Podcast Episode 7 with Mark Spence

The transcript is from an episode of the Bibles and Bullhorns podcast hosted by Jonathan Morris of Iron Outreach in Pottsville, PA and Jon Neifert of Tulip Gospel Outreach in Pella, IA. This episode features Mark Spence, Senior Vice President of Living Waters ministry and host of the Living Waters podcast, as they discuss evangelism, the gospel, and social issues.

Key Points:

Introduction and Background of Mark Spence:

• Discussed Mark’s ministry work with Living Waters, his podcast, and his role in evangelism projects.

Evangelism Project: “What Is It?”

• A pro-life film addressing abortion, featuring interviews and moral dilemmas to challenge public perceptions.
• The project emphasizes the need to determine the identity of the unborn (“What is it?”) before discussing its morality.
• Mark shared personal stories, like interacting with a man supporting Black Lives Matter to highlight inconsistencies in his views on abortion.

Importance of the Gospel in Evangelism:

• Mark emphasized the necessity of incorporating the gospel into every outreach effort, rejecting advice to exclude it for broader appeal.

Evangelism Styles:

• Discussed differences in approaches among Living Waters team members.
• Mark prefers intellectual discussions and moral dilemmas to engage with individuals, contrasting with open-air preaching styles.

Challenges in Evangelism:

• Shared experiences of personal reluctance and overcoming stage fright in evangelistic efforts.
• Provided practical tips for parents to train their children in evangelism through everyday moments and modeling Christlike behavior.

Reflections on the Ministry’s Impact:

• Mark shared anecdotes of surprising connections with prominent figures, like Brock Purdy (NFL quarterback) following Living Waters’ content.
• Highlighted the global reach of Living Waters, including interactions with musicians, athletes, and other public figures.

Open-Air Preaching:

• Mark explained why he and Ray Comfort prioritize one-on-one evangelism in modern contexts due to its broader digital reach via YouTube and social media.

Final Message:

• Emphasized obedience to God in evangelism, prioritizing the gospel, and trusting Him with the results.

The hosts thanked Mark for sharing insights, reaffirming the importance of gospel outreach. The episode concluded with a call to listeners to share the gospel.