Yesterday Jill and I had the chance to visit a unique ministry site in Carrol, Ohio. A ministry led by Pastor Kevin Seymour called, Three Strands, meets at this location. The setting is kind of a biker hangout and fight club all together. Most of the interior is painted black, but a closer look reveals signs of the gospel everywhere. The walls have some murals that depict salvation and the battle of good versus evil. There are cold water therapy tanks that double as baptismals when a biker or fighter comes to Christ. The boxing ring has “Jesus Saves” on two of the corner pads, and Psalm 144 and John 3:18 adorn some of the signage. Most prominent is a banner over the entrance that reads, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” from Ephesians four.
Pastor Kevin has a right hand man there, Jeff Davis. Out of a personal season of tragedy, Jeff found Jesus and has never looked back. He is a determined evangelist and is consistently winning people to Jesus, right there in the fight club.
Here is what I want you to hear from this visit. Jeff Davis and I couldn’t appear to be more different. We grew in different environments. Our experiences seem miles apart. The places where I hang out usually aren’t painted black and populated with super tough guys. I had on my preacher clothes and Jeff his biker/fighter wear. Yet, in spite of all the apparent differences, we share the common bond that Jesus’ redemption offers. I loved standing with Jeff and Pastor Kevin under the banner that said, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.” Jeff, Pastor Kevin, and I (and all of you) are in the same business—the business of bringing Jesus to those in our circle of influence. Brother Jeff is excelling in this regard. I was humbled to be in his presence.
Pastor, as you survey your congregation, are there folks with hobbies that might provide new horizons for evangelism? Are there unlikely locations where the seeds of gospel might spring up into new life? Are you looking past something that Jesus is attempting to bring to your attention?
In your ordination, the General Superintendent said (or will say) over you, “Take thou authority, preach the word…” I say “Amen,” and would add, do it in the most likely and unlikely places where the Spirit leads.
~ Sam
