There is a story of courage behind the current worship theme, “Make us bold.”

While talking about the bible stories for worship in the coming weeks, the worship planning team had a very frank conversation. The sense of it was like this.

• Evangelism is intimidating.
• Speaking up feels like a personal weakness.
• Putting words to faith is hard. And yet, the bible is clear that it’s not optional.

Just days before, as part of the Ministry Site Review, All Saints was strongly encouraged to redouble its evangelizing outreach efforts. And worship planners were hearing a similar encouragement in scripture.

Encouragement that came with a promise of Jesus’ presence, strength, and guidance.

Jesus presence was palpable to me during that frank conversation. I so admire team members’ courage to share so honestly about where they wanted to grow. They have offered their own prayer to the rest of us, “Make us bold.”

This is a courageous prayer. At least as far as the worship planning team is concerned, it seems to come with a promise. “Jesus, you called us, so we will follow, even though its hard. Only help us!”

Right around the time of this frank and courageous conversation, Sharon Martin agreed to lead a new team: the Relational Evangelism Team. The job description of that team involves helping us do our purpose:

to ignite passion for Jesus and boldly transform our neighborhoods with hope and love.

To that end, Sharon and those brave souls who serve with her will help all of us, in our own ways, become evangelists.

So here we go. Jesus, make us bold!