Evangelism and Discipleship in a Post-Everything World

These are some scattered reflections on doing ministry in a post-everything world:

a. Do evangelism and discipleship in the context of community.

b. Make your conversation with pre-Christians and young Christians more like a slow dance than a war.

c. Recognize a post-everything’s need to belong before he believes.

d. See evangelism as a wholistic process, not just the “saving of souls.”

e. Realize that though Jesus is the only way to God there are many roads to Jesus.

f. Rediscover that appreciation of beauty often precedes acceptance of truth.

g. Our evangelism must show that the “meta-narrative” of Scripture is one of compassion and not the abuse of power. 

h. Since suffering is a universal for all human beings, we must show how the biblical message best answers the questions of suffering. 

Our calling to minister in a post-everything world should evidence the following:

1) openness to the task,

2) a curiosity in another’s story,

3) an empathy that is willing to laugh and cry with others,

4) a willingness to wait for an invitation,

5) a desire to create a place for provision, where we deal with the harm of living in a fallen world.

Finally, if we as Christians will minister effectively, we must recapture playfulness and humility.

What might a gospel-centered worship service look like at Grace Church of Philly?

Welcome to Grace Church of Philly – Today we gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship him who loved us and gave his life for us. Please join us as we sing about the greatness of our God.

1. Adoration (recognition of God’s greatness and grace)
   

   Sing – How Great is our God (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl1k_Q1n-QU&feature=PlayList&p=FBFA602E6C01B00D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5)
   

   Sing – Glory to the risen king
   

2. Confession (acknowledgment of our sin and need for grace) Please remain standing as we read a portion of God’s word that reminds us of our need of his grace.
   

   Isaiah 6:1-5
   

3. Assurance (affirmation of God’s provision of grace)
   

   Sing – My Hope is built on nothing less
   

   I believe in God the Father, Almighty ..
   

4. Thanksgiving (expression of praise and thanks for God’s grace)
   

   Sing – How Great is your love!
   

   Testimony of God’s Grace
   

   Sing – Hail to the King!
   

5. Petition and Intercession (expression of dependence on God’s grace)
   

   Prayer of Intercession
   

6. Instruction (acquiring the knowledge to grow in grace)
   

   Message from God’s Word
   

7. Communion/Fellowship (celebrating the grace of union with Christ and his people)
   

   Lord’s Table
   

   Worship in Giving
   

8. Charge and Blessing (living for and in the light of God’s grace)
   

   Sing – Not to us (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlwKpQmmFQ)
   

    

   Benediction: 2 Thess 2:16-17
   

 Endnote: The items in bold are included to show the structure of worship but are not part of the worship service.