Resilience in Witnessing: Strategies for Today’s Church with Rev. Chad Lakies

Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, the Vice President of Ministry Engagement for Lutheran Hour Ministries, joins us to elucidate the imperative of outreach within contemporary church contexts. His extensive experience as a former non-believer enriches his insights, fostering a unique understanding of how to effectively engage individuals who are distanced from faith. In our discourse, we delve into his forthcoming publication, "How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times," which serves as a comprehensive guide for churches striving to cultivate genuine connections and articulate their faith amidst societal challenges. We explore the necessity of relational trust-building as a fundamental component of effective evangelism, countering the prevalent confrontational approaches that often alienate rather than invite. Ultimately, our conversation underscores the profound potential for churches to navigate the complexities of a secular age by embodying a winsome and authentic Christian witness.

In this episode, Dr. Lakies shares his transformative journey from a nominally Christian upbringing to becoming a leader in the church, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his faith. He recounts how his involvement in music led him to connect with a Lutheran church community, which ultimately played a significant role in his conversion. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of community and belonging on the faith journey. Furthermore, Dr. Lakies discusses his new book, "How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times," where he addresses the challenges faced by the church in a secular age and offers practical strategies for resilient witnessing amid societal changes.

Takeaways:

• Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies emphasizes the importance of outreach in ministry, with a particular focus on forming personal connections with non-believers.
• His transition from a non-believer to a church leader provides a unique perspective on engaging with those outside the faith.
• The book 'How the Light Shines Through Resilient Witness in Dark Times' addresses the challenges of contemporary culture for the church.
• Lakis advocates for building relationships of trust over confrontational evangelism methods, suggesting a more relational approach to outreach.
• He identifies the current secular age as a time of implausibility, emphasizing the need for authentic Christian living to attract others.
• The podcast underscores that resilience in witnessing involves finding ways to connect with people, even in a polarized society.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cph
• amazon
• bookshop
• barnesandnoble
• christianbook

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Lutheran Hour Ministries
• Concordia Publishing House
• Concordia University
• University of Michigan