Ep8. Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
In this eighth episode special of The Berean Bookclub, we interview pastor Ludwig Alberts on Gospel Fluency, written by pastor and author Jeff Vanderstelt.
In his book, Jeff's primary concern is how we may learn to speak the gospel to ourselves and others... fluently. His argument is, that just like the most effective way to learn a new language is to be immersed in a community that speaks that language, in order for us to become people who are fluent in speaking the gospel we must be immersed in a community that speaks the language. To put it another way: we learn through immersion. Jeff's starting point is that we are all unbelievers. Meaning, that through the everyday stuff of life we often find ourselves not trusting in the truths of the gospel. This is where the need for fluency in the gospel comes from as we seek to direct our wandering hearts toward the truths and promises of the gospel. After setting out what the gospel is (part 2), he thinks through three spheres: ourselves (part 3), the Christian community (part 4) and those who have yet to trust in Christ (part 5). For each of these areas, he considers practical and intentional ways in which we create a culture which is immersed in the gospel and speak the truths of Jesus into everyday life. Jeff gives us a portrait of a community grounded on the gospel in a way we can't help but be attracted to.
In this episode, we speak with Ludwig through the concept of unbelief and how to move toward belief, how our conversations reveal what we really love, how Gospel Fluency may influence a pastor's way of doing church, simple ways to foster affection for Jesus in ourselves and how winning people for Jesus is more important than winning arguments.