Dan Kimbal gave a talk at the LeadNow conference in Orlando last week that really connected with me. Dan, for those of you who don’t know, is an emergent church leader and author. He’s written some great books like They Like Jesus But Not The Church (my personal favorite), The Emerging Church & Emerging Worship.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to hear Dan live. I don’t know why but for some reason I expected him to be different – more abrasive and in-your-face. Blame it on his SoCal beach punk hairstyle.

I was impressed with his humility and genuine compassion for the lost and the churches that are trying to reach them. He shared this message with an earnest desire to see followers of Christ become relationally involved with the world around them.

His talk was a reminder called “They are worth it.” I doubt I’ll be able to convey the heart of the message with just a few bullet point notes but I’ll do my best.

THEY ARE WORTH IT – Dan Kimball

There is a certain risk to reaching those we are called to reach. Getting in trouble (a healthy, respectful trouble vs. rebellion) is a sign that we’re taking risks.

What are we risking to reach those God has called us to reach? They are worth the risk.

1. They are worth it because God felt they were worth it. He sent Jesus to die for them to prove it.
2. The are worth it because Jesus said they were worth it and prayed for his followers to live MISSIONALLY AMONGST them. – “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” (John 17:15,18)
   1. Jesus never intended for us to be removed from the world
   2. Why do we spend so much time in our church offices during the week rather than being with the people we’re called to reach?
   3. Are we relationally engaged with those around us who have not come to faith?
3. They are worth it because there is a reality of heaven and hell that we cannot forget.

“So my way of describing it is that once this life is over, people who have decided not to worship God cease to bear God’s image. The thought of an ex-human being is something that some people find shocking and horrifying. In a sense, it is shocking and horrifying. Think about people we know! I’m sure most people, unless we live in very enclosed worlds, must know some people (if we truly hold to a theology of hell) who are going there! That should give us pause. That should cause us to pray for them and to weep over them. So I don’t say this with any relish at all.” – from an interview with N.T. Wright

Share God’s love relationally
Apologetics is often misunderstood. Many people study books on apologetics as if stocking up on weapons for a fight. They do so based on 1 Peter 3:15-17 which tells us to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for the hope that lies within you.” The key phrase here is “everyone who asks you.” When was the last time someone asked you about your faith? They will only ask you if you have relationship.