Spread the Word: Reclaiming the Apostolic Tradition of Evangelism
Overview
The Orthodox Church has an unbroken tradition of evangelism that goes back to the Apostles. But Orthodox evangelism looks different from the Protestant variety. With his characteristic straightforward and humorous style, Father Michael Keiser covers the history of Orthodox evangelism, the rationale, and the methods for continuing this tradition in a contemporary Western post-Christian society.
- Provides an overview of Orthodox evangelism and theology
- Presents a light-hearted look at Orthodox Christianity as a whole
- Discusses the apostolic tradition and its development over time
- The Great Commission
- New Testament Evangelism
- Evangelism in the Early Church
- Preaching and Teaching All Nations
- Mission on the Frontier
- The Holy Spirit and Evangelism
- Six Habits of Highly Successful Evangelists
- Semper Gumby
- Evangelizing Existing Congregations
- Preaching the Word
- God Has Staff
- Closing Thoughts
- Instructions from St. Innocent
Top Highlights
“All genuine evangelism is God directed—we are not making this up as we go, but seeking to do God’s will. If we are so wrapped up in our own plans and schemes that we forget to be open to the direction of the Holy Spirit, then our attempts at mission will fail. This means we must be faithful in seeking God’s will through prayer, and be willing to listen. A good evangelist is teachable.” (Pages 36–37)
“So we do not evangelize because we think it to be a good idea, or because we are good at it or have some free time; we evangelize because God has told us to do so, and we are following orders. The Church is Christ’s Body, and a healthy body must grow. Evangelism is essential to who we are, because the Church exists by evangelism in the same way a fire exists by burning. Without evangelism, the Church is just a secret club for those who like that sort of thing.” (Page 14)
“God had other things for Philip to do, and a good evangelist knows when to get out of the way so that others can do their work.” (Page 36)
“. John Chrysostom emphasizes the same idea: ‘I do not believe in the salvation of anyone who does not try to save others” (Page 6)
“Last but not least, the New Testament Church placed very little importance on any organization or activity that did not directly contribute to three important things: worship, teaching, and collecting alms for those in need. The focus was on what was essential in the life of the community. Belonging to this fellowship did not mean committee work, but a new relationship with God, a different kind of life among Christian believers, and a joyous expectancy that, whatever difficulties there were, the future with God would be good, and we should face that future with hope. There was none of the neurotic complaining that is so often a part of parish life, with members direly predicting the end of civilization as we know it if we don’t raise enough money for a huge chandelier.” (Page 27)
- Title: Spread the Word: Reclaiming the Apostolic Tradition of Evangelism
- Author: Michael Keiser
- Publisher: Ancient Faith
- Print Publication Date: 2011
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Pages: 216
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Orthodox Eastern Church › Doctrines; Evangelistic work › Orthodox Eastern Church--History; Missions › Theory--History of doctrines
- Resource ID: LLS:SPRDWRDRCLMNGPS
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:55:35Z