UMs get tools in Corpus Christi to help offer Christ to all

Don Lloyd (right), First UMC, Del Rio,
shares a “salvation card” with a
custodian at the Bayfront Plaza
Convention Center in Corpus Christi
last week.

By Julie A. Wiley
Staff Writer
United Methodist leaders received tools last week in Corpus Christi to put the new “Offering Christ to All” vision statement immediately into action.
The Evangelism Team of the Board of Discipleship gave each clergy and laity member of the June 2-5 Southwest Texas Annual Conference session six “salvation cards.” Three were printed in English, three in Spanish.
The pocket-sized cards were designed to be conversation starters, not tracts to be left on a table, said instructions that came with the outreach tools.
“We hope you’ll take the personal responsibility to engage someone in a discipling relationship,” the instructions said. That could be done in Corpus Christi or at home.
The cards include the Lord’s Prayer, references to biblical passages that address key faith questions and a place for a name and phone number that seekers can call for more information.
“The card is not copyrighted, so you’re encouraged to make copies and use them as the Lord leads you to make a difference in people’s lives,” the instructions said.
The Rev. Emet Huntsman, pastor of Fannin/Telferner UMCs, said he believes salvation cards are powerful witness tools that can get the salvation message out to others.
“God will use anything that is designed to promote the kingdom of God,” Huntsman said. “Salvation cards can help Christians reach out to others. They’re good to help people to think about their future. If Christians have a heart for witnessing frequently, tracts are an effective way to share your faith in Christ.”
Bryan Rogers of Asbury UMC, Corpus Christi, said salvation cards could surely lead someone to God’s salvation.
“I’ve passed out tracts before, too,” he said. “Christians can use them as a guide to help share the gospel with others. Tracts can also do the talking for you if you’re too shy or afraid to speak.”
Stewart Allen of Oak Island UMC, San Antonio, said, “Gospel tracts are just another witness tool Christians can use to share the gospel message with the lost in our communities. There have been times when people have come to repentance and to Christ after reading a tract. I’ve seen it. Some people really do respond to them.”
Dan Lloyd of First UMC, Del Rio, agreed.
“It’s another great way to get the gospel out to the unchurched,” Lloyd said. “It’s a way to reach the lost. People shouldn’t be afraid to be rejected because they’re not rejecting you; they’re rejecting Christ. If the person doesn’t want it, then that’s OK.”
Kim Hinnant of Lytle UMC called the salvation cards “a great way of sharing the gospel with unbelievers.”
“A friend of mine shared Jesus with a dying man who came to Christ before his death because he read the tract,” Hinnant said. “We are to be fishers of men and share Christ with everyone, everywhere we go. If we’re ashamed of Christ, he shall be ashamed of us.”
Every Christian is called to share the gospel message with others, Hinnant said.
That’s our mission on earth,” she said. “The church should be fishing for men and women regularly. Christ commanded us to do so.”