Rocket Science Evangelism

By Ken McCoy | JumpStart Ministries | Charlotte, North Carolina

You might say that I’m a professional Christian. My whole life is wrapped up in ministry. Church, youth ministry, Christian music, worship services, and Christian events combine to overfill my schedule. I hang out with Christian teenagers, youth leaders, musicians, pastors, church staff, and church members. About the only non-Christians I ever encounter are the people at the checkstands in stores.

This kind of situation might seem like Heaven on earth for some. But, I have a strong evangelistic mindset. I’m convinced that evangelism is the only Christian activity that has a time limit. Other Christian activities – worship, fellowship, learning, and so on – we will continue in Heaven. Forever. Evangelism can only take place here and now. In eternity, evangelism is no longer operative.

That means that I have to intentionally break out of my Christian confines.

One way I can accomplish this is through my appreciation for World War II pilots and their planes. I’m the Chaplain for the 352^nd Fighter Group – men who flew their blue-nosed P-51 Mustangs against Germany. Unfortunately, even though I have my pilot’s license, I can’t afford to fly those beautiful old birds. Yet, I find a way to do it anyway. On my computer. Online.

Youth Leaders Only 117’s theme is “EVANGELISM: IMPORTANT THINGS ARE NEVER EASY. Join now and get all the “evangelism” themed articles included!

I participated for several years in a massive-multiplayer WWII flight simulation called Warbirds. In the process, I’ve befriended several of my online wingmen. One was Mike, a rocket scientist who worked for the Air Force. To Mike, I was “Parson” – and to me, he was always “Tapeworm.” (Those are our “call signs” in the Warbirds game.) Mike was a private pilot too. Unfortunately, he was killed doing what he loved: flying. I miss him dearly, but I am convinced I will see him again. Here’s why…

One beautiful Easter Sunday afternoon, Mike flew a small plane down to where I lived in San Diego and together we flew out to Borrego Springs – a small oasis in a nearby desert. Sitting in a little café at the airport, sipping milkshakes and munching on fries, I asked him, “Tapeworm, you’re a rocket scientist, and today is Easter. What does a rocket scientist think of this holiday? How does someone like you relate to the event of a man named Jesus coming back to life after a brutal execution?” That sparked a conversation that went on for two and a half hours.

The long discussion about Jesus, faith, science, miracles, life, and death seemed to be significant for Mike. He later mentioned that our conversation was when his faith started moving from a “religion” to a “relationship” with God. We had many other conversations about faith and Jesus, and I watched Mike’s relationship with God grow – a relationship that makes me confident I’ll see him again.

Are you trapped in a Christian-only world? Is evangelism something you know about but don’t do? Are you looking for a way to encourage your young friends to influence their friends to consider believing in Jesus? Maybe this issue of Youth Leaders Only will help! It is crammed with insights, resources, and materials that you’ll find indispensable in your ministry with teenagers. My hope and my prayer is that you will use these resources wisely and that you and your young friends will influence your friends for eternity!