#9. Determine This: “We will have big fun now!”

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The goal in outreach is always to have fun. That may not seem like a worthy goal. That may sound unspiritual. It might even sound a little sinful. After all, aren’t we rooted a little deeper than the mere thought of enjoying ourselves through life? Aren’t we doing all of this so we can connect with the spiritual needs of others? That’s all true.

On the other hand, enjoying the presence of God and one another is indeed a spiritual matter. Considering how distant most of us have been from connecting with outreach having a good time is, in fact, a great accomplishment. I believe we are to set out to enjoy ourselves in doing evangelism.

Give yourself and your team permission to enjoy yourselves. Sometimes we simply need to verbalize this. “You have permission to have fun today!” or “I hope you enjoy your time of ministry!” or “If you have a good time in winning others to Jesus we will have accomplished what we came here for!”

Not everything that is produced in the Kingdom is serious. As ironic as it seems, many matters that are aimed at winning people into the family of God, are also highly enjoyable. To do ministry in the Name of Jesus is THE most enjoyable use of time this side of Heaven. Somehow we have gotten the false idea in our heads that in order for a something to gain traction before God, it must be deadly serious, always sacrificial and an emotional downer. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Yes, there is a high-cost for following hard after Jesus. He demands our all and all. We withhold nothing from him when it calls us to sacrifice, but in exchange, we get the most enjoyable life imaginable. Scripture reads, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” Another version of that is “there is freedom” or “there is enjoyment.” I like that last rendering especially.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is enjoyment.”

That, my friends, will preach!
Let’s make that our focus in doing evangelism. Let’s make it our prayer as well. “Make me a carrier of your enjoyment as I do evangelism today!”

When we model a Debbie Downer attitude in doing evangelism we project a truckload of false images to others that are not accurate. Those don’t convey the atmosphere of the Kingdom and they are far from portraying the heart of Jesus toward others.

Let’s get it straight. Repentance is in order for some of us. Let’s get back on the horse and ride on, this time smiling… Smiling a lot!

#10

Steve has spoken, mentored and modeled to churches and leaders around the world with the simple message that anyone – regardless of their gifting or experience – can be involved in bringing God’s loving kindness to others. His first book, Conspiracy of Kindness has been translated into several languages with more in the works. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies. Altogether his books have sold over 500,000 copies.