Evangelist Mark Finley delivered four inspiring sermons on topics ranging from Christ’s commission to witness, the power of intercessory prayer, personal influence, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit. [Photos by Katie Fellows]
Debbie Michel
April 10, 2025Evangelist Mark Finley delivered four inspiring sermons on topics ranging from Christ’s commission to witness, the power of intercessory prayer, personal influence, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit. He emphasized that Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth and therefore commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them..." Finley pointed out that Jesus doesn’t say “wait,” but “go.”
He also stressed that Pentecost 2025 is an opportunity for everyone to get involved, using the unique gifts God has given them to share Jesus. You don’t need to be a renowned speaker to spread the gospel. Bible studies can happen in garages or living rooms, using resources from the North American Division. This approach reflects the idea of total member involvement, where churches, schools, and even small groups or individuals can participate in evangelism.
Prayer was highlighted as a vital part of preparing for Pentecost 2025. The initiative itself acknowledges our need for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. Finley reminded attendees that nothing replaces corporate prayer in a local church to help prepare hearts to receive God’s Spirit. The call was clear: be open and ready to be filled with the Spirit.
In addition to Finley’s messages, ministerial directors from the five Lake Union conferences, Indiana, Illinois, Lake Region, Michigan and Wisconsin, shared updates and plans for Pentecost 2025 in their areas. A Spanish track ran concurrently, with Lake Union President Elden Ramirez preaching on Sabbath morning.
Many churches and schools are already registered for outreach, and the North American Division has reported a tremendous response, with thousands of evangelistic crusades planned and millions of dollars committed to support the effort.
Attendees also joined a variety of breakout sessions on key areas of evangelism, including:
Preparing evangelistic material
Understanding the evangelism cycle and bridge events
Training and equipping a hospitality team
The importance of prayer in preparing for Pentecost 2025
Leading someone to Christ through a personal Bible study
Dealing with rejections
Building a successful health ministry
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
This initiative, in partnership with the North American Division, is more than just an event—it’s a movement that embraces the compassion, teaching, and discipling ministry of Jesus. It acknowledges our need for the Holy Spirit and calls us to a deeper commitment to prayer and active evangelism.
We’re glad you asked! Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and look for opportunities to share your faith in your community. You can get involved by joining your local church’s outreach, volunteering for events like Pathway to Health, a large-scale health clinic coming to St. Louis, Missouri, May 4–9, or simply being open to sharing Jesus with those around you.
You can watch the full weekend sermons, along with music from The King’s Herald and powerful testimonies, on the Herald YouTube channel.
Breakout sessions available online include:
“The Evangelism Cycle and Bridge Events” – Justin Lyons
“How to to Change the Temperature of your Church” – Chad Stuart
“Why Have a Health Ministry and How to Make it Successful” – Teenie Finley
“How to Lead Someone to Christ in a Personal Bible Study and How to Deal with Rejections” – Chris Holland
“How to Prepare the Material for Evangelistic Sermons” – Kyle Allen
Debbie Michel is Lake Union Herald editor.
