January 22, 2026

Evangelism at the Crossroads

Reclaiming evangelism as good news lived, not pressure applied. The word evangelism doesn’t need to be replaced. It needs to be reclaimed.

A crossroad is an ordinary thing — two roads meeting. But spiritually, crossroads are where our values and our choices intersect. Some are dramatic. Most are quiet. Yet at every one of them, the cross of Christ stands with us. Not as guilt. Not as threat. As presence. A steady light.



These crossroads show up every day: the grocery store conversation, the neighbor who needs acknowledgment, the family member who tests your patience. This is where faith becomes visible. This is where the gospel takes on flesh — in kindness, listening, courage, and truth-telling.


When Jesus Challenged Rome’s Version of Virtue


To understand evangelism, it helps to remember the setting of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus wasn’t speaking into a neutral world. He was speaking into the shadow of Rome — an empire that preached peace through dominance, hierarchy, and exclusion. Rome had its own moral vocabulary: strength, victory, control.


Jesus offered a counter-vision.
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are the meek.
Blessed are the peacemakers.


This wasn’t soft spirituality. It was a direct challenge to the empire’s definition of what a “good” person looks like. And it still challenges our assumptions today — especially our assumptions about evangelism.

Evangelism isn’t a message we push. It’s a presence we offer.


Reclaiming a Misused Word


For many people, evangelism feels like pressure — a sales pitch, a recruitment strategy, a push to get people into church. But Jesus never pressured anyone into anything. He healed. He fed. He restored dignity. He listened. He stood with the exclusion. People experienced good news long before they understood it.


This is why the word evangelism doesn’t need to be replaced.
It needs to be reclaimed.


Evangelism is meeting real human needs with the compassion and courage of Jesus — so people encounter good news, not pressure.


Evangelism isn’t about getting people into church.
Evangelism is about getting the church into the world.

It’s how you treat the cashier having a rough day.
It’s how you show up for a neighbor who feels invisible.
It’s how your life quietly says, you matter.


Evangelism happens wherever dignity is restored, wherever compassion interrupts indifference, wherever love gets the final word.


Called Out, Sent Out


The word ecclesia means “the called-out ones.” Called out of fear, apathy, and self-protection. Called into healing, feeding, listening, welcoming, and liberating. Jesus calls each of us differently, but always toward love — right where our lives already touch the world.


If St. Barnabas Episcopal Church disappeared tomorrow, would Borrego Springs notice? I believe it would. Because the gospel you live isn’t confined to a sanctuary. It’s carried in your friendships, your compassion, your presence.


Where the Gospel Takes Flesh


Paul once wrote that the cross looks foolish to some. And in a world shaped by Roman values — ancient or modern — it still does. But to those being transformed, the cross reveals a different kind of power: not the power that dominates, but the power that heals and frees.


This is the heart of the Sermon on the Mount:
How shall we live when the values of Jesus collide with the values of empire?


At every crossroad, Jesus calls us to reflect the light already working within us. When we respond, our lives become good news for someone else.


~ Father Dave Madsen



Sidebar: A message from the guy that wrote this piece. I choose to view faith as lived more than spoken. I trust small acts of compassion and steady presence to carry the good news farther than any argument ever could.


April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
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April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
Show More

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