"Overcome Evil With Good"
Karin Paparelli

Start talking about spiritual warfare and you'll find quickly see two very distinct yet opposite views within Christianity. Some Christians will run to pick up their swords, dust off their armor and charge out to battle. Others will state, with much fear and trembling, that Satan is a defeated foe and therefor there is no reason to fight him or even confront him. I'd like to offer an entirely different approach to spiritual warfare; servant warfare. Servant warfare is overcoming evil with good in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is similar to that campaign several years ago to do random acts of kindness, except these are in no way random and they are done in Christ's name. The Word of God tells us to overcome evil with good, and The Cincinnati Vineyard church has effectively used good to overcome evil for more than ten years. The result has been an increase of church growth of more than 100%. But that is not even the most impressive part. What I find more incredible is that the new converts are just as quick back out on the streets using kindness outreaches to win even more souls. But isn't that what Jesus did? Jesus took a few fishermen, a tax collector, even some women with questionable histories and send them out like sheep among wolves. The idea is to penetrate the spiritual darkness with the love and goodness of Jesus Christ. For too long the world has seen us (Christians) shaking our fists in anger, begging for money, or too self righteous to even approach. What can we do now to demonstrate who Jesus really is? I don't know about you, but I want the world to know the God I know. Not the hypocrisy they usually associate to church.

There is a way, and the good news is anyone can participate. It is called servant evangelism. Now don't get nervous, you don't ever have to say one word if you don't want to. All you need is a few enthusiastic folks, a care card, an innovative idea and lots of love.

Lets start with the folks. If you have been in Christ for some time and have been receiving regular teachings in the Word (ie church service, Sunday school, bible study, home groups etc) chances are you are ready to burst. We were never meant to just absorb all that teaching without finding an outlet. My husband likes to call that spiritual constipation. You get all backed up and begin to rot from the inside out. Yuk! There is a remedy. Quick, get out of doors and share all that you've learned. That living water will begin to flow right though you the way God intended.

Next step: the Care Card. What's that? A simple card that says who you are and that your church is available. Available for what? Anything God wants. Sounds exciting doesn't it. Don't forget a phone number so they can reach you.

An innovative idea? Think about where you are located. What is special about it? What kind of people live near you, work near you? Rich? Poor? Are there hospitals? Police stations? Merchants? Now think about how to reach them. What would grab their attention? What is the current temperature? Is it hot? How about giving away free cold cans of soda or for the health conscience, water? Is it winter? How about free hot chocolate? Are you near a park or beach? How about free ice cream? Don't have any money? Serve! Free car washes. I mean free, do not even accept donations. Clean toilets. Clean what? That's right toilets in public places like bars, restaurants, stores. Rake leaves, shovel snow. You get the idea. Think of crazy, fun ways to share God's love. All in the name of Christ. Without Christ it is just another good deed done at random. Without Christ your group is just another nice bunch of people. But we are not nice, we are kind. There is a difference. Anyone can be nice, but kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The idea of the outreach is to introduce people to Christ in a non threatening, friendly, fun atmosphere. Without any expectations of commitment. Of course you are free to share with them, if they ask, the reason for the hope that you have

Do not confuse this in any way with church membership. While it is true that your church will probably grow as you infiltrate your community, it is really about the kingdom of God! It is about showing people that God really does love them. He sees their need, He hears their cries. We want the whole world to know that Jesus loves them just as they are. He died for us while we were yet sinners. In fact it was sinners that He came to save. Somehow that message has gotten lost in the translation. Most people think they have to be OK to come to church. Sadly enough it is perpetuated by the very ones who have the keys to the Kingdom. If you ever want to know what condition the church is really in, ask someone who won't step inside. We've become so good at being Christians that we intimidate the people who need Christ most. As we become more concerned with those outside the church than with ourselves we will see the revival we have all been praying for. I see it all the time. Every time we hit the streets or prisons or where ever the Lord sends us, we see the harvest. Multitudes are accepting Christ right here on Long Island! The harvest is now! Evangelism doesn't have to be a frightening experience, nor is it only for a select few. We each have been given the gift of new life; share that new life with the world around you today.

For the past couple of years, Building the Kingdom Ministries has been privileged to team up with many different local churches and ministries to bring the Gospel to the streets. We have helped coordinate servant evangelism projects, Jesus Film events and concerts. We have never been disappointed. If you want to team up with us this spring and summer, give us a call. Our ministry follows certain guidelines when doing community outreaches:

1. Worship: All of our outreaches begin with worship. (clearing the spiritual air)
2. Prayer: We rely entirely upon the Holy Spirit. The community is prayer walked and intercession and spiritual mapping is involved.
3. Evangelism: This is our heart and goal. We have a great team that partners with the local churches to help disciple those that are timid.
4. Unity: More than one church must participate.

Why not join us take the tools for this exciting outreach back to your community. Visit our website for more information at www.btkm.org. May you walk in His grace. Thy kingdom come!

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