265. How Can We Shine the Gospel at the Realm Makers Expo?

In just 1.5 months, the inaugural Realm Makers Expo will arrive in Grand Rapids. Like the continuing Realm Makers writers conference, this event marks a fantastic chance for Christian fans and creatives to meet with like-minded believers in Jesus. But any big Christian-led conference also attracts people who like biblical virtues and ideas as well as Christians ourselves, yet are not truly believers. How then can we best shine the gospel at Realm Makers? Episode sponsors Realm Makers Expo 2025, sponsored by Oasis Family Media Inheritance by J. A. Webb The Company: Kingdom Writers, World Changers Mission update Lorehaven: recent review of Fortified Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Click here to register for the annual Realm Makers writers’ conference and/or the inaugural Expo! 1. Shine gospel light to conference organizers Speaking personally, Scott and Becky Minor and many work hard on this. This year it’s even more challenging: local events, writers’ event, plus Expo. Pray for them, love them, respect the enormity of this organizing labor! If you’re a conference vet, volunteer. If you’re new, thank organizers a lot. Something Stephen liked about Blue Ridge: real thank-you notes. Try these? 2. Shine gospel light to your spiritual family All types of Christian brothers and sisters attend Realm Makers every year. Many come from denominations and traditions very unlike our own. Special concern this year: political rancor. This calls for wise interactions. Conversations may turn quickly “spiritual.” Share your opinions peacefully. We’re here to tell stories, not install signs yelling at folks to stay off lawns. 3. Shine gospel light to neighboring nonbelievers Finally, Realm Makers already has nonbelievers attending to learn craft. Realm Makers is not a church or spiritual ministry. It’s an organization. The conference is led by strong Christians, yet seeks wisdom from anyone. You will likely find heretics and Mormons (big fantasy fans) at the Expo. Adapt principles from chapter 2, yet maintain winsome biblical boundaries. For example, if I met a Mormon, I’d stress common interests in fandoms. But depending on atmosphere, I’d also reference our very different faiths. We don’t know who believes in Jesus; some claim to love Him yet don’t. But we hope that God is saving them despite their faith’s official teaching. Either way, rejoice! That famous “general market” is coming to our event. You may not preach the full gospel, but show and tell about pre-Gospel. Tips: use phrases like “biblical Christian,” “the Lord Jesus Christ,” “salvation.” Talk about the New Heavens and New Earth as a real place for believers. Don’t be too quick to speak of or avoid truths about God’s justice and Hell. Hope and pray God uses this interaction to pre-baptize their future faith. Com station Top question for listeners How do you plan to shine gospel light at Realm Makers or other cons? Next on Fantastical Truth Realm Makers started in 2013 with a Christian-led speculative fiction writers’ conference. Now it’s a 24/7 organization to train aspiring authors, a traveling bookstore, and cousin to a stationary bookstore. This summer the conference levels up with the Realm Makers Expo, a crossover fan-centered event with many other Christian groups and fantastical creators. Join us for this inside look into the past, present and future of the Realm, featuring Scott Minor.