Reflecting on the Journey of Way of the Master

When strangers recognize me and say, “Hey, you’re the guy who worked with Kirk Cameron!” I often smile and reply, “No. He’s the guy who worked with me.” The truth is, Kirk was the sun, and I was the moon—reflecting the light but never quite as bright.

After over two decades, I still marvel at how God took Living Waters from a small ministry and spread it like a flood across 190 countries. It all started in 1999 when Mark Spence handed Kirk a copy of our teaching, Hell’s Best Kept Secret. Kirk, best known for his role as Mike Seaver on Growing Pains, was a well-established Hollywood star who had recently experienced a powerful transformation in his faith. The message of Hell’s Best Kept Secret resonated deeply with him, and he reached out, eager to partner in ministry. (Our book, Out of the Comfort Zone, details the remarkable story.)

What followed was beyond anything I could have imagined. Through Kirk’s involvement, we gained access to over 50 Christian television networks and programs—platforms that otherwise might have been hesitant to invite me to speak because of the weighty topics we address: sin, righteousness, and judgment. But Kirk’s celebrity opened doors, allowing us to share the full gospel message. I often described it as a “jalapeño wrapped in candy”—strong truth packaged in an appealing way.

Kirk and I recorded 52 episodes of The Way of the Master, a groundbreaking evangelism training series that equipped Christians to share their faith boldly. As time passed, Kirk felt led to establish his own ministry while Living Waters continued producing the program. Despite going in different directions, we have remained close friends. Kirk has invited me onto his TV show three times, and our friendship remains strong.

At some point, we decided to tweak the show’s name, dropping The and simply calling it Way of the Master. We noticed no one bothered saying The anyway!

“It has always been about the true Master—Jesus Christ. That mission continues today, stronger than ever.”

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All these memories came rushing back today as I prepared to anchor a special episode. Our crew had traveled throughout the Pacific Rim, sharing the gospel in Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and beyond. This particular episode featured my hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. The team filmed in locations significant to my journey, including my old home and the very spots where I preached in the open air for 12 years.

Here’s a segment from the script:

“On today’s show, the Living Waters team are missionaries to Christchurch, New Zealand. I’m a missionary to Huntington Beach, California, and I hope you also have found your own mission field.

It was Charles Spurgeon who said, ‘Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.’ Wow! Strong words, but true. Evangelism isn’t optional for Christians—it’s a moral obligation.”

At that moment, I pulled out my wallet (it’s a $100 bill wallet), reached inside, and took out one of our Million Dollar Bill tracts. I explained how a simple tract could lead someone to everlasting life. I then shared something I firmly believe: If anyone catches me in public without a gospel tract, I’ll give them $1,000. Over the years, many have tried, but no one has succeeded. That’s because I am always ready:

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. (1 Peter 3:15)

As I reflect on the journey, I am encouraged by the example of Charles Spurgeon, a man of great influence who never lost sight of the Church’s mission: to seek and save the lost. He also understood the power of gospel tracts:

“When preaching and private talk are not available, you need to have a tract ready.… Get good striking tracts, or none at all…. do not go out without your tracts.”

I am humbled and grateful through it all. Kirk Cameron may have been the catalyst for bringing Way of the Master to a broader audience, but it has always been about the true Master—Jesus Christ. That mission continues today, stronger than ever.