Thom S. Rainer - Sharing the Gospel with Ease: How the Love of Christ Can Flow Naturally from Your Life

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Sharing the Gospel with Ease: How the Love of Christ Can Flow Naturally from Your Life

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ISBN 978-1-4964-6180-3

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To Joe Hendrickson.

You shared the gospel with me fifty years ago,

but your impact on my life is eternal.

You introduced me to the Savior whom I serve today.

And always to Nellie Jo,

the true evangelist in our family.

The small town in Alabama where I was born and raisedpopulation 3,700had a disproportionate number of churches for its size. The churches represented multiple denominations, and a few had no attachment at all.

I knew of two Jewish families in town, but most of the rest, I think, would have identified themselves as Christians, though many were likely Christians in name only. My point is simply that there were plenty of Christians in my hometown who could have told me about Jesus. Maybe some did and I just dont remember, but I cannot recall ever having a gospel conversation with anyone.

Well, to be completely honest, there was one fiery young man from an independent church who told me on a few occasions that I was going to hell. But I dont remember him ever telling me how to get to heaven. But it might not have mattered. His caustic and superior attitude was an immediate turnoff, and I really had no desire to listen to him.

Most members of the denominational churches in town didnt talk much about Jesus. Obviously, I cant speak for every last one, but I can say that none of them ever shared the gospel with me.

Then Joe Hendrickson came to town.

Joe was the new varsity football coach at my high school, and he had a tough row to hoe. He was replacing a longtime coach who was greatly revered. Expectations were high.

To be honest, football was more of a religion than Christianity in that town, and there were two denominations: Alabama fans and Auburn fans. The definition of a mixed marriage was an Alabama fan marrying an Auburn fan. Many people wouldnt cross that line. One spouse would have to convert to the other side for the marriage to have a chance.

High school football was always in the shadow of the college game, but it was still important. It was very important. Joe Hendrickson inherited that rabid football environment when he came to town.

From the get-go, Coach Joe was in a no-win situation. The talent level had fallen off at our school, and most of the players and town residents still loved the former coach who had moved on. Coach Joe lasted two years in our town, and both years were extremely difficult for him. But those two years changed my life.

Though I hesitate to include this next part, I think its important to mention another major factor in Coach Joes story. This was in the late 1960s in the South, and integration had begun. African Americans, who comprised a majority of the population in our town, were slowly being added to formerly all-white schools. Racism was rampant.

A few African Americans at my school joined the football team, much to the chagrin of many families and players. But Coach Joe treated them like any other player. They got the same consideration, the same opportunities, and the same level of coaching as anyone else. It did not go over well with many of the townspeople.

I think its important for you to know these dynamics because they form the backdrop for my experience with Coach Joe. In the eyes of the community, he had several strikes against him: He was new, he wasnt the former coach, and he treated everyone equally. And for that he felt the wrath of many people in town.

But Coach Joe did not let circumstances hinder his demonstrable love for Jesus Christ. What I remember about Joe Hendrickson is how his Christian faith just seemed natural. It was a part of who he was and it shone through in everything he did. I also remember how he willingly and eagerly shared about Christ with anyone who was willing to listen, including his football players.

I know because I was one of them.

To the best of my recollection, he called me into his small office one day after practice. I had no idea what he wanted. I feared I had messed up a play. But Coach Joe didnt want to talk football; he wanted to talk about Jesus. Im sure there was a bit of small talk, but I dont remember that part. I just remember that he clearly presented the gospel.

He shared Bible verses with me that demonstrated that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness. He spoke powerfully about how God sent his Son to take the punishment for our sins through his death on the cross. He told me how Jesus defeated death through his resurrection.

And then he told me that Christ was offering me salvation and eternity as a free gift. He wanted to accept me just as I was. I could not earn salvation, but I could receive it.

Later that night, I repented of my sins and by faith accepted what God had done for me through Jesus Christ.

I became a Christian.

It has now been more than fifty years since that life-changing conversation. And however God has used me during those five decades, it all began with a gospel witness by an ordinary man, a high school football coach, who faithfully told me the Good News about Jesus Christ. God used Joe Hendrickson to set my eternal destiny to heaven.

What was so remarkable about Coach Joe was that he shared the gospel with such ease. And though I have since learned several different approaches to evangelism, I still remember how Coach Joe did it. He wasnt self-conscious and he wasnt trying to sell me anything. Our conversation was as natural for him as talking about a football play. Though it has become something of a clich in Christian circles, Coach Joe really did speak from an overflowing love for Jesus Christ. Without a doubt, his joy and confidence in Jesus were clearly evident.

Lets try not to complicate evangelism. At its core, its very simple. Evangelism is sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ.

Two oft-quoted passages about evangelismMatthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8comprise what is typically called the Great Commission. Both passages capture some of the last words Jesus spoke on earth.

Matthew 28:18-20 tells us that Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.