Episode 14 with Mark Greenwood

Elim MPower

We are in a lively and fun conversation with Elim’s head of evangelism, Mark Greenwood, recorded just before the coronavirus lockdown in late February.

Mark opens by sharing the story of his family’s journey to faith in Christ, through a door-to-door evangelist called Brian Hardacre, who had only been a Christian himself for six days, amazingly!

We ask whether the way in which people come to faith can be a shaping influence in their later ministry, and Mark suggests this might be the case, referring to Bill Hull’s book “Conversion and Discipleship – You Can’t Have One Without The Other”

We also explore whether people can be effective in evangelism from very early on in their faith; and unpack how this works from one of Mark’s ‘life passages’, the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. This woman didn’t have all the answers about Jesus, but was able to get across the essence of who He might be in the town – in contrast to the disciples.

Jesus knew with the Great Commission that if He could the disciples could back out there quickly after the resurrection, ministering and talking about Him, this in itself would be best to restore their confidence in their ministry and effectiveness.

We also look at the widening scope in the John 4 story of the awareness of just who Jesus is, leading to the realisation that He is the Saviour of the world.

Mark notes the capacity of Jesus to continue reaching people, even though the story says that he was tired and thirsty; and also the counterintuitive way in which He asks the woman to do something for Him. As Christians we can sometimes think the onus is always on us to serve and be kind – but He asks for help from the woman as an ‘opener’ to a meaningful and impactful conversation.

We talk about Mark’s new podcast, and look at the relationship between the ‘why’ and the ‘oomph’ i.e. once the purpose is worked through, that can often provide the necessary drive and momentum.

Mark provides some great advice about this to blokes listening, referencing another ‘life passage’, the Parable of the Talents. Those given the talents were all given something of great value, and also according (and this is key) to their ability. As guys we have to keep remembering what our ability really is – and go for that. Find out what are you good at and what you enjoy doing, take a leap of faith with it and also invest in it, with a sense of personal ownership.

Before Mark closes in prayer for listeners, we play ‘Spin The Wheel’, and talk about a car that Mark has always wanted: a Range Rover Evoque, and also getting it personalised plates to celebrate turning 50.

The game also turned up ‘insight’ and Mark unpacks 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” Mark also draws the really important distinction between ‘having to’ and ‘getting to’ – and always wanting his ministry to be characterised by the privilege it is to ‘get to’.

(Please note that the release of this episode was delayed because of the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, so one or two references discussed are a little out of synch…)