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!
3 comments:
Again thank you Pastor Tim, with as busy as you are, for taking time to blog to your flock. My thoughts on the subject are that absolutely a relationship will give you a much better opportunity to be affective in your ability to bring someone to Christ. What good does it do to witness to someone if it turns them away from Christ. I think that is where some religions fall short. They have the passion for sharing their message, but the wrong approach. But I also want to be clear that a relationship doesn't mean you have to become best friends and have them over for a cookout before you can share Jesus with them. A relationship may be as short as handing them a tray of food or a cup of water at Gateway. It may be a two hour flight, or a two hour soccer game. It could be the lady at the gas station you see every week, or the person that cuts your hair. Your co-worker, your kids soccer coach, your next door neighbor, the list is endless. No matter how short or long our relationship we should always ask God to help us use it to plant the seed. I believe like Jesus we have to find that common ground to start a conversation. I may be wrong but the days of asking the If you die tonight question is about as outdated as the people holding signs up outside of concerts saying turn now or burn later. Now just like old timey hymnal music there may still be an audience for that, but as far as the masses go a smoother approach is needed. Genuinely love on them for a minute and they will listen to you. Let them see Jesus in you and they will thirst for what you have. For myself I am asking God to give me the boldness needed to say or do what is needed to at least plant the seed. Some of our relationships will be so short that, that is all we have time to do, but without a tiny seed a mighty tree cannot grow.
Be a blessing and be blessed today!
-Kristin <><
Tim,
As I read your description of my appraoch to evangelism...I would only change one thing. I am about conversations that cast seeds, not getting converts so i can have another notch on my belt. I am against that very same mentality. I do however believe that you can still ask the quesiton if you died tonight where would you go. Majority of people say Heaven! Majority of people say they are a "good person!" And wouldn't you know it that you don't have to have a relationship with someone to bring up these issues. Does it help? Yes and no. Yes you can evangelize to those you already have a relationship with and no you don't need a realtionship to effectively present the gospel to a stranger. I will be posting some podcasts on Way of the Pastor Radio coming up later this summer of sharing the gospel with complete strangers here in Decatur, Il. For other examples of how effective this can be and how to equip yourself to be able to share the gospel with all people, not just those you have or develop a realtionship with you can check out www.wayofthepastor.blogspot.com
www.wayofthemaster.com
www.wayofthemasterradio.com
www.livingwaters.com
Way of the Pastor,
Joe
God designed us for relationship. Relationship IS the key to discipleship. This is how I came to know the Lord. I had neighbors willing to take time and invite my husband and I over for dinner; we played games, laughed, etc... I only began knowing the Lord on that deeper level as I began to know them at that deeper level. There was a parallel indeed!
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