It was a cool winter morning as I made my way through the door of my favorite getaway. I was the first person to enter, carrying my computer bag packed full of books. The Jatema Coffee sign hadn’t even been turned on yet. The chill in my bones began to melt when I caught the scent of scones, bagels, and fresh-brewed coffee. In only a few seconds, I felt right at home, greeting my friend behind the counter and mentally preparing for another morning of serious writing at my favorite place. “What would you like today, Bryan?” Jason … [Read more...]
3 Easy Ways to Share the Gospel
If you're anything like me, witnessing comes super-easily. It seems I can winsomely turn every conversation I have back to the foundations of the gospel, have people laughing, nodding their head in agreement, crying, and saying, "Amen!" within just a few minutes. I quote a verse, and people cry out, "Please, more truth, Ben!" I sing a hymn while walking down the sidewalk, and people never look at me like I'm a freak … Nay, they begin singing along, raising their hands in worship. I just have to encourage them not to close their eyes … [Read more...]
The Ugly Truth About College Students And The Gospel
Here’s the ugly truth about college students and sharing Christ: Based on our understanding from research and personal experience, it’s clear that typical Christian college students do not regularly share their faith. Most Christian collegians have never even attempted to share the gospel with another person. Eating the Elephant of Gospel Cloistering In October 2011, a group of college ministry leaders gathered for an evangelism think tank to process the problem of Christian college students cloistering, or secluding, the … [Read more...]
3 Things to Remember When Sharing the Gospel
I’ve been in reflection mode after spending parts of the past three weeks in Panama City Beach, Fla. helping with Beach Reach 2014 (check out the Facebook page HERE). If you're not familiar with Beach Reach, here's a quick run down of what happens. College students from campus ministries and churches all over the country come to Panama City Beach (one of the hot spot destinations for college spring breakers) to provide free van rides, serve lots of pancakes every day, and genuinely share with the thousands of spring breakers that … [Read more...]