a particular strategy for incorporating newcomers into the life of the church.
By limiting our vision of evangelism to one of these cups, we may be stifling Christ's work on earth and cheating ourselves out of one of the most rewarding endeavors Christ offers us: Evangelism. What is needed is for all of us to become daily involved in evangelism. How?
- Anchoring Our Concern in Christ's Compassion for the World
- Shepherding Those who are Lost in the Crowd
- Committing Ourselves because the Workers are Few