http://oakesministries.org - My New Site

[Luke Oakes]

Dear friends,

Well another year of college is almost complete at NBC. This summer I plan to follow God’s Call and begin my ministry as an evangelist. When I look at the uphill battle I face, I know that I cannot do it on my own. Who would take a chance at having an untested guy host a revival in their church? That is why I need your help. I believe that God has gifted me to preach His message, but I need support and experience before I can be effective.

As fellow Christians, would you do something for me? Would you check out my new website, and see what my ministry is about. I will always remain open to advice and constructive criticism. Secondly, would you share your opinions and observations of the site and how I may improve it? In the same way, on my home page, I have placed a link to a sermon that shows the style God has given me to share His Word. I would appreciate any suggestions on my style of delivery as well. And finally, could you promote me to your churches. This ministry can not begin without your support.

The website is: http://oakesministries.org
Direct link to sermon: http://www.nbc.edu/chapel/streaming-media.php?year=2007-2008
Title: The Boldness of Christ – I start to preach at the 10 minute mark. It is 15 minutes long.

Your Brother in Christ,

Luke

[Mike Schutz]

Luke, Greetings!
I will do what you ask. Just wanted you to know that I am glad to see you back.

[Donna Adams]

Luke: gets some recommendations for your ministry and list them to your website.
Joe Warrington was my daughter and son in law's pastor while they were at NBC a few years ago. Ask Joe and Joy about Gideon!!

[Luke Oakes]

Thanks for the idea. Joe Warrington is my current pastor. I am learning how to preach by watching him. I will say hi to them for you.

Has anyone watched my sermon?

[Terri Knoll]

keeping you and your family in prayer

Gods richest blessings,
Terri

[Luke Oakes]

Thank you

[Dave McClung]

Thank you

Hello, Luke. I listened to your sermon -- goood job. I think you have promise. You were obviously well prepared and did an effective job of presentation. Keep up the good work.

I do have one bit of advice. When you are preaching, get rid of that cell phone or what ever was hanging from your belt. Things like that tend to distract. Your goal should be eye contact. When something distracts people from your eyes, it is harder to hold their attention to what you are saying.

[David Pettigrew]

Hi Luke,

I watched the service in it's entirety. Here are some thoughts.

1) It's a good idea to provide video of your preaching. We touched on this in the "Evangelists Perspective" thread, which I'd encourage you to read.

2) Your sermon was biblically based and well-delivered - two things I would expect from an evangelist preaching in my pulpit. Good job on that count.

3) I agree that our response to God's mercy should be boldness in showing that mercy to others. That's a message we need to hear.

4) I liked the response element. Having people come forward and do something active (ie. light a candle) is better than just a generic "if God has spoken to you come and pray."

5) Now for the "constructive criticism" part. Did you select the video that preceded your message? I have to be honest - that would be a deal breaker for me. I'd never permit it to be shown in my local church. I'll be honest that it was a challenge to listen to everything afterwards while trying to process it.

Blessings as you seek to fulfill His call,
dp

[Luke Oakes]

I agree. I did not select the video. The service was a joint effort by the student council. My sole part in the process was the sermon. In regards to the "cell phone" thingy on my belt, it was the microphone. I will try to do a better job in hiding it. Thank you all for your observances. Do you know any church that would allow me to present the Message? This first revival will be the hardest one to accomplish.

[Luke Oakes]

I have only had three people comment about my website and sermon. Does anyone else have any feedback.

[Hans Deventer]

I have only had three people comment about my website and sermon. Does anyone else have any feedback.

Luke, unless you were targeting churches in our district (which I think is unlikely and since so far, we never had evangelists speak, probably not wise either), I don't think my opinion is relevant for you. That is why I didn't look nor gave a reaction.

[Luke Oakes]

We never had evangelists speak.

Did I hear you right that your district does not hold revivals in their churches? Is that a new development or an old presupposition? I thought that our denomination has always promoted revivals for spiritual growth in the church. I have been told that the "evangelist" is a dying breed. They say that this is because churches do not want to spend money on a preacher. My response to that is this. I was saved by an evangelist. I was called to fulltime ministry through an evangelist. And I was sanctified though yet another. Revivals allow the Holy Spirit to wake up the stagnant Christians in the church. It also provides heavy outreach to the community. Other then Money, why would you not hold revivals for your church?

[David Pettigrew]

To answer your question, might I once again suggest you read these threads:

http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php?t=18200&highlight=Evangelists+perspective

http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php?t=4118&highlight=Evangelists+perspective

[Ryan Scott]

Luke,

Hans is in the Netherlands. There's not quite the same cultural connection and history to revivalism there as there is here.

[Luke Oakes]

Oh, I thought he was in the states. sorry.

[Barbara Phillips]

Luke,

I looked at your video.

You did a good job.

The only thing I would recommend would be to not point so much.

Also on your web site I was wondering what your teachings on Sunday School would be that you had in consultation section?

I wish you the best in your ministry.

One of the professors at NBC use to be on our District which was Dr. Tom Umbel.

Also our Pastor's son in law is at NBC studying for the ministry.

I like revivals.

Your Sister In Christ,

[Luke Oakes]

I see Dr. Umbel every Monday night for class, I will say hi for you.

[Hans Deventer]

Did I hear you right that your district does not hold revivals in their churches? Is that a new development or an old presupposition?

The CotN in the Netherlands started out in 1967. Not led by missionaries, but by Dutch people who recognized their own experience in the theology of the CotN. We've never had revivals like the US knows them. Our largest church (850 members) never even had an evangelism committee.

PS. On each of my messages it says in the top right corner where my location is. It's not a secret.