The Come to Jesus Moment for Evangelicals

In many evangelical churches, a 'come to Jesus' moment is often seen as a defining experience where individuals have a profound emotional encounter with God. This can manifest in various ways, such as through prayer, worship, or even a dramatic change in behavior. However, not everyone who grows up in these communities has the same experience. For some, this moment may come later in life, while for others, it may never arrive at all.

Jon Ward, a political journalist and author, grew up in an evangelical church in Washington D.C. During his formative years, he was immersed in a culture that emphasized emotional experiences and fervor as a sign of devotion to God. As a child, he recalls being dedicated by his parents in a baptismal ceremony, which was a significant event in the eyes of his community.

However, as Ward grew older, he began to question the authenticity of this experience. He felt pressured to conform to certain expectations within his church community, fearing that if he didn't demonstrate sufficient emotional fervor, he would be viewed as 'lukewarm' or even worse, damned to hell. This created a sense of anxiety and uncertainty, which ultimately led him to re-examine his faith and the teachings of his church.

Ward's experience is not unique, as many evangelicals have reported feeling forced into emotional displays of devotion or experiencing guilt for not measuring up to their community's expectations. In some cases, this pressure can lead individuals to feel trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, making it difficult for them to question the authority of their church leaders or the teachings of the Bible.

For Ward, his journey away from his evangelical upbringing was marked by a desire to navigate the complexities of the outside world. As he pursued a career in journalism, he learned how to interrogate assumptions and challenge authority, eventually leading him to leave his faith altogether. While this decision fractured his family relationships, it also allowed him to discover new perspectives and experiences that challenged his earlier beliefs.

In conclusion, Ward's story highlights the complexities of evangelical culture and the pressure to conform to certain expectations within these communities. His experience serves as a reminder that not everyone who grows up in an evangelical church will have a similar 'come to Jesus' moment, and that questioning authority and tradition can be a necessary step towards personal growth and self-discovery.

Come to jesus moment for evangelicals