THE ANATOMY OF A CONVERSION
By Robert G. Taylor
It was a wonderful day in Joan’s life (not her real name). She stepped into the aisle, walked its length, and confessed her faith in her Lord and was baptized for the remission of her sins.
We see openly and publicly the face of conversion. But what if you could take a scalpel to conversion and expose the sinews and tissues that make up the event? It might surprise you what all makes up conversion.
- When Joan got out of her car, someone said hello and walked with her into the building.
- When Joan walked through the door, a greeter met her warmly and helped her find a Bible class.
- When Joan sat down in Bible class, three people introduced themselves.
- The Bible class Joan attended kept her attention and prodded her to think.
- Joan went to the auditorium where she was seated.
- A mother stopped wrestling with her child for a moment and met Joan and smiled at her.
- The song leader led in ways that helped Joan sing and the singing was beautiful.
- The sermon intrigued her and caused her to want to know more.
- The prayers were not just recited but were sincere.
- When Joan got home, she received a call thanking her for coming.
- On Wednesday night Joan had a surprise visit from a couple with kind words and a loaf of bread.
- After all this, a friend she knew at church asked her to study the Bible. Six weeks later was the day that changed Joan’s destiny.
What converted Joan? A well-designed program? Slick graphics? A tremendous Bible study? When you expose the heart of Joan’s conversion, it is clear. She went to a congregation that was looking to save souls and each segment, from greeters to people in the pew, had an eye to making that happen.
Before you lament the fact that not as many people are won to Christ, ask yourself, “What am I doing to help the conversion process?” If you can’t think of at least one concrete thing you did this past week, start now. Smile. Start a conversation. Make a phone call. Hold a door. You never know what little things give life and breath to a conversion.
Evangelism is not what we do but what we are. Are you evangelistic?