My Seat at the Table
The other day I was walking out of Hobby Lobby and I heard this person speaking through a bull horn. She was driving around the parking lot, with her window rolled down, literally yelling at people through a bright pink bull horn “you better change your ways. You’re a sinner and you need Jesus. Are you listening? Repent.” Seriously. That’s not evangelism, that’s craziness.
So, when we say “Save the Lost”, what do we mean? Save the Lost makes me think of one word, evangelism. Not the bull horn evangelism, but the ability to share Jesus with everyone you meet evangelism. And when I think of that, I think one thing...that is not my gift. Back in the day, we used to teach people how to evangelize. I took those classes. All of them. Yep, still not my thing. I’m an introvert and don’t naturally talk to strangers. I have a tool box full of tools, but I don’t have the personality that goes up to someone and says – “Let me tell you about Jesus.” I admire people who do.
But...there’s always a but...does that mean I don’t have the responsibility to share Jesus? Absolutely not. It probably means my responsibility is even GREATER because my sharing Jesus is going to happen through a built up, time formed, sustained relationship rather than “stranger danger”.
So, what does saving the lost look like for me if it doesn’t look like holding up a sign or yelling through a bull horn?
It looks like influence. The other day we were at a volunteer gathering at Vanessa’s house and she was sharing about all the Crave opportunities this fall through Ignite Life. She was talking about a book she is reading on evangelism and how everyone should read it UNLESS you are in a church that doesn’t ever change or you aren’t sitting in a seat where you can impact change. When Vanessa made that statement the Lord really impressed something on my heart...if you are sitting in this room, you need to be sitting in a seat that impacts change. If you aren’t, what are you doing with your life? Seriously, what are you doing? That’s the reason we were born! Not to make change, but to foster environments for people to come to know Jesus. That’s our end goal. Always. And here’s the deal...when we impact change, when we create environments for people to encounter Jesus, it revives US as well. It’s like a boost of adrenaline to our souls when someone encounters Jesus because of a conversation, a word, an encouragement, a listen that we give them. Save the Lost – Revive the saved. I think God designed these two things to be intimately connected.
I think of my seat at Crave. Yes, I speak sometimes from the stage but what I really enjoy is the time to sit around the table and engage in conversation with my table gals. I’m not the leader, I simply attend. I get to listen, to encourage, the speak truth when appropriate, to share my thoughts, to pray with others. It’s a seat of impacting change. It’s a seat of sharing Jesus. It’s a seat at a table that gives me an avenue to live out my purpose. It’s a seat that is open to everyone.
I’m struck by a verse in Acts that truly defines evangelism. Acts 1: 43-47 in the NLT says,
“A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshipped together at the temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord ADDED TO THEIR GROUP THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED.”
Evangelism happened when the disciples created an atmosphere of acceptance, sharing, encouragement, a meal...evangelism happened, people came into relationship with Jesus, when someone simply invited them to sit at their table.
There is power in gathering together around the table. Want to create change? Want to impact a life? Take your seat at the table. Open your table. Invite others to your table.
I have an answer to the question – “If you aren’t sitting in a seat that impacts change, what are you doing with your life?” My answer – I’m sitting at a seat at my Crave table. How about you?
Robin Smith has a passion for equipping people to see their strengths and to lead with their unique God given gifts. Robin has always had a strong tie to her church, community and work. That tie is in the form of relationships. Her greatest joy is to do life together, encouraging, strengthening and challenging each other to be their very best and reach their full potential. Robin has been the Program Director for Refuge for Women since February 2017. She has overseen all the operations of our safe house and spent her days inside the home building relationships with the residents and helping them not only see their potential, but overcome the obstacles standing in the way of them reaching their potential. For15 years, prior to coming to Refuge for Women, Robin worked in higher education, focusing on developing student leaders and equipping students with the skills they need to be successful in the pursuit of their education and careers. Prior to that, Robin was a Salvation Army officer and served in full time ministry in various locations throughout the Midwest. Robin’s focus was always serving, equipping and developing others. In 2006, the Lord began to work in Robin’s heart and plant a love for women who are trapped in the sex-industry. This passion was formed through Robin’s involvement with student mission trips to Las Vegas. In 2010, Robin began the Hearts for Jackson ministry in Jackson, Michigan reaching out to women who work in strip clubs. Robin’s heart was broken for these women and she started this ministry to bring them hope and love with a goal of showing the love of Jesus in a practical way. Each month, Robin led a group of women from her church into the strip clubs where they simply loved on the women. They brought them gifts, told them they were special & loved and offered a listening ear. Robin brings her heart and passion to Refuge for Women and is excited to be stepping into this new role of City Director where she will be partnering with the local churches, Las Vegas community, and most importantly, Jesus, in this crucial ministry. Robin and her husband Homer have been married for 33 years and currently reside in Henderson, NV. They attend the ChurchLV and they enjoy God’s creation by hiking, walking, or simply enjoying the sun with a good book. They have two children and three grandchildren. Robin holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development, also from Spring Arbor University.