Complete Evangelism will Impact a Culture

Jim Wallis spoke to our gathering at the National Evangelism Conference for the PCUSA. I appreciated much of what he had to say. Rather than write my own summary, I have searched a few news articles and found this one to be pretty representative summary of Wallis talk.

Spiritual renewal key for social transformation, says US progressive evangelical — Ekklesia

I appreciated Wallis’ emphasis on evangelism, yet at the same time challenging the church to speak to today’s culture.

Social transformation should be a natural consequence of true evangelism. To just ask for a decision is only the beginnings of making a disciple. It’s the doorway to serving as part of God’s kingdom in transforming society.

The PCUSA definition of evangelism includes as a fruit: “obedient service in the world.” In some of the circles I have run in, evangelism is only a decision — there is no life change required.

Wallis reminds us that the church can transform society: Wilberforce and slavery. King and segregation.

I also noticed alot of allusions to current culture: John Stewarts TV program (Daily Show) and rock star Bono of U2. I wondered how many in our audience even knew who they were?