Whether you are a new Christian wanting to learn how to share your faith biblically or you are a seasoned mature believer, there is one evangelistic event you need to attend — Pella Tulip Time Gospel Outreach. This year it will be held from May 4 through May 6, 2023.
Located about 1 hour southwest of Des Moines in Pella, Iowa it is the home of a large network of Dutch Reformed Christian churches. Every year from the first Thursday through Saturday of May, people from all over the world come to celebrate the rich Dutch heritage of the town. Every year of the festival, the town grows from 10,500 to over 250,000! That is a lot of people, and many of them probably have never heard the gospel even once.
Jon Neifert, Founder of Tulip Gospel Outreach, leads this evangelistic event every year for the past several years and has grown it into what it is today: a first-class conference-style learning experience that is hands-on, fun, and engaging. This event is so popular among evangelists, that it has been highlighted in season 8 of the Way of the Master Television show, teaching people how to share the gospel biblically. So, let’s jump right into it as I will tell you several reasons why I love this event, and why you will too.
Reason 1: First-class conference teaching from experts in evangelism and creation science
First of all, you don’t go out into the festival blindsided, but equipped and ready to share your faith with experts in the study of evangelism and creation science. Every festival starts with conference style teaching that gets you motivated to go out and tell others. Some of the event headliners in the past were:
- Eddie Roman of Living Waters Ministries. Director and Producer of the Way of the Master Television show, and Author of Search and Rescue: Guiding Unbelievers to the Savior.
- Dr. Robert Carter from Creation.com has a Ph.D in Marine Biology who is also very involved in researching human genetics as it relates to our biblical roots.
- Dr. Jason Lisle of Answers In Genesis is a world renown Astrophysicist, public speaker; and Author of over many Christian and creation science books, articles, and blogs.
- Tony Ramsek of Answers in Genesis and Founder of “What Does The Scripture Say“, where he trains and equips people to go out and share their faith.
This year’s main speaker will be Dr. Anthony Silvestro, D.D.S. of Striving for Eternity will be teaching on presuppositional apologetics and how to share the gospel biblically and how to answer any objection to the Christian worldview. Don’t know what presuppositional apologetics is? Come and find out.
But it is not only about the teaching, but interacting on a one-on-one basis with the guest speakers: asking questions and actually going out and witnessing alongside them as they share their faith at the Pella Tulip Time Festival.
Reason 2: Witnessing alongside experts in evangelism and apologetics
Not only will you learn from these leaders in an auditorium style atmosphere, but also experience a hands-on approach as well. You will see firsthand how witnessing is done, taught on a one-on-one basis, and witness alongside experts and group leaders as they share their faith. Then share the gospel yourself as they are closely listening and aiding in your approach.
Most people are leery to go out and share their faith because they are afraid of not knowing the answer to questions or not knowing what to say. This training provides you with every tool to do it effectively and without fear. This is hands-on training that you will not be able to get anywhere else, or could cost you thousands of dollars to be a part of.
Reason 3: Tracts and witnessing materials provided
There is no need to buy tracts, and get the latest gadgets and tools to witness and share your faith on the streets of Pella, IA. All tracts and materials will be provided. A freewill offering of $25 for individuals and $60 for families is appreciated, and will not even come close to what this training really does cost.
There are also a plethora of books and materials that can be purchased from speakers and leaders at the event to motivate you to share the gospel year-round. Books on creation science, evangelism, and more. All at a discounted price.
Reason 4: Learn to conquer your fears in a safe environment
My Grandfather used to say, “There’s only two things that fall from the sky; bird crap and fools.” Now, I’m not saying that skydiving is dangerous; but if you want to conquer your fears, start with something a little less drastic.
We are all commanded by the Lord Jesus to, “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Not only will you be with people who have done it before, but you are surrounded by 250,000 other people, some of which are police officers. Jon Neifert has been involved with the leaders of Pella Tulip Time and they know who he is, and what we are doing; there’s no surprise there. The town is founded on Christian principles and made up of Reformed Christian Churches, all of which are open to the gospel being presented. All the groundwork has been laid; and we have an open door like no other to share the gospel without fear of being assaulted, killed, or locked up in a police car. You cannot ask for a better scenario.
Reason 5: Network with Evangelists and Ministry Leaders
If you are serious in wanting to learn evangelism and how to share the gospel, you cannot do it in a vacuum; discipleship takes other people. With that, you learn from those who have done it, and show others who are new to the process.
But it’s not only what you have to gain or give, but the fellowship and friendships that come out of it. When people step out of their comfort zones and suffer together, tight bonds are formed. You start doing ministry together, you are not alone. The same people you are ministering with are the same people that usually go to other evangelistic events. You see them often, and get to know them. You share stories, ask opinions, learn and grow together. You share tactics; laugh, cry, and pray together. It’s tight.
Why did Jesus send His disciples out in pairs? Even though it is not discussed directly in scripture, there may be several reasons for this. The testimony of a credible witness takes two or more people (1 Corinthians 14:29; 2 Corinthians 13:1). The testimony of one person is not sufficient to convict of murder (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6) and two or three witnesses were required in order to establish that a person committed a sin worthy of punishment (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus wanted if not needed the testimony of at least two to properly announce His kingdom on earth and offer further credibility and authority to what is said.
Not only that but we need help from each other. There is so much value in having someone there with you, not only for protection, guidance, and help answering questions; but also, emotional support, prayer, and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit together.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV
‘Jesus gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, and for the edification of the body of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:11-12). Learning and growing from each other is a major part of our sanctification and was never meant to do alone. Having a person with you to minister with is important. Start that journey at Pella Tulip Time.
Reason 6: It’s fun
Sharing your faith at Pella Tulip Time is fun; sometimes it is absolutely hilarious. I have had so many great and memorable conversations while out here. I love to lighten the mood by making a joke and making people smile.
Since I am introverted, I have a hard time starting conversation. To get over this, I go to the edge of the canal that runs through the square and I take people’s pictures. They want me to take it. If someone comes over trying to take a selfie with their friend, I offer to take it for them. If they say, ‘No’ or show hesitation, I make a joke and then they want me to take it. I say things like:
- “I’m slow. I think you can catch me.” (I like saying this to elderly women. They get a kick out of it.)
- “My wife says I can do two things really well: take pictures and pick out watermelon.” Which is true actually.
- “This isn’t like National Lampoon’s European Vacation when I tell you to get in the water because it’s going to add to the ambiance and I take off with your phone.” (I was really wanting to talk to this one guy and he wasn’t buying it. I prayed in my head and the Lord gave me that line. We were both laughing hard.)
Like I asked someone last year in my group, “who told you this had to be hard? Who told you this had to be stressful and you can’t enjoy it?”
“Satan,” he responded. This realization and saying the quiet part outloud emboldned him like nothing else.
Satan is a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44). We are not to listen to him or heed his warnings. That’s what got us all in trouble in the first place.
Be creative. Laugh often. Enjoy sharing the gospel.
Reason 7: It’s life-changing
You not only see an unbeliever’s spiritual understanding widened for the first time, but you see lives changed right before your eyes. What you are doing may have an impact on their family for generations. You share the gospel with a teenage boy; he gets saved and then marries a Christian girl. They have kids, their kids grow up in the faith and have kids of their own. There are disciples that are made longer than you will ever be alive, all because you took the time to share Jesus with one kid. That’s just a fraction of the power of the gospel that we can’t even fathom. That’s just the beginning of those being saved from hell and God’s wrath through the power and blood of Jesus Christ.
But as a Group Leader, I get to see Christian lives changed as well. I see scared sheep become bold lions during this event. I get to witness Christians overcome their fear and break the sound-barrier for the first time in their lives. I get very emotional when those who tell me “I can’t” or “I won’t” shut out the lies of the enemy and go, and do it, and they wonder why they never did it before.
Pella Tulip Time Outreach is not only amazing, but it’s life-changing; for those you talk to, to Christians who you serve with, to those you’ll never meet, and for yourself. After this event, you’ll never want to stop.
Sign up today at: https://www.tulipgospeloutreach.org/events/event/pella-tulip-time-gospel-outreach-2023
There you will find the overview of the event, schedule, speaker information and more. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Click on the REGISTRATION BUTTON in the article to sign up. It helps Leadership match you up to your Group Leaders based on your skillset.
See YOU there!
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