Summary

This sermon focuses on overcoming the tendency to 'ghost' evangelism and witnessing opportunities. Pastor Mike challenges believers who have been avoiding their calling to share the gospel with those far from God. Using Luke 9:57-62 and Luke 10:1-20, he addresses the excuses people make to avoid witnessing and emphasizes that Jesus sends us out as witnesses despite the challenges. The message highlights that 47% of Christians say evangelizing is wrong and 38% claim to have no non-Christian friends or family. The pastor stresses that being a witness is not optional but a clear command from Jesus, and encourages practical steps like praying for opportunities, planning to witness, and building genuine relationships before sharing the gospel.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through this discussion. Help us to be honest with ourselves about our calling to be witnesses for You. Remove any fear, excuses, or hesitation that keeps us from sharing Your love with others. Give us the courage to examine our lives and see where we may have been 'ghosting' the very people You've called us to reach. Holy Spirit, guide our conversation and help us to encourage one another as we learn to be bold witnesses for Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you're really passionate about that you love talking to others about? (It could be a hobby, sports team, food, travel destination, etc.)

Key Verses

1. Luke 9:57-58
2. Luke 10:1-2
3. Acts 1:8
4. Matthew 28:19
5. Luke 10:9
6. Matthew 11:28-30

Questions

1. Pastor Mike mentioned that 47% of Christians say evangelizing is wrong, and 38% claim to have no non-Christian friends or family. What do you think contributes to these statistics?
2. Jesus told the 72 disciples that He was sending them out 'like lambs among wolves.' How does this challenge our modern comfort-focused approach to faith?
3. The sermon emphasized that we often feel 'unfit' to be witnesses. What fears or excuses have you used to avoid sharing your faith with others?
4. How can we build genuine relationships with non-believers without compromising our faith or getting dragged into ungodly behavior?
5. Pastor Mike said 'religion without relationship turns more people off the gospel than it brings people to it.' How can we ensure we're building relationships first?
6. What does it look like practically to 'plan to be a witness' in your daily life?
7. The 72 disciples returned with joy after their mission. What do you think contributed to their joy, and how can we experience that same joy in witnessing?
8. How can we support each other as 'pairs' in witnessing, following Jesus' model of sending disciples out two by two?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who is far from God and take one practical step toward building a deeper relationship with them. This could be inviting them for coffee, sharing a meal, or simply having a meaningful conversation. Pray specifically for this person daily and ask God to show you opportunities to serve them and eventually share your story of what God has done in your life.

Key Takeaways

1. Being a witness for Christ is not optional - it's a clear command from Jesus to all believers
2. We are called to go out 'like lambs among wolves' but with the power of the Holy Spirit within us
3. Building genuine relationships must come before sharing the gospel - religion without relationship pushes people away
4. We don't need to have all the answers or be perfect to share our faith - we just need to tell our story of what God has done
5. Working in pairs and planning our witness opportunities can help us overcome fear and be more effective in reaching others

Ending Prayer

Father God, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection. We confess that we have often made excuses and avoided the calling You've placed on our lives to be witnesses. Help us to remember that You have equipped us with Your Holy Spirit and that we are exactly who You want to use to reach others. Give us boldness to step out of our comfort zones and build genuine relationships with those who are far from You. Help us to see the harvest that is plentiful around us and to be faithful workers in Your field. May we return with the same joy that the 72 disciples experienced when they saw Your power at work through them. Guide our steps this week as we seek to love and serve others, and give us opportunities to share the hope we have in Jesus. In Christ's name, Amen.