Thoughts on Evangelism, Restoration, and Unity

by Jocelyn Smith Busby

 

When I was a young girl growing up in North Carolina, my grandmother often watched the Rev. Billy Graham on television. An Episcopalian by marriage, she kept her Presbyterian roots alive by engaging with the revival aspects of Graham’s preaching. One day, I walked through the living room, where she sat in her rocker. I noticed tears running down her elegant face. I asked, “Nana, why are you crying and smiling at the same time?” She replied, “Honey, it just warms my heart to see so many people learning about Jesus.” I walked over to the TV and noticed lines of people streaming down toward the platform from which the Rev. Graham had invited them to come forward and to dedicate themselves to the Lord. For a child only accustomed to Episcopal worship, the sheer number of those who filled the stadium was rather impressive. And my Nana’s reaction was not lost on me. Over fifty years have passed, but the following question endures in my mind,

 

“How might we invite others to share in the joys that a Christian life can bring?”

 

I have recently been studying three readings that echo the salient themes of mission and evangelism. In Luke 9: 1-6, we encounter Jesus as He sends the twelve disciples out to “proclaim the Kingdom of God.” In doing so, he bestows the gift of healing upon them. Jesus instructs them to travel lightly, accept hospitality with grace, and depart from unwelcoming situations by brushing the dust from their shoes. This action suggests that the dust represented traces of inhospitable behavior, perhaps even contaminating their feet. That Jesus invites his disciples to rely upon hospitality conveys the importance of placing trust in God to provide for our needs. Luke writes, “the disciples went through the villages bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.” I suggest that the healing power of the disciples was twofold – both in miraculous physical healings and in inner spiritual healing through the assurance of God’s mercy and love. A second question is prevalent in my heart,

 

“How might we bring healing and restore hope in others?”

 

The idea of hospitality is further explored by St. Paul in Romans 12: 11-17. While writing to the church in Rome, St. Paul seeks to promote unity in the region. He guides them to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.” And to “Live in harmony with one another.” The passage provides practical guidance for Christian living and how one should interact with those in their community and with those who differ. Let us consider obstacles still present today. Harmony is impeded by division and estrangement. There is counsel in Paul’s unifying message. Verse 16 says, “Live in harmony with one another, do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly, do not claim to be wiser than you are.” Reflecting on Paul’s call for unity, I ponder its relevance today and consider,

 

“How might we respond to those of differing opinions while remaining aligned with Christian compassion and respect?”

 

The prophet Isaiah tells of his commissioning by God in chapter 6:1-8. Through a glittering vision of King Uzziah and loud-speaking angels, Isaiah experiences smoke and vibrations. God got his attention, did he not? An angel cleanses Isaiah of his sins before God poses the question, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Isaiah humbly accepts God’s call, “Here am I, send me.” As we reflect upon the sending of the twelve by Jesus, St. Paul’s message of fellowship, and God’s prophet-making of Isaiah, themes of mission and evangelism overflow.

 

The Catechism of the Episcopal Church defines the mission of the church and uplifts the role of lay people as ministers. On page 855 of the Book of Common Prayer, it says, “The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.” It continues, “The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.”

 

In closing, I hold you all in my heart as we strive to discern God’s particular call for each one of us. And I pray that He makes clear the ways we can be a blessing in the lives of others, today and every day. Amen.