Ministry in a Secular Age featuring Dr. Andrew Root Evangelism Isn't Wellness - Evangelism in an Age of Despair
Apr 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Root, a theologian and author focused on culture and youth ministry, challenges conventional views on evangelism. He argues that it transcends mere wellness or therapy, positing it as a profound, counter-cultural action. Root shares insights on how genuine consolation stems from shared sorrow and transforms into spiritual growth. He critiques wellness culture, highlighting its obsession with productivity over true self-worth. This conversation redefines evangelism in a world aching for authentic connection.
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Evangelism as Consolation
- Evangelism should be reframed as a ministry of consolation, deeply sharing in others' sorrow with community support.
- Unlike therapy, consolation journeys with the sorrow, finding God's presence inside suffering, not just a quick fix.
Wellness Culture Fails Sorrow
- A woman immersed in wellness culture felt utterly alone when her father died; even her yoga instructor offered no true consolation.
- This highlights wellness culture's failure to provide real community presence in grief.
Consolation is a Pilgrimage
- Therapy often expects instrumental results like feeling better or coping.
- Consolation demands being a pilgrim on a spiritual path, embracing sorrow ad diem, meaning "to God" and also "goodbye."
