The saying goes that Confession is good for the soul. Actually, it is good for a lot of things. Whether confessed to a priest, a pastor, or a good friend— admitting wrong, or sin, can start to free your spirit from the burden of guilt you carry for what you have done that did not clear with your own conscience, let alone before the throne of grace.
By admission, I’ve always wanted to have an impact on the American Evangelical world in the area of evangelism. I’ve come to believe that I have failed. It might be that the way I form my presentations is to obtuse or offensive. I do challenge our simplistic 4-point gospel outlines. Actually, the “canned” gospel approach may have been acceptable for a brief time in the early 1950s, but it has long since lost its effectiveness.
But back to the point. I have always wanted to make a difference, both in the church and in our world. As I look back over the last 60 years I am not sure I have made that much of an difference. That is my confession. If there is any impact it has been God’s work through my pitiful efforts to matter.
As I face my 79th birthday next month (gifts appreciated) I am keenly aware that I do not have another 79 years in front of me. So, what’s next?
On December 31st, I say goodbye to 40+ years of ministry through NEEDinc, I am trying to determine what God has designed me for next. Any ideas.
When I first started in ministry the Lord defined my calling as such—
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
— Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Not much has changed from that initial definition. It has been not only a call to action, but a call on my heart as well. I have grown in passion and compassion for those who increasingly have little understanding of the Lords claim on their lives. This has saddened me greatly.
What has hurt me is the minimal efforts by the evangelical community to care for those around them. The church has become a kingdom unto itself, NOT into the world. May God forgive us all.
End of confession.
Gary
NEXT— what to do next!?! .
Clueless Christianity 