The Kingdom Tree

December 2, 2015

What is the goal of evangelism?  In our summer SportQuest camps, we encounter people from all sorts of diverse faith… Read more The Kingdom Tree

What is the goal of evangelism?  In our summer SportQuest camps, we encounter people from all sorts of diverse faith and non-faith backgrounds (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant/Evangelical, Muslim, Jew, atheist, etc.).  Should we try to turn Catholics into Protestants or Muslims into Evangelicals?  Is our goal simply to get them to join a church?

For these answers, I think we need to look at Jesus’ ministry and see what His goal was.  It seems Jesus was much more interested in bringing people into God’s Kingdom than into a certain church denomination or religious affiliation.  Look at Jesus’ first message as He began His ministry: “The Kingdom of God has come near.  Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15 NIV)  Jesus invited people to experience life in the Kingdom, not a particular religious brand or way of doing church.  Often times, we make the mistake of thinking the Church and God’s Kingdom are the same, but God’s Kingdom isn’t bound by structural walls. In fact, Jesus told the Pharisees, “The Kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you” (Luke 17:21 NLT).

So our goal should be to lead people into experiencing life in the Kingdom of God through a relationship with the King.  Practically, this means “conversion” might look different than we previously thought.  What should people be converted to?  Certainly not to dressing like us, talking like us, and listening to the same style of worship music!  The only conversion we need is to become more like Jesus.  He is the only Converter.  Just like when you travel to other countries and have to use an electrical converter in order to access the power supply that runs your laptop, cell phone, hair dryer, etc.  In the same way, Jesus is the converter that allows Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc. to access the Kingdom of God and have that power flowing through us.

The video below explains and illustrates this concept in a profound way, and I believe the implications for our missional strategies are great.  Please take the time to watch this clip and then reflect on the questions below.

Questions for Reflection:

  • In John 4, Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman but does not try to convert her to His Jewish background.  What instead does He offer her?
  •  What can we learn today from the decision the Jerusalem Council made in Acts 15 about what requirements to put on Gentiles (non-Jews) who wanted to follow Jesus?
  • What do you think it could look like for a Muslim to enter the Kingdom of God?  What aspects of their culture might they keep and what aspects should they leave behind?
  • What aspects of your own culture have you maybe unknowingly embraced as essential to the faith that actually aren’t that essential at all but are instead simply products of your own cultural background?
  • How would this concept practically impact the way you seek to make disciples?  For example, if you have the opportunity to share your faith with a Muslim, what should you be inviting them into?

What questions do you have about this topic?  Let me know in the comments section!

Sports Camp in Ukraine

By rance.bland • November 8, 2023
Sports Camps bring the peace of Christ in the midst of war

Ashley's Story: Rooting Young People in a Solid Foundation

By rance.bland • August 25, 2022
Ashley (Fisk) Feister served with SportQuest in Belgium from 2004 - 2008. These were pivotal years in her life that laid a solid foundation for what God is calling her and her family to do today. Ashley and her husband, David, lead a discipleship program for young adults that combines hands-on farming, outdoor adventure, and deep biblical training called Planted Gap Year.

Soccer, Faith and Fitness Bring Families Together in Venezuela

By angela.blackwell • March 31, 2022
For Yackencys Domínguez Trías, enrolling her 10-year-old daughter Georgette Medina in a SportQuest soccer program resulted in several unexpected benefits. While watching her daughter practice, Yackencys saw a group of women exercising and learning about Christ. She wanted to join this community of women and decided to get involved. Today, Yackencys is part of the Vida Fitness Team and works out while Georgeth learns soccer skills. Both mother and daughter have embraced Christ and are becoming devout followers. More than 90 children participate in the SportQuest soccer academy and fitness program located in Maturin, Monagas in eastern Venezuela. SportQuest Partner Cesar Daniel Bermudez runs the program and has a dream that it will grow to serve 500 youth. Residents in this community face many challenges including poverty, dysfunctional homes, alcoholism, and drug addiction. “We have seen how the different sports and fitness programs have allowed children and their parents to play sports and go to church together,” Cesar says. “Children and youth play sports and are discipled. Mothers attend daily fitness training and learn the Word of God. Fathers are invited to participate in games to connect with their children and also to learn about the Lord. As a result, several participants have made their confession of faith, have been baptized, and attend church regularly.” Santiago Salazar met Jesus through soccer. At 14 years old, in the middle of a biblical teaching, Santiago accepted Christ into his life. In December 2021, he was baptized and today he attends church on a consistent basis. As prepares to be a professional soccer player, he is also learning how to share his story and his love of Christ with others. Great things are happening in Venezuela through sports and fitness while learning about Christ. Praise God!
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