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Editorial Introduction
by Captain
Peter Brookshaw, guest editor
Preface to JAC 118, by Stephen Court
Greetings in Jesus' name.
Welcome to JAC118 - the 118th issue of Journal of
Aggressive Christianity.
We're blessed this round with a guest editor, Captain
Pete Brookshaw, who is no stranger to JAC, contributing
frequently and being featured in JAC104's Brookshaw issue.
The theme for JAC118 is EVANGELISM.
And to speak to this crucial issue Brookshaw scoured
the planet and has recruited articles from northern Norway all
the way Down Under!
The contributors approach this truly global issue of
the world's need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ from a heavily
Australian perspective.
Also, we're blessed with some voices new to JAC -
welcome. And,
enjoy.
I sense a new season for The Salvation Army. One that embraces
the full gamut of the gifts found within the body of Christ.
This edition of Journal of Aggressive Christianity is about
one of those gifts, and one of those callings for followers of
Jesus: namely, evangelism.
It’s a word that has been somewhat lost amid words such as
love, justice, care, teaching and pastor. There are reasons
for this. For some decades now we’ve embraced pastoral and
teaching gifts. We’ve celebrated great pastoral leaders (which
we should), and we’ve focused in on academic achievement. In
terms of Ephesians 4:11-12, we’ve been comfortable with
Shepherds (Pastors) and Teachers, but have at time, found
ourselves pushing the Apostle, Prophet and Evangelist to the
outskirts.
Though we need all of these gifts functioning well if The
Salvation Army is to thrive into the 21st Century.
The Apostle starts new initiatives and tries things that
others may find risky. They know they can create new systems
and ideas that usher in the Kingdom of God on earth.
The Prophets call people back to the Word of God and hold us
accountable when we drift.
The Evangelists are known for leading people to Jesus. They
believe that repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary for
Salvation. And they’re passionate to see that salvation occur.
The Shepherds lay down their lives for the sheep. They are
there for them whenever they are struggling, hurting and in
need of pastoral support.
The Teachers expound on the Word of God. They want people to
wrestle more deeply with truth and with the ins and outs of
the Scripture, both Old and New Testaments.
This edition calls people to consider evangelism. I think we
need to think about this afresh. We need to re-embrace the
evangelists into our movement. You know the people I’m talking
about: They are passionate about calling people to follow
Jesus. We need them! Evangelists are part of the body of
Christ, and when united with the apostle, prophet, shepherd
and teacher, a strong united kingdom front is established!
This edition takes a look at evangelism from a predominantly
Australian perspective and will challenge you to consider what
you think evangelism is and what it means for your life.
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