Catalytic Conversion October 18, 2009
Posted by Dan R. Dick in Church Leadership, Congregational Life, Spiritual Gifts.Tags: Christian discipleship, Spiritual Gifts
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I met a man years ago who possessed the true spiritual gift of evangelism. He shared faith in such an authentic and unguarded way that even atheists listened to him with respect. More than any words he said, any actions he took, he simply exuded an assurance and a non-anxious presence. People responded to him in exceptional ways. He wasn’t a biblical scholar, nor was he a studied theologian. He spoke openly from his heart. He shared his convictions and he offered others an invitation to meet his Savior. I have never known anyone else who introduced more people to Christ. He wasn’t overly persuasive, charismatic, or influential, but when he shared his faith it was as if there was a spiritual-chemical reaction. His spirit touched other spirits and lives were changed.
Spiritual gifts tend to work this way. They defy simple explanation. When used well and wisely, the results exceed any rational expectation. An acquaintance from Texas with the gift of giving has made and given away three fortunes, and he is just fifty. A woman in St. Louis with the gift of compassion rallied a community to feed over 500 people each week. A teenager in Colorado with the gift of leadership organized a recycling movement that employs dozens of low income residents. A gifted teacher is named by over fifty successful former students as both the source of their effectiveness as well as the source of their faith. One man with the gift of apostleship sold his business and his home and moved to China, where he serves as a Christian missionary. In so many cases, when people live from their spiritual gifts the result is transformation.
