To facilitate a truly global conversation, we ask Christian leaders from around the world to respond to the Global Conversation’s lead articles. These points of view do not necessarily represent the Lausanne Movement. They are designed to stimulate discussion from all points of the compass and from different segments of the Christian community. Please add your perspective by posting a comment so that we can learn and grow together in the unity of the Spirit.

A response to our lead articles this month:

Nothing Rhymes with Orange. False. Nothing and Orange do not Rhyme – Rev Richards Gibbons

Preach The Gospel Wherever You Go – Use Words if You Have to – Rev Derek Simpson

Toward a Biblical Approach to Understanding Proclamation Evangelism – Thomas Johnston

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In response to Brother Derek Simpson’s article on ‘Proclamation’ I would like say that I am in total agreement with what Brother Derek’s said in his article. I would like to first, commend Brother Derek for writing a very good article and also for the way that he clearly highlighted the importance of ‘proclamation’ when it comes to our Evangelism today. As I mention above I agree with all that Brother Derek wrote. I also strongly believe that the ‘preaching’ the Gospel/the Word aspect of Evangelism has been looked upon by many Christians as old fashion and no longer needed today. This is not the case. ‘Preaching or proclaiming’ the Gospel still plays a very important part in our endeavours to reach the lost. It is not only Divinely commanded and Biblical but it is still very effective and fruitful. I have proven this to be true right through my ministry life of 33 years preaching and proclaiming the Gospel indoors and outdoors.

I would also like to say that both the ‘living and the telling’ when it comes to the Gospel is very important and it must continue to go hand in hand. We must continue to ‘preach’ the Gospel of CHRIST at any given opportunity but it is also very important for me to ‘live’ according to the message that I preach. Righteousness, Integrity and Honesty to name a few characteristics, are powerful evangel as well authentic testimony in a life of the Evangelist or Pastor who ‘proclaim’ the Gospel.

I believe it is also very important for all of us who ‘preach’ the Gospel or have a heart to reach the lost for CHRIST must ‘know’ our message well. I am concern today when I meet some Christians or Christian leaders who don’t really know the ‘basics of the Gospel message’. I am convinced today that one of the reasons why we are not ‘preaching’ the gospel regularly and confidently is because we do not really know our ‘message’. One of the conclusions that I draw from a little booklet that I read a few years ago written by Dr John Stott sometime ago titled ‘Our Guilty Silence’ on why Christians are not sharing their faith in Christ is ‘because we do not really know our message – ‘the Gospel of CHRIST’ that is why we are not sharing it with lost people or ‘preaching’ with power and anointing from the Holy Spirit in our churches and outside our churches.

Preaching the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS crucified, buried and risen again (1 Cor.15: 1-5) needs our serious attention, needs practice and proof.

GOD bless.

Robert Siakimotu, President, Open Air Campaigners, Auckland, New Zealand