Growing in Evangelism

What does it take to become a “multiethnic witnessing community transformed by Jesus reaching every campus culture”? That is what several hundred students and staff gathered to explore at Ignite 2013, an InterVarsity evangelism conference in Southern California.

For one day all the region’s InterVarsity chapters congregate for intense worship, inspiring messages, and empowering workshops. It is a day of being filled, of realigning our hearts and receiving exhortation, of being equipped as a community of believers to further the kingdom on our campuses.

The conference is also a center of conversation. From friendly banter to fiery sermons, workshop discussions to whispered confidences, there is an ongoing exchange of ideas. But the most distinct sounds are the voices of students talking about breakthrough. This year was no exception.

Start Something New, the theme for Ignite 2013, began a conversation involving questions such as, “What is the state of InterVarsity’s Southern California region?” and “Where does work need to be done?” As we analyzed student characteristics (e.g., by race), we discovered areas where we may need to increase our efforts, reconsider our strategies, or start something new to reach unengaged student populations. We were also reminded of a few qualities we’ll need to be effective.

Active Faith

Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Unless God moves on our campuses, we move without progress. Breakthrough comes not by sheer force but by sure faith.

I attended the alumni luncheon for the first time at Ignite 2013. It was a blessing to hear from those who have endured in faith through their 20s, 30s, and beyond. We discussed how the morning message on being sent, which was contextualized for a college audience, related to us graduates. The reality is that sharing our faith at work can be twice as difficult as sharing our faith on campus. Concerns arise such as:

• What if telling others about Jesus hinders our career development?
• How do we navigate professional boundaries?
• Is God really working in our coworkers who for decades have seemed completely uninterested in—and perhaps even hostile to—Christianity?

We may think that God is inactive, but we are the sign that he is reaching out to others. Whether on campus or in the workplace, we must be active as ambassadors of Christ. Faith opens our eyes to see people not as they are but as God intends them to be—and to see our role in his work to bring that change.

Intentional Boldness

One student at the conference, perhaps dissatisfied with the postmodern tameness of our outreaches, believes that we unduly strain to make people feel comfortable before we tell them about Jesus. In many instances I agree. For example, often our outreaches involve promises of free food and social events.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but we ought not to sugarcoat our purpose with accessory benefits. Nor should our invitations be watered down for fear of rejection. People can enjoy free food and social events elsewhere. We must offer them that which other campus organizations do not: the good news of Jesus Christ. The student said she would rather give this invitation: “Who here feels empty? We are InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and we want to fill people up.” Her faith erupts with boldness!