A Cultural Evangelist
Photo Credit: Terri Heisele, via Free Images
I’m an educator. This means I must stay sharp. I must keep learning.
Last week, I got an e-mail at work about an upcoming educational seminar. Because I am nerdy, this kind of e-mail really excites me. I clicked on over to the website to read up on the event, and I was immediately taken by the picture of one of the keynote speakers. Underneath his head shot, the title after his name read “Cultural Evangelist.”
The sponsor was not a religious organization, so I found it interesting that they would call on a preacher to speak at their event. Wow!
I decided to research a bit, and I had to laugh when I learned that the speaker actually worked in marketing for a popular online store that sells shoes. His title was a creative way of saying that he was in charge of telling the company’s story to potential customers.
A week later, my mind is still turning the phrase “Cultural Evangelist” around in my head. I wonder how creative and effective I am at telling the story of my Savior. I wonder if I create an interest and whet the appetite of those who are shopping around seeking to find what truly satisfies. One of my favorite worship bands is actually called “Jesus Culture,” but I’d never seriously contemplated how my words and actions are shaping the definition of how the world defines my Savior.
I must admit that sometimes I am a reluctant mouthpiece for the Good News. I worry that I am not qualified for the job.
The truth is that I’ve been appointed for the position. I am Lyli Dunbar, Daughter of the King, Garden Girl, Warrior Princess, and Cultural Evangelist for Team Jesus. May I never forget.
…I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus
and your love for all of God’s people.
And I am praying that you will put into action
the generosity that comes from your faith
as you understand and experience
all the good things we have in Christ.
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother,
for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Philemon 1:5-7, MSG
Something to think about…
In the public school system is a great, and challenging, place to let your light shine. I worked in the special education department for several years and people notice our countenance, attitude and work ethic even if we can’t be super vocal about what we believe. Then they ended up approaching me when they needed prayer or had questions and such. I bet your light shines bright and you are an awesome evangelist!
Yes, Elizabeth and Lyli. This is the way I find God uses me. I want to be the Christ here on earth that the parents and children see as I tutor children. And, they do share with me a need for prayer or ask me something where I can point to Jesus. In fact, a parent just this summer asked me to pray for her husband who has walked away from the Lord when satan got into a crack in the wall. So I am blessed to be able to do just that.
Your words, Lyli, “I am a reluctant mouthpiece for the Good News. I worry that I am not qualified for the job” ring true to me as well. So I just need to be myself and allow God to give me those precious words at His appointed moments.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Sweet Garden Girl – just tell your story of what He’s done for you – like you do for us, sharing His love in your life! I think a cultural evangalist sounds kind of hollow – I think an evangelist for Christ is full and complete! Blessings in your mission field!
I like Jesus Culture! Thanks for the encouraging link-up.
Amen Lyli, you are right we are qualified for the job because we are sons and daughters of the KING.
You have given us all something to think about because mostly we are all like this feeling we can’t do it well enough.
Oops, sorry, Lyli. Saw the post on Deidra’s & had to read that one before coming back here 🙂 I have never heard the term “cultural evangelist”. But I think in a way this is what we need to do – bring the culture back to Christ. I think so many of us feel we are not qualified or effective or do it well enough. May I (we) come to the realization, He will equip me & fill my mouth with exactly what is needed at that moment. Wonderful post. And if I have never told you….I am so glad God saw fit to cross our paths. You bless me!
Such good thoughts on our “being appointed to the position” of being cultural evangelists – thanks!
Love this expression, “Cultural Evangelist!” I will definitely spend time pondering and praying on my own role as cultural evangelist. He needs us more than ever to make it known that we are on Team Jesus! And no matter how ill-equipped I may feel at times, I know that PRAYER is the most powerful tool I have! When I just don’t know what to say, I sometimes pray for that person’s/group’s conversion and that Jesus would cover the people in His protection. And, of course, I can pray for the right words to speak too!
Thank you for writing and thanks for the link-up! I’m listed mine above: “The Goodness of the Lord.” Blessings to you!
Lyli, This is my first visit to you. I think you are doing your Cultural Evangelist role in a marvelous way with this post.
Yes, we are all cultural evangelists, even though may never use the term. Interesting but true. Thanks for sharing this, Lyli. A teacher is always teaching. 🙂
Thank you for reminding us that if we follow Jesus, we’re called to be “evangelists” in whatever culture we find ourselves. I love the words from Philemon! I rarely go there, but I’m so glad you pointed us to them today.
I like the idea of an evangelist to our culture. It’s so easy to get caught up in our lives that we forget the reality that we are living letters of Christ.
Interesting use of the term. Creative. How are we cultural evangelists engaging society at large? Something we need to ask ourselves everyday before we step out the door!
Joy!
Kathy
Cultural evangelist… Love it.
This is my first time here on this linkup and on your site. First, thank you for hosting! Second, I love your name, and the spelling-Lyli. Lastly, don’t you love how God gives us creativity to point people back to Him? We’re all evangelists, we’re just not all Evangelists. God uses us all differently. Some are bold with their verbal words; others are bold with the written word. But we’re all called to bring the Light of Christ into the world. Thank you for shining yours. Blessings, Mary
I really love this! The time is NOW!
Bless you, Lyli!