Over the past two weeks, I’ve written about evangelism and making a witness for our faith. The main priority of the church is to bring people to Jesus Christ. That task is not given to the pastor or church staff, but to every member of the church. Every member is an evangelist.

Interestingly – in the past two weeks I’ve had three communications confirming the results of evangelism. The communication didn’t come in response to the 2 blogs, but rather God chose to prompt them to share these experiences at this moment in history. Isn’t God good?

Tony Johnson grew up as a youth in Frazer and was very active in the church. When he finished college he felt God calling him into the ministry. He enrolled in Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The closest place to serve the church while in seminary was the North Alabama Conference near Anniston. When he finished seminary, the North Alabama Conference gave him an appointment. I regret that our Alabama-West Florida conference lost him.

Tony is a tremendous young pastor. He met his wife, Julie, at Frazer. Julie was also very active in the youth ministry, and she has become an excellent pastor’s wife. Tony is presently serving as lead pastor at the Friendship Church near Huntsville. He wrote me the following letter:

“I wanted to let you know that I will be awarded the North Alabama Clergyman Harry Denman Award for Evangelism at our annual conference in June this year. I wanted to let you know that my love for evangelism was instilled in me while at Frazer. I love seeing people come to know Jesus. Just thought you’d like to know.”

Wow! It’s great to see what an influence a church can have! Tony responded to evangelism practiced by church members, and today is leading churches to practice what he experienced. That’s how evangelism works!

I recently received a letter from a Doctor friend. He wrote:

“Thank you for being a wonderful minister over the years. It was during those years that I became a born again Christian. You personally encouraged me in my faith. When I told you that it didn’t hit me like an Emmaus Road experience, you explained that sometimes it is a gradual thing for many people, and you are right.”

I did a one-minute devotional on WLWI radio station for 30 years. Two weeks ago I went to a Cumulus Broadcasting reunion. I saw Bill Moody for the first time in several years. Bill has been a popular radio personality in central Alabama. Here is a portion of the e-mail I later received from him:

“Through your teachings, and a twelve step recovery program, and the grace of God, I’ve been clean and sober for 23 ½ years. You can find me now in Dothan and carrying the Message to jails and prisons. God bless you! Keep up the good work!”

A lady I’ve never met sent an e-mail containing the following message:

“I finished reading Treasures of the Transformed Life. I want you to know what an impact these pages are having on my life. I am living in Texas and attend a UM church. I’ve learned the need to serve in the church. I believe we are blessed to be a blessing. Thank you for your continued ministry through writing.”

All of these have affirmed to me that we must make evangelism the pursuit of every church and every member. I’m excited about becoming a better evangelist. I hope you are too. Don’t underestimate the power of a witness you make.

Remember – the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!!!