TURNING MONOTONY INTO MASTERY

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The reality of Christian ministry, particularly for evangelists, can often feel isolating. Much of the time, evangelists encounter a lack of support from the local church. They may be seen as mavericks—wild cards in the midst of a more conventional congregation—especially when motivation to share the Gospel seems scarce among churchgoers. While evangelists carry an inherent burden to reach lost souls, many in the church remain focused on nurturing their spiritual safety, often overlooking the urgency of evangelism.

I recall an experience years ago when my pastor at the time reluctantly attended one of my evangelistic events. After delivering a message that received a warm response, he stood beside me and commented on the stark differences between our roles. “You know, Tony,” he said, “you only have to preach the same message every time. For me as a pastor, the challenge is to come up with a new sermon each week,” and he chuckled. Initially, I felt disheartened by his belittling remark, but as I contemplated it more, I realised the complexity of being an evangelist.

Yes, I share the same core message—the Gospel—but the greater challenge is to present it in a fresh and engaging manner, not just week by week but day by day—and not just to one group of people, but to different audiences, most of whom may oppose the Gospel. The task of keeping that message alive throughout my life is one of my greatest responsibilities. Though I may wish for the creative freedom to develop new ideas and preach on completely new topics, my calling is to present the unchanging Gospel as if I am sharing it for the very first time!

This persistence in message brings to mind Noah, who spent 120 years building the ark, remaining faithful to God’s calling despite the seemingly monotonous task. I can imagine Noah, after years of labour, longing to embark on a new project, yet he persevered, driven by obedience to God. In the same way, we as evangelists must remain faithful to the calling God has given us to proclaim the Gospel, even when it feels repetitive or discouraging.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul reminds us that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” This message doesn’t change based on culture, nationality, or language—it remains constant. Thus, the primary challenge for evangelists becomes one of effective delivery—finding new ways to share a timeless truth.

Despite the monotony that may seem to come with sharing the same message repeatedly, we must realise that this repetition is a form of mastery. Faithfulness surpasses talent, and obedience lays the foundation for God's Kingdom. Most people shy away from routine, yet in the spiritual realm, it is essential. Habits form the foundation of our practice, and for evangelists, solid habits centred around the Gospel must be non-negotiable.

As we refine our skills, the Gospel becomes etched into our memory, enabling us to share it effortlessly at any moment. This is echoed in 2 Timothy 4:2, where Paul exhorts Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” The more we share the Gospel, the sharper our effectiveness becomes. While many may rush to chase trends, evangelists must remain steadfast in their commitment to preach the unchanged message of Christ.

To all the evangelists out there, remember that the power of the Gospel is your greatest asset—it’s your superpower! Focus on mastering its narrative, ensuring that your message includes all its essential ingredients. Although we have many methods at our disposal—stories, illustrations, analogies—the core message remains the same.

Do not be tempted to alter the Gospel to make it more palatable or entertaining. You don’t need to do that! What may appear as a monotonous routine is actually forming a solid foundation around your expertise as an evangelist—equipping you to fulfill God's call to “go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Evangelism is a challenging task, and it is important to innovate frequently, and staying relevant and refreshing our presentations and illustrations can be beneficial. By prioritising both relevance and authenticity, we empower ourselves to be unstoppable in our proclamation.

Embrace the call. Let repetition refine you. Stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, and watch how God uses you to transform lives for His Kingdom.

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