By Mark Maynard, Today in Kentucky
With its classic midway food vendors, activities, livestock shows, and community booths, the Boone County Fair attracts thousands of people every summer. However, the focus of one booth is on something much more timeless than blue ribbons.
Burlington Baptist Church positioned their exhibit with the intention of making an impression as well as being visible. Over two dozen church members spent the week sharing the gospel with onlookers, armed with fresh evangelism training. They weren’t working in vain. The team recorded over 100 gospel talks by Friday morning, and on Wednesday night, five people professed their faith.
The outreach initiative was spearheaded by Burlington Baptist’s student and young adult pastor, Jonathan Brewster.
We have been doing it for a number of years, and in the last few years, we have been promoting an evangelical approach.
The Burlington squad persevered in spite of the intense heat that somewhat reduced the overall fair attendance. According to Brewster, hundreds of people pass our booth each night. We make an effort to talk to anybody who pauses for even a second. Sometimes the question is straightforward: Do you attend church? and it makes room for more in-depth discussion.
Brewster recognized the anxiety that evangelism frequently causes.
According to what I constantly say, it’s one fearful person revealing to another scared person who Jesus is. However, we’ve discovered that people are more open than we anticipated. No one has been impolite; most people are honest and even inquisitive.
Brewster met with the team every evening to provide motivation and helpful coaching. They were prepared with various materials and conversation starters to facilitate their organic sharing of their religion. He stated, “We’re trying to be a light in the darkness.”
Pastor Josh Schmidt, who has prioritized evangelism since joining Burlington Baptist over two years ago, is reflected in the outreach. According to Brewster, the church is imitating him.
“Seeing the church fulfill the Great Commission is powerful,” he remarked. Burlington Baptist isn’t being promoted. The goal is to lead them to Christ. We are all working together for the Kingdom, and other churches are doing the same. Being a part of it is a blessing.
Burlington Baptist would be a serious candidate for the blue ribbon for eternal impact, which is given out at the Boone County Fair for prize pies, cattle, and crafts.