The other day a good friend of mine and I were having a healthy discussion on the nature of evangelism. The discussion focused primarily on this question: Has the face of evangelism changed over the past few generations or is it still the same? I’m not talking about the mandate from Scripture to share our faith, nor am I suggesting that Jesus has changed, for he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). However, I do wonder if our approach to evangelism changes within the context of the ministry in which we are doing. My friend and I had two very different points of views, which of course is okay, yet, I know one day he will eventually see things my way. I’m joking of course, but it was a great conversation and I felt we needed to blog about it.
First off what is evangelism? Does it mean we go out and try to find some person that we can convert to Christianity so we can mark off another name on the chalkboard or does it mean we try to show people the Love of Christ and how he wants them to live? In Matthew 28:19 Jesus told his disciples this: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Almost all Christians refer to this verse as the Great Commission, recognizing what we as believers are called to do. But read it carefully. What does it say we are to do? Nowhere in there does it say to “save” someone. Rather, it says to “make disciples”. As I began to study this Scripture I realized that my perspective on evangelism was all wrong. If our calling is to make disciples rather than converts then our approach has to be different than just knocking on someone’s door and asking, “Hey if you died tonight where do you think you would go? Would you go to heaven or would you burn in the eternal pits of hell?” Okay, okay, some of you might be saying that is a bit dramatic. But is it? How does it sound to those unbelieving strangers whose home we have just invaded? If we are going to truly live out the Gospel mandate to make disciples then I believe it must happen in the context of relationships.
Relationships are everything. As a matter of fact the two greatest commandments have to do with relationships. We are told to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others (Mark 12:28-31). Everything boils down to relationships. Love God and love others, this formula is quite simple actually.
As I look at Jesus in the New Testament, I see Jesus involved in peoples’ lives building relationships in order to minister to them and turn them into disciples. Jesus did it with the woman at the well first, by building a relationship with this woman of another ethnic group and secondly, by having a meaningful conversation with her. This was unheard of in that day, yet Jesus set a divine appointment to share truth with her. And he used water, which the woman was after, as common ground to initiate the conversation. Jesus did get to the point of acknowledging her sin put not until he first built a relationship with her (John 4:1-42). I also find this true with the story of Zacchaeus, the most notorious sinner in all of Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus finds him and tells him that he is going to hang out at his house (or crib - for the MTV generation) for awhile. Later Jesus proclaims that salvation has come to this house because of the life change that has taken place in Zacchaeus. And there are numerous other Scriptures that tell of Jesus hanging out with liars, cheaters and other sinners, building relationships with them and making disciples.
I realize that there is no “one way “to do evangelism. Each person has their own personal style. My friend that I mentioned earlier feels that it is best to just approach anyone and bring up their spiritual walk immediately, kind of like, “Hey do you know Jesus and if not do you want to”? On the other hand, I feel it is best to build a relationship first and ease into the conversation about Jesus. My friend commented on the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 that came to Jesus and asked him what he needed in order to have eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments and then sell everything and follow me. The rich young man went away sad because he loved his wealth. My friend argued that there was no time for a relationship there, Jesus simply gave him the plan of salvation and the man went on his way. True, but the difference between this story and the two I mentioned is that this man approached Jesus with a direct question. With Zacchaeus and the woman at the well Jesus went to them. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that there are times when you know “now” is the time to ask about their spiritual well-being, and there are times when you realize that “now” is not a good time.
The point is this; if you are a believer then you are called to share your story. You don’t need a specific game plan or the four spiritual laws memorized. Simply, know where you were before Christ, where you are now because of Christ, and where you are going because of Christ, and then tell someone. The one thing my friend and I do agree on is that it is essential that we share our faith with an unbelieving world. Figure out your style, and then go and make disciples for Jesus!
Any thoughts, comments or questions you have please blog them.
Blessings – Pastor Tim
One final note: A special thank you to my “friend” in this story. If it was not for him I would not even have this blog. He set it all up for me because I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to computers. Thanks friend and keep on sharing your faith!
