EVANGELISM | PASTOR MARY JOHNSON

“The truth of who Jesus is and your story of your encounter with Jesus are enough.” — Pastor Mary Johnson

In this message from the Unstoppable Force series, Pastor Mary Johnson teaches that a healthy church is one that shares the good news of Jesus. The church was never meant to remain static or inward-focused. Jesus designed His body to grow, expand, and reach others.

People naturally talk about what excites them. We recommend restaurants, share shows we enjoy, and pass along stories that bring us joy. Yet many believers hesitate when it comes to sharing their faith. Pastor Mary gently challenges that hesitation. If we truly believe the gospel changes eternity, why would we keep it to ourselves?

The message centers on a simple truth. We are called to share the good news.

Pastor Mary clearly explains the gospel. The world is broken because of sin. Humanity was headed toward spiritual death. Jesus came to earth, lived without sin, and willingly went to the cross. He died for our sins so we could be restored to a right relationship with God. He rose again and now reigns with the Father.

Because of His sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. They also receive the Holy Spirit, who comforts, guides, gives wisdom, strengthens, and empowers them to live in a way that reflects Christ.

This is not small news. This is the difference between eternal death and eternal life.
Scripture reinforces this calling. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples. In Acts 1:8, He promised power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. Second Corinthians 5:20 describes believers as ambassadors for Christ. Romans 10 asks how people can believe if they have never heard.

The responsibility to share does not belong only to pastors or church staff. It belongs to every follower of Jesus.

Pastor Mary turns to 1 John 4 and reminds the church that we love because He first loved us. God demonstrated His love by sending His Son. That love should move believers to love others.

Loving others includes serving and meeting physical needs. It includes kindness and compassion. But love cannot stop at actions alone. Love must also speak.

Many people show kindness without ever pointing others to Jesus. Pastor Mary explains that Christians are called to love with both actions and words. Real love considers eternity. Real love shares hope.

Fear often keeps believers silent. Some fear not having answers to difficult theological questions. Others worry about appearing hypocritical because they still struggle with sin. Many fear awkwardness or changing the dynamic of a relationship.

Those fears are understandable. But love should create a greater concern. The deeper fear should be that someone we care about might miss an eternity with Jesus.

To illustrate this truth, Pastor Mary walks through John 4 and the story of the Samaritan woman.

Jesus intentionally traveled through Samaria, a place Jewish people often avoided. He met a woman at a well in the heat of the day. Her timing suggests she felt like an outcast. She likely avoided the usual morning gathering of women because of her past.

Jesus engaged her in conversation. He offered her living water, something beyond physical thirst. He revealed personal details about her life, including her broken relationships. He spoke about true worship. Then He clearly declared that He was the Messiah.

This woman encountered truth and grace at the same time.

She did not have her life fully in order. She did not have every theological answer. She simply had an encounter with Jesus. That was enough.

She left her water jar, went back to town, and told others. “Come see a man who told me all that I ever did.” Many Samaritans believed because of her testimony. Later they said they believed because they had heard for themselves and knew that Jesus was the Savior of the world.

Pastor Mary emphasizes what the passage does not say. It does not say the woman fixed her life first. It does not say she mastered theology. It says she shared what she experienced.

The truth of who Jesus is and a personal story of encountering Him were enough.

Pastor Mary reminds the church that we are not the good news. Jesus is the good news. But our story is a powerful tool.

Every believer shares the same foundation. We were sinners headed toward death. Jesus paid the price. Now we are forgiven and have eternal hope. Beyond that shared foundation, each person has a unique testimony.

Pastor Mary shares part of her own story. She grew up in a home where she learned about God. She has experienced seasons of closeness and seasons of struggle. She has faced moments of trying to live in her own strength and moments of returning to dependence on God.

Each story is different. Each story matters.

When believers share how God has worked in their real circumstances, it becomes a living example of His grace.

Pastor Mary explains that sharing the good news begins with a genuine encounter with Jesus. Time in God’s presence increases awareness of Him. That awareness builds a desire to share Him. When believers share and see impact, it drives them back into His presence again.

It becomes a rhythm. Seek God. Share. See impact. Seek Him more.

Evangelism is not fueled by guilt. It is fueled by closeness with God.

Sharing faith does not require a stage or microphone. It begins by looking at everyday environments.

Workplaces, neighborhoods, grocery stores, sports events, and family gatherings are all places where relationships form. 1 Peter 3:15 calls believers to be prepared to give a reason for the hope within them, with gentleness and respect.

Pastor Mary shares practical examples from her own life. As a stay at home mom, she intentionally connected with neighbors during walks. She built relationships with a grocery store cashier over time. She listened, remembered details, offered prayer, and eventually shared her faith.

The process was not instant. It was relational and steady. Years later, that same cashier reached out, asking to know more about faith. Eventually, she began attending church and gave her life to God.

Pastor Mary does not share this story to elevate herself. She shares it to show what can happen when believers stay aware and available.

Each person should identify at least one individual in their life. One person God has placed in their path to receive hope.

Often, a door to spiritual conversation opens through meeting physical needs. Bringing a meal. Helping with a project. Showing up during a difficult season. Acts of service can prepare hearts for deeper conversations.

Still, there comes a moment when words are necessary. Pastor Mary acknowledges that sharing can feel awkward. It may change a relationship dynamic. Not every conversation leads to immediate results.

Sometimes the role is simply to plant a seed.

Years later, someone may ask for prayer or guidance. Faithfulness in the small moments matters.

Sharing the good news is not someone else’s responsibility. It belongs to every believer.

As Pastor Mary closes, she asks the church to consider their next step.

For some, it is beginning a relationship with Jesus for the first time. It is recognizing what they have been saved from and what they have been saved to.

For others, it is evaluating their environment. It is slowing down enough to see the people around them.

For some, it is choosing boldness. For others, it is renewing urgency after a season of distraction or busyness.

The call is simple and clear. Share the hope of Jesus.

If you are searching for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, we would love to welcome you to The Tree Church.

We are one church with two campuses serving our communities in Lancaster and Logan, Ohio. Join us on Sundays at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM at either location.

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Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or looking for a church home, we invite you to come and be part of what God is doing at The Tree Church.