Gospel Fluency
Recently, while reflecting on how many believers struggle with sharing their faith, I was reminded how similar it is to the process of learning a new language. When I first arrived in the United States, I was faced with the need to truly learn English. The difficulty was that it wasn't simply a matter of learning to memorize words—I had to not only speak it but live it, think it, and dream it.
Jeff Vanderstelt, in his book Gospel Fluency, makes a powerful analogy: speaking the gospel naturally requires something similar—a daily and consistent immersion in the truths of the gospel, until it flows from us with sincerity and clarity.
Vanderstelt argues that being a mature Christian involves learning to “believe and speak the truths of the gospel in and out of everyday life.”
As leaders, we sometimes give practical answers to real problems—such as communication tips for marital problems—but do we bring the gospel to the center? The author challenges us: How can we touch hearts if we don't talk about Jesus, who is the true solution?
Lessons in Spiritual Language
The book is structured in several sections that teach us to think in terms of the gospel. Vanderstelt helps us connect our story with God's greater story: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This story structure gives us a framework for seeing and speaking about life, not with Christian clichés, but with a deep understanding of how Jesus redeems every aspect of our existence.
As someone who has spent years forming leaders and communities in urban contexts, this truth really resonated with me. It reminded me that authentic transformation isn't achieved by formulas, but when the Holy Spirit changes us from within, and then we speak and live from that transformation.
A Gospel-Fluent Community
I was struck by Vanderstelt's vision of a church where all believers, not just the leaders, disciple with precision. He casts a vision of church where the body of Christ does the pastoral work day in and day out. Imagine what it would be like for our urban Latino churches if every member spoke the gospel with clarity and grace. That's renewal from within!
Tim Keller's influence is also evident—both insist that there is no real change without a change of heart. But Vanderstelt’s work adds practical tools for living this out in community. Their stories reminded me how important it is to listen empathetically to unbelievers, recognize the "false good news" they believe, and then show how only Jesus truly responds to their brokenness.
Missional Application
The last part of the book deeply encouraged me. The gospel is not only a discipleship tool, it's a powerful missional strategy! It led me to pray more intentionally for opportunities to hear the stories of others, discern their quests, and connect those quests to the person of Jesus.
Vanderstelt insists that gospel fluency is not just speaking well—it's also listening well. With humility, love, and wisdom. It's building relationships where Jesus is the center.
My Personal Conclusion
As a pastor and consultant serving underserved communities and developing leaders in multicultural cities, Gospel Fluency has both affirmed and challenged me.
It reminds me that we need communities where the gospel is spoken aloud, lived in community, and shared with the world. I'm not 100% fluent yet, but I want to continue growing in this "language" of heaven.
And I pray that you, too, will join in this learning process.
Victor Marte is a UBA Church Consultant primarily serving Hipanic congregations and those wishing to reach the Spanish-speaking community. Pastor Marte has served in leadership in the city for years and leads UBA’s Lideres Transformadores and Church Planting Cohort.
Victor Marte recomienda La Vivacidad del Evangelio por Jeff Vanderstelt.