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?
1. Anchoring Our Concern in Christ's Compassion for the World
2. Shepherding Those who are Lost in the Crowd
3. Committing Ourselves because the Workersare Few
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