I just got back from a meeting about the Celebrate Freedom event at the Horse Park in Conyers. It’s coming on August 30th, and I think I may actually get involved. Normally, I don’t like organizational meetings about events…partly because I hate meetings…partly because I don’t like “evangelism events.”
What? Did I just say I don’t like “evangelism events”? Yes, I did. That’s because most of the ones I’ve seen and been involved with have been a lot of hype centered around an emotional plea to “get right with God by saying a prayer.” Usually, the main speaker acts like he’s being paid on commission and the invitation to “accept Jesus” is extended until he meets his quota. I’m just not into that kind of attitude.
However, as I listened to the event coordinator for Luis Palau and the station manager for the Fish and Larry Cheek of the Stone Mountain Baptist Association, I didn’t pick up on even a hint of this “quota mentality.” I really think this event is one that’s designed as an opportunity for families to spend an entire day together…having fun…listening to some great bands…and then hearing an incredibly simple message of an amazing free gift that Jesus offers.
So, I think I’m going to volunteer to help with the event…I’ve got three families in mind that I want to invite to come with us…and I’ve got about 10 people that I would love to tallk to about considering the opportunity to learn how to be a “decision counselor” (someone who helps people understand what it means to follow Jesus). This could turn out to be a great opportunity to train up 10 people on an easy way to tell others how God changes us when we ask Him to forgive us and lead us.
Maybe you’ll want to be part of it, too. Just email me to let me know.
P.S. I also had three great conversations at the end of the meeting…one with the 20 year old caterer who used to go to church, but just got burned out on the whole thing and is starting to feel distant from God…one with a church planter who helped me talk through the idea that we really do serve a holy and righteous God…and one with a director of a men’s recovery home that I took the leftover food to.
