The Edge of the Kingdom with Mike Edwards

www.liveproxima.org

Chad is thrilled to sit down with his long time friend, Mike Edwards to talk about living near the edge of the Kingdom of God. They discuss the mission of Proxima, a nonprofit aimed at helping Christians express the gospel in challenging environments. They explore the importance of listening, understanding cultural differences, and personalizing the gospel experience. The discussion emphasizes love as the core of evangelism and the need to shift from precepts to personal relationships. They also address the complexities of spirituality in secular contexts and the metrics of personal faithfulness versus organizational success. In this conversation, Mike Edwards discusses the evolution of teaching and influence in the context of spirituality and evangelism. He emphasizes the importance of listening to others, understanding different spiritual beliefs, and reframing the gospel to focus on love rather than being right. Mike shares insights on how to live out the gospel in everyday life, the role of grace in salvation, and the significance of community in faith. He introduces Proxima, an initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding in a diverse world, and highlights the broader impact of the gospel beyond individual salvation.Chapters00:00 Personal Experiences and Relationships02:20 Living in San Francisco: A Personal Journey05:21 Fear and Misconceptions about Urban Areas08:11 The Importance of Personal Relationships11:22 Transformation and Calling16:16 Understanding Cultural Context in Evangelism20:02 The Challenge of Evangelism in Secular Spaces23:45 Metrics vs. Personal Effectiveness in Ministry27:56 Reframing the Gospel Beyond Salvation32:24 Listening and Engaging with Spiritual Seekers35:52 Living Out the Gospel in Everyday Life42:13 The Glory of God in Salvation44:34 Proxima's Mission and Community Engagement47:50 Evangelism as a Collective Effort50:38 The Ripple Effect of the Gospel53:26 Changing Perspectives on the Gospel58:30 Hope in the Kingdom of God