It’s Not our Job to Convert Anyone!
Jesus’ last words on earth was to go into all the world and share the good news (Matt. 28:18-20). But at the same time, we know that it’s not our job to convict, convert or save anyone! The Holy Spirit alone works in people’s hearts and we should never try to control or coerce another person’s choices. So how does this work in practise? What role does the Holy Spirit play in evangelism?
These days, evangelism doesn’t have such a great name. Whether it’s the image of the ...
It’s Not our Job to Convert Anyone!
Jesus’ last words on earth was to go into all the world and share the good news (Matt. 28:18-20). But at the same time, we know that it’s not our job to convict, convert or save anyone! The Holy Spirit alone works in people’s hearts and we should never try to control or coerce another person’s choices. So how does this work in practise? What role does the Holy Spirit play in evangelism?
These days, evangelism doesn’t have such a great name. Whether it’s the image of the Bible-thumping, money-seeking TV evangelist or the fire-breathing angry preacher on the street corner, no-one seems to be listening. Perhaps we’ve forgotten what our job is? What should evangelism look like when the Holy Spirit is working with us?
Our guest Dave Shepherd is here to offer some insights. Dave is a Baptist preacher from Adelaide who had a spectacular God conversation in his teens that changed his life. His insights point us to a way of working with the Holy Spirit that is powerful and beautiful. And it takes the pressure off!
On this episode of the show, you’ll hear about:
- Dave’s back story – how Dave grew up serving the “God of sport and basketball,” and how a God-encounter at age 16 changed the trajectory of his life.
- Dave’s reflections on being raised in a church family and dealing with the questions that confronted him as he grew into adulthood.. Is this real or fake? Is Jesus the one? Why should I follow Jesus?
- How God answered Dave’s questions through a powerful God dream.
Jesus was literally standing right in front of me and he had tears in his eyes and he looked at me and he said, “this is why.”
- The role of the Holy Spirit – who speaks to draw people closer to God as they posture their hearts to seek him.
- The motivation for evangelism. The first disciples shared their faith because Christ’s love compelled them. No specific “program” was needed because they operated out of relationship.
- Our role in sharing faith. The Holy Spirit is already at work in the world – our role is to discern and co-operate with what the Holy Spirit is doing. This is incredibly freeing as it takes the pressure off!
I cannot change anyone no matter how convincing I am, how great my theology is or how wonderful my apologetics are – none of that can make faith come alive in a person’s heart.
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About Dave Shepherd
Dave Shepherd is the Lead Pastor of Hills Baptist Church (www.hillsbaptist.com), a multisite church community in Adelaide with a vision to see Jesus glorified, lives transformed and the hope of the Gospel revealed throughout the world. Dave is a co-founder of Ignite Ministries and the One Church podcast, where he works with other believers and church leaders to call the Church to unity, prayer, and worship. Dave’s heart and gifting is to fearlessly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, to raise up the next generation of leaders, and to plant churches that plant churches. Dave is married to his wife Jo and together they have three children, Bailey, Mabel and Benji.
