Ridgell's Originals

Let me share some thoughts concerning the church culture in Cuba that makes them so evangelistic. And let me say again I do not think it is because they love the Lord more or are more committed. But they do have a mindset that we need.

Evangelism is not about worship. We seem to always be trying to find the right worship style to appeal to non-believers. They do not expect their assemblies to be for non-believers.

They have very few full-time staff and they are evangelists...not ministers. Most of our full-time workers are professionals primarily engaged in ministry to the body of believers. I wonder what would happen if most of our staff were evangelists? How about if we didn't worry so much about the training and professionalism and just hired some people to spend their time talking about Jesus to non-believers?

Of course, that would mean the members have to do most of the ministry -- the taking care of each other. And they do.

Buildings and budgets are not the key to evangelism. Most of our Cuba congregations meet in houses. Most don't have a budget. Our answer to most issues, including evangelism, is build and budget. We spend the overwhelming majority of our contribution on ourselves.

Everyone buys in. You preach or teach, you invite neighbors and friends, you pray, you covenant to walk alongside new converts, you give what you are able, your vehicle and homes are to be used for the spread of the Kingdom. It is expected. No one does everything, but everyone does something.

People driven, not program driven.

Some of us get it, others are starting to get it, some are not.

So what are some of your thoughts about what they do? Intrigued? Fired up? Defensive?

Would any of that work here?

I think it would. I've seen it.