Cultivating a Culture of Evangelism Part 12

1.     Send Hand-Written Notes of Encouragement. There is nothing which makes a person feel more special than to know that you care enough about them to sit down and take time to send a personal, hand-written note. It just feels good. It shows that you care enough to spend the valuable commodity of time on them. They are that important to you. Real ministry is loving people and loving people requires work. One of the best things you can do after having lunch with a friend for whom you have been praying is to send them a letter to follow up. Send them often and keep it personal. No need to flatter, just be honest about the things you appreciate about their friendship. We are bound to thank God for the wonderful people he has placed into our lives. Why not let them know it in a real and tangible way? It’s old-fashioned I know but sometimes we need some old-fashioned. A typed letter is not the same. It’s too modern and fast and impersonal. Be genuine, be caring, be friendly. Express it on paper with a pen. Share your love for those whom Christ died to save.

2.     Don't be Distracted – There is no limit to potential pointless preacher squabbles. They will drain your emotional energy and keep you engaged in all the wrong warfare. The devil schemes against you by getting you to obsess about thoughts that do not belong to you. The disgruntled critic comes in many forms and the “they” always have unfettered “concerns” for the preacher. Don’t go there! There are too many souls that need to be saved! There are so many disciples that need to be made! So many prayers that need to offered in intercession! Deal with conflicts lovingly and decisively but stay focused on the evangelistic work at hand. Don’t major on the minors and don’t give too much thought to criticism nor praise. “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2) Paul considered it a “small thing” to be judged by others. Why? He had one pursuit which kept him focused on the most important task of making Christ known. Pastor, there are a trillion things that can divert your attention from the calling God has placed on your life. Always remember, no matter what, to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mk. 16:15)