Forest Hills Baptist Church

Bringing glory to God by contending for His truth, multiplying servants of Jesus Christ, and caring for one another.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • New Here?
  • Connect
    • Hub Groups
    • Kids
    • Students
    • 1829
    • Wednesday Family Nights
    • Men
    • Women
    • Mission
    • ESL Conversation Class
    • Olivia’s Gift
    • Christianity Explored
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Beliefs
    • Service Times
    • Location
  • Resources
    • Live Stream
    • Sermons
    • Blog
    • Documents and Forms
    • RightNow Media
  • Give
  • The Path
  • Contact Us

Thinking Like a Missionary

December 25, 2018 Leave a Comment

Christmas decor

The Christmas season provides many natural opportunities to talk about Jesus with co-workers, neighbors, classmates, friends and family. But how can we do this effectively? Lesslie Newbigin was a British theologian who spent the bulk of his ministry as a missionary in India. Below is an adapted list of his suggested ingredients for an effective “missionary encounter with Western culture.”

  1. A new apologetic (that takes on the so-called neutrality of secular reason) – No one is without bias. Even atheists make certain “faith” assumptions. We must be willing to ask questions and to help others identify the underpinnings of their beliefs.
  2. The teaching of the kingdom of God (that God wants not only to save souls but to heal the whole creation) – People are concerned with this life (i.e. animals, social justice, care of the earth)—not simply the life to come (i.e. heaven). The full message of the kingdom addresses all of these things.
  3. Earning the right to be heard by serving others sacrificially—Our good works disarm hostility, validate our love, and give credibility to our message.
  4. A commitment to bring the implications of your faith into your public calling— The world must see a faith that transforms all of life. In an age of skepticism, people must hear the gospel from those they trust and respect.
  5. A countercultural church community—The church is intended to be a glimpse of the kingdom of God in a fractured world. You can have a credible witness by living distinctly and peaceably as brothers and sisters in a local church.
  6. A global church—The world is rife with ethnic conflict and civil war. The church must demonstrate the power of the gospel to reconcile people of various income levels, backgrounds and ethnicities.
  7. Courage— We don’t proceed on the basis of our competency but on the basis of Jesus’ command, the Spirit’s convicting work and God’s powerful word.

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/christmas-new-year-s-eve-postcard-1911637/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Pastor Jeff's Weekly Tagged With: Christmas, Culture, Witness

What to expect when you visit FHBC

FHBC Worship Team
We welcome you to join us for either of our services, and to come as you are!
Learn more about the atmosphere and worship service style at FHBC »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Watch / Listen Online

Podcast and Live Video Stream

Latest updates

  • Pandemics, Panic, and Providence
  • Be of Some Good
  • Revisiting Our Mission
  • Choosing to Forgive
  • Navigating Political Minefields

The Path

The Path – Forest Hills Baptist Church

An online community where church members can connect with other church members, groups, events, and calendars.

Log on to The Path »

About FHBC

  • New Here?
  • Service Times
  • Our Faith
  • Our Leadership
  • Our Mission

Members

  • The Path
  • Online Giving
  • Photo Directory

COVID Guidelines

As of July 18, 2021, we are lifting all COVID guidelines.

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Forest Hills Baptist Church is a church in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on gospel-centered teaching, worship, spiritual growth in the context of community, and reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Forest Hills Baptist Church · 3900 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Copyright © 2022 · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.