The Sower
Jesus taught in John 4 that there are 3 primary actions required in producing a crop: Cultivating, Sowing (Planting), and Reaping the Harvest. At Grace Church, we have used the first three letters of each word (C-P-R) to teach the process of evangelism.
While our reading text deals primarily with Sowing, we can't forget that a whole lot of Cultivating must first take place: turning over the rocky soil, fertilizing, removing weeds, and keeping an eye open for pestilence.
In evangelism, we CULTIVATE our relationships as we spend time listening to people's stories, to find common ground and identify a person’s values. As issues emerge, we will want to share biblical examples and appropriate scripture that communicate truth corresponding to the values we’ve surfaced in our discussions with a person.
This allows us to love and serve people while continuing to pray for them. In this process, we can begin to answer honest questions and objections about God, the Bible, and Church.
Jesus taught that Cultivating requires time and patience. If done lovingly, it will allow us to sow the right seeds, at the right time, and in the right manner.