Lessons from Luke on Communicating the Gospel

Honestly, Luke is my favorite Gospel as I really like the way he communicates the story of Christ. As he begins the book, he sets forth several things about why he was writing in the manner in which he did. Luke's style offers us some clear ways to understand how we can better communicate the Gospel. Here is what Luke says was his intent in writing:

"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught". Luke 1:1-4

Here are the things we can learn about communication of the gospel story:

• Details Matter - Luke says that he had followed all things closely for a while. The details of the story of Christ matter. Don't skip over things. Knowing the details allows us to communicate more effectively.
• Incarnational Communication - Luke says that the message came from eyewitnesses who had already started compiling a narrative about Christ's life. This is not some made up story we have faith in but came from those who saw and heard it all and passed it down to us. The gospel is told best by a life that is living out faith.
• A Story for Future Generations - The eyewitnesses told the story and it has come to Luke who is in turn passing the story on to Theophilus. Here we are 2000 years later continuing the story.
• Long View of Evangelism - Theophilus may have still had questions or doubts so Luke took the next step in the communication of the story by writing it down for him. As we tell the story of Jesus to those we know, it is important for us to find new ways to communicate the story to those we have met. Don't give up so fast on them but find new ways to invest and speak.
• Establish a Certainty of Faith - Luke wanted his friend to have a certainty about the things he had been taught. That is the goal all of us in ministry must strive for - that those we lead to be sure of what they believe.

These things can help us be much better in leading our ministries.