A “coming alongside” Christian – February 24, 2012

When I moved from parish pastor to Director of Church Relations at Chapman, I thought my evangelism work was ending . I couldn’t have been more wrong. I have

learned that evangelism is a partnership between a community, a seeking heart, and the heart of God. And that can happen anywhere.

Let me tell you the story of Jared—with his permission. Until he was eight, his family was involved in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints church until a move and a divorce ended their connection. In his high school years, he attended various churches with his friends. Nothing connected for him. Jared came to Chapman and continued his spiritual search. He began attending a number of the spiritual groups on campus. He deepened his friendship with some of the DOC kids. He tried out First Christian Church, Orange,

just down the street. He found that people there were genuinely interested in him and remembered his name the next week.

Jared left for the summer and attended a small non-denominational church in his home town. People never remembered him from week to week. But even after three months’ absence, folks at Disciples on Campus and FCC Orange hadn’t forgotten him. He explored Disciples theology and was particularly impressed with a Disciples welcome—all people, including gay and lesbian people. He endeared himself to the older folks at the church by showing up to their Sunday school class. He is now baptized in the Disciples church. Jared’s choice to follow Jesus within the Disciples didn’t end his ecumenical and interfaith commitment. He is now President of the Chapman Interfaith Council. Last year he chaired the Diwali (Hindu) festival. His Disciples roots gave him wings. But the most important change? Jared is knows who he is and is himself reaching out to others who are seeking. Instead of being a “Jesus is the only way” Christian. He has learned the power of coming alongside others. That image—coming alongside—is the best image of evangelism to me. It is about walking my own spiritual path and being open to those who are seeking. It is about blessing those who find meaning and purpose in a way that is different from me. It is about extravagant welcome of every person—their gifts, their struggles and wounds, and their potential. The Chalice Hymnal’s song Help Us Accept Each Other says it best—

and if you can sing it, it is easier to start to live it:

Nancy Brink serves as Director of Church Relations at Chapman

University.