Jesus said I will make you “fishers of men” !!
Wow what metaphor and yet a sophisticated promise.
For most of us we are not fishing people. My ancestors were Nordic fishermen. My grandfather and father took me fishing when I was a kid when we were on vacation. So I learnt a few things about fishing. Later in life I learnt how to spearfish using a “Hawaiian Sling” and manged to hunt and shoot some really nice plate fish.
Let’s break this down a little more.
Landing Fishing, Capturing Fish or “Catching Fish” is the principle. But fishing techniques vary and these different techniques are what we might call “Methods”.
So in fishing language, fishing with a rod and reel with a hook, to catch just one fish is a “method”… yet going on a trawler with a large net to catch MANY fish is yet another method.
Some fishermen use live or frozen meat as bait (other fish, prawns, etc). Some fishermen use homemade or plastic lures, that look like bait. Everyone uses a method and prepares equipment that they think works and is successful.
Another element of the fishing method is to go to a location. Some fishermen like the open ocean, some like the quiet lagoons and estuaries to fish. But in very case the fisherman chooses a location.
Also, we need to go fishing at a time when we think the fish will actually be there. Some fishermen like sunset, others like sunrise, others like the changing of the tides or the phase of the moon.
Finally each fisherman goes hunting for a fish species and goes prepared to catch that particular species, from large sharks and tuna fish, snapper, cod, to small bait fish like sardines, and even octopus and prawns.
In summary, when we go fishing we need a time, a place, equipment (preparation) and the expectation that some fish will be there, and know what species we are hunting for.
There are three other important ingredients to successful fishing. Take action and Go. Be patient because you may need to wait for the fish to be ready.
Why am I speaking this way about fishing concepts ?? Every fishing expedition needs a PLAN.
Its important when we go “Fishing for the Souls of Men”, that we think in similar terms. That’s what why Jesus used that metaphor and we can draw out similar parallels, and help us make a PLAN.
WHERE – Where will we meet people ? Will they be there ? Is it someones home or business ? it it our home or business ? a cafe perhaps ?
WHO – Do we know them ? Do we have a relationship with them ? Are they strangers to use ? How will we reach them ? Is it ONE person we are wanting to talk to ? is it MANY people we want to talk to all at once ?
WHEN – When will be go ? When we are invited ? A specific time ? are we able to be time flexible ? Does something else need to happen before the people arrive ?
EQUIPMENT / PREPARATION – What to we tools do we need to prepare or bring ? Do we need to fast and pray ? Do we need to bring cakes, food or biscuits ? Musical instruments ?
BAIT – What is it that we are going to say or share that will captivate the people we want to go talk to ? have we got something prepared ? Will we wait on the Holy Spirit ?
ACTION – Do the work, don’t put it off for another day. Nothing happens if you don’t do the work.
PATIENCE – This is a “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. We need to be patient when we are going out to talk to people and fish for “souls”.
INTENTION – Be steadfast with the intention to go, and expect to see results.
The main thing with this story is that we have INTENTION and we are PREPARED…, and then we actually “GO”… do the work, and be patient.
If you dont succeed, keep trying because that’s what fishermen do.
Happy fishing !!
Evangelism in the NT
Every believer is called to evangelize.
In Ephesian 4:11-12 Paul writes “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.
What Paul is telling is that every believer is called to perform ministry and that Jesus has sent people with special gifts to the Church to help TRAIN and EQUIP us for the task ahead. This includes “evangelism” .
When a traditional Church says to itself “Let us do an outreach into the local community, so therefore let us call the Evangelist to do the work”. This is incorrect. What Paul is telling us is this… “Let us do an outreach into the local community, so therefore let us call the Evangelist to EQUIP US ALL to do the work”.
If you don’t feel equipped to do Evangelism in any shape or form, it’s important that you recognize that it’s God’s will for you to do it, and God’s will for you to be EQUIPPED to be successful.
If you are not confident in this area we are able to train and coach and demonstrate to others how to grow in this area. We would love to help you if you are teachable and willing to learn.
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