There are people who strongly believe the St. Francis of Assisi quote: 'Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.' I've used that quote myself actually. Only problem? St. Francis didn't say it -- and it's horrid theology. We must never forget to TELL people how they might be rescued by God.
Still others put way too much stock in the almighty invitation. That worked to get some baby boomers back in church, but it made us grow accustomed to people 'coming back' to church. Now, fewer and fewer have a heritage to return to period.
We must not teach people that inviting others to church is evangelism. It can be PART of it, but evangelism necessitates more ... specifically 'telling the Good News of Jesus.'
And be blessed.
5 comments:
PK....I am horribly bad at that. I can love people, share with them what God has done for me, talk to them about church and God all day long....and not offer to pray the sinner's prayer with any of them. I HAVE talked to family, but they aren't there yet. At work, it feels dicey...I don't want to infringe on anyone's rights in the workplace. Although, I have tons of friends there and they love me and know that I am a Christian.
Outside of that, I have no compelling reason that I can't share the gospel. I just don't know how to do it the right way....and what if they ask me questions I can't answer....and what if I say something wrong and they are completely turned off to the whole idea??? I Know I am supposed to, but I don't feel qualified. I don't want to make matters worse.
Amen.
I've written a paper on Francis of Assisi and evangelism in his life in light of this quote. Many see him as a forerunner of the Protestant Reformation and a reformer in his own right. Upon examining his life, it's clear that he was a huge proponent of proclaiming the truth of Christ in word - and he married the often forgotten social aspect of evangelism in deed.
We must be Christ-like in our actions, yes, but apart from the proclamation of the gospel NONE can come to a saving faith in Christ.
Interesting (and spot on) point on the "invitation" as (not) evangelism.
This post begs the question (since I'm not a member I don't know), what is KFA doing to equip members in evangelism? Truly curious as to what methods you all are employing.
ANON:
I understand the 'fear,' but nobody is horribly bad at it. It's simply a matter of 'this is what I was before I met Christ, and this is what my life is like NOW.' Before ... after. For instance, the blind man didn't probably go into all this detail about the circumstances of his life and the processes by which Jesus healed him, his main story was: "I was blind ... now I can see." Before ... after.
It is good that you say you have no compelling reason that you can't' share the Gospel. Great honesty there.
We can't rely on the excuse that we might make matters worse. There is no worse matter than leaving someone in their unregenerated condition. We can't do worse than that.
Go get 'em.
ZACH:
Weekend messages - classes on sharing faith - small group studies - 'on the job' training.
Just DO it. We're over-trained and under-experienced.
JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM by Bill Hybels changed my whole life on this subject.
To know that each of us are perfectly positioned to tell someone is liberating, if not at the same time, sobering. God will use the fact that you are married, that you aren't married, that you have kids, that you can't have kids, that you are educated, that you are uneducated to leverage the Gospel in someone's life.
We get overly crazy about how/why/where/who ... instead, we're just praying constantly for doors of opportunity to open like Paul did.
Leaders have to lead, and since praying that prayer personally, I have had more opportunities than I ever thought I would.
I get the quote, and I was reminded of it recently when Brit Hume advised Tiger Woods to seek Jesus Christ. There is a need for more than words - if your disposition or timing are off it can be seen as arrogant, damning or judgmental. You don't have to be perfect, but a little sincerity and humility makes the message go a little further.
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