Average Joe Evangelism

by Chad Kivette

Perhaps you have watched the popular television program “Pros Versus Joes.” The show matches professional athletes against “Average Joes,” making recliner athletes think they too could play with the big boys. To their credit, sometimes the Average Joes nearly beat the pros. What makes Average Joes suddenly look like professionals? How do they play so well? The answer to these questions is simple. The Average Joes train long and hard, and in the process, they suddenly find themselves no longer average.

The Average Joe on the show may not be a professional athlete, but he is definitely not a couch potato kicked back in his recliner. He may not be seven feet tall, have a 36-inch vertical leap, or take bites out of the rim of the basketball goal on his way down, but he does his best with what he has.

Meet Joe Christian

The same should be true of “Average Joe Christian.” You know him as the guy next door—just like you and me—who struggles daily with how to share his faith. Let’s face it. Christians are born to do something much greater than be a 350-pound lineman for the Green Bay Packers. We are born the second time to win people to Jesus. Jesus’ Great Commission makes it crystal clear that all Christians should be witnesses. But when it comes to sharing their faith, many (if not most) Christians still feel like Average Joes.

It’s not for lack of training. They know the Romans Road to Salvation and can quote it backwards and forwards. They have attended outreach seminars and have certificates hanging on their walls to prove it. They go visiting with the pastor every time he calls. They have mastered the ABCs of soul winning, F.A.I.T.H., Evangelism Explosion, Personal Evangelism 101, and every other training program designed to help Christians share the gospel, but they are still Average Joes. Why?

From Joe to Pro

While training is important, it is not enough. Sometimes the most effective soul winner is the one who hasn’t had all the training. Remember Peter and John in the Book of Acts? When they preached before the Sanhedrin, the religious pros were astonished at their boldness because they were uneducated and ordinary men.

Have you ever noticed that God often uses Average Joes to do his work? Don’t misunderstand; He also uses the highly educated and wealthy as well. (Think Paul and Abraham.) But Peter and John were Average Joes who understood what made them different. The Holy Spirit was with them, and they were obedient to His leading.

The Average Joe needs to let the Holy Spirit lead him. On many occasions, a friend has said, “Go ahead and do your thing,” encouraging me to share Christ with someone. I have shared my faith everywhere from WalMart to What-A-Burger. But sharing my faith is not just something I do. It starts by asking God to open my eyes to people I encounter throughout the day who need someone (that’s me) to speak with them about salvation. In this busy life, it is far too easy to forget to let the Holy Spirit lead the way.

The Average Joe needs to let others see him following Jesus. Maybe you recall the words Jesus spoke to Peter while they were walking together at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus told Peter to follow Him, that He would make him a “fisher of men.” The best way to start evangelizing the world is simply to follow Jesus faithfully. It is impossible to be led by the Spirit of God without following the Son of God.

Do you remember what it was like when you played “Follow the Leader” as a child? You did exactly what the person in front of you did—exactly. Christians should implement what they have seen Jesus complete. We must follow His example, interacting with and meeting the needs of a lost world. As we follow Him, they will follow us to Him.

John Wesley often referred to the world as his “parish.” What an impact the Average Joe could have with this philosophy. My wife recently told me I couldn’t win the world, that I should slow down and not try to help everyone in every place. She was right. I had been in seven states and three countries in a few short months. But the world is mine to win. God gave His only Son because He loved the world, and the longer we follow Him, the more we will want others to know His love.

The Average Joe must learn he is vital to the work of God. Too many Christians don’t understand their importance to the work of God’s Kingdom. The Great Commission is still great. It still says go. It still says preach (literally, proclaim the gospel). It doesn’t take a preacher to tell people about Jesus. God can use any Average Joe who is fully surrendered to Him. The sad fact is that many Average Joes enjoy sitting on the sidelines when it is time to get in the game.

Not every Joe sees the same results, but Scripture tells us God is the One who gives the increase. It is simply our job to deliver the message of what God has done for us. Sure, you may get rejected, but don’t take it personally. You are just the messenger. Sharing your faith is not easy, but it is worth all the effort.

Learn to love the “game.” Love people. While this is not always easy, as an Average Joe, you must be willing to give up a little in order for others to gain eternity. What are you willing to do for the gospel’s sake? You are vital to the Kingdom.

About the Writer: Chad and Paula Kivette are home missionaries serving 180 Church in Clarksville, TN. Clarksville is a growing city and home to Austin Peay State University and Fort Campbell Military Base. Learn more: www.homemissions.net.