Dear friend,

     Likely, you are here because you share the concern of our evangelists that it is imperative we become increasingly focused on the spread of the gospel in a skeptical age. As I'm sure you would agree, such ministries as these evangelists offer are extremely valuable in the midst of our western culture which is growing more hostile to a conservative Christian message each year. For this reason, it brings me great joy that you are reading this. Fellow believers, such as you, enable Southern Baptist evangelists to exercise their gift as we partner together in ministry. I see this partnership as vital.

     Because of the abundance of strange religious communities in America today, many individuals in congregations everywhere maintain very serious misunderstandings about biblical salvation. Evangelists have a unique gift of ironing out these truths and explaining them in a way that is easily digestible for people of every demographic. This is certainly not to say that the wonderful pastors of our churches do not share evangelistic concerns. Nevertheless, when a pastor and an evangelist work in symphony, it is astonishing to witness the way God moves in the lives of some spiritually confused souls. Gifted evangelists are also of great help in preparing the church for the culture of today which can be very anti-Christian.

     For the first time in the history of the United States, real atheism has become a real option for young people. No longer is a disregard for Christianity and the existence a loving God, merely something that young people talk about to annoy their parents. In the 21st century, this sort of naturalism has become a socially acceptable position for an individual to adopt. Often adult believers either 1) are not aware of this, or 2) do not recognize that they are in a position to remedy the situation. Pastors, parents and grandparents in urban and rural settings are sometimes the only defense against the ongoing assault on the faith of our young. The regular use of gifted evangelists is, I believe, a great asset to the local church in preparing Christians for this endeavor and penetrating the secular mindset of many unbelievers.

     For all of these reasons and more, the evangelists of COSBE are passionate and willing to serve with you. It is no secret that there are many negative stereotypes that exist with regard to evangelists. There is no lack of charicatures created by critics who seek to discredit and mock this God-ordained office. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the case that the stereotypes correctly portray certain individuals. This is why I urge you to consider scheduling one of our trusted Southern Baptist evangelists who have submitted themselves for our investigation and demonstrated their faithfulness. Once again, I am delighted that you visited with us today. May God direct you in planning for your next evangelistic event

God bless you,

Braxton Hunter

President

Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists