The Call: A New Video from Evangelism Explosion International

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I wanted to share the link to a video from Evangelism Explosion (EE) that I found to be an excellent introduction to a program that literally changed my college days.  It's is titled The Call. 

EE was founded by Dr. D. James Kennedy, former pastor of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Dr. Kennedy is now deceased, but the program he founded lives on in many different denominations and churches.  

I was initially trained in EE at Calvary Baptist Church (SBC) in Knoxville, TN.  I received further training at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, also in Knoxville.  That training literally changed my life during my college days and helped to give me the opportunity, confidence, and mindfulness to share my faith effectively.  

I have developed a sinful habit of relative silence in the last two decades.  I have let the pressures of this fallen world keep me quiet.  I want to once again develop the habit of sharing what Jesus Christ has done for us effectively and persuasively, in the power of the Holy Spirit.  

I've heard for years that people do not want to listen to a confrontational witness; that it is simply considered to rude to talk to strangers about religion; that some form of 'friendship evangelism' is the only way that will work.  A survey by EE and Lifeway Christian Resources seems to indicate otherwise.  This statistically valid survey shows that about 51% of Americans say they are open or very open to having a conversation about faith with a stranger.  

You know, that's about the same success rate we had in the 1990s with EE.  Anecdotally, about half of the people we approached would talk to us for at least a few minutes.  About 20% would make an appointment to talk to us further. About 2% would make a profession of faith on the spot. This survey indicates there might be about the same success rates.

The biggest strength of the program was making it easier to witness to friends and acquaintances by making me more comfortable and less fearful.  Even in hospitality ministries and in 'friendship evangelism,' you eventually have to open your mouth and share the gospel anyway.  The gospel is good news, after all, and you cannot communicate good news without words, either spoken or written.  That misattributed quote from St. Francis aside, we do have to use words to share the gospel, no matter how good of a life we live.  

Let's pray that using whatever means, God will bring revival to our own personal lives, our cities and universities/colleges, our nation, and our world.  Amen.


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