Because of sermon preparation for a Sunday message, I have had to take a break from blogging. But now I'm back and very excited to inform readers of a new approach to evangelism that Colin and I will start taking today. Yesterday, we canvased numerous coffee shops in the downtown area of Grand Rapids. We basically wanted a place that was at the center of the downtown area, close by to where many people would be gathered. We also wanted a coffee shop that would be conducive to good conversations with people (i.e. one that was not so quiet). We found that place-- the Biggby's coffee shop on Monroe Center. It is conveniently located near several outside park benches, as well as the Rosa Parks Circle and skate park.
Now here is the plan: Colin and I will approach people and engage them on the question of whether or not anyone has ever told them about Jesus Christ. We expect many different responses. We basically want to engage them wherever they are at. But this is not the type of conversation that one can have in two minutes. So we thought it would be a good idea that if someone has the time, then maybe we can buy them a coffee and have a conversation. What we would like to do is to gently press people to articulate their own points of view on the matter. It should become clear fairly quickly what their basic objections are. And perhaps, we can then engage those objections in a loving, Christ-honoring way. If things go smoothly, perhaps we can even exchange numbers and continue the conversation at some other time. Colin and I have discovered time and time again that the "old way" of doing evangelism really is not that effective, and this has caused us to adapt our basic approach in sharing the Gospel with others. This new and fresh approach is born out of several convictions.
1. These days, evangelism must be intentional, but it also must be relational (or personally credible).
2. People pretty much know next to nothing about what the Bible actually teaches. Therefore, evangelism must be seen as more a process which seeks to guide people into the truth, starting from where they are at personally.
3. Evangelism must be culturally and socially appropriate. Part of why the "old way" of evangelism doesn't work anymore is that nobody goes door-to door anymore, and passing out tracts comes off as very impersonal.
4. Evangelism must lead people through the stages of intelligibility, credibility and plausibility. People must be persuaded of the truth for themselves. More than likely, peoples' understandings will develop in stages and their very real objections to the faith must be dealt with honestly.
5. If someone wants to do evangelism, then they must be excited and comfortable with not only the message, but also the method. Personally, I don't get excited about handing out tracts (but maybe some other people do). But I do get excited about knowing people and ministering the Gospel to their specific, personal situations.
There is plenty of room for disagreement with my views on the matter, and I certainly respect differing viewpoints. I'm always open to the wisdom of others, and I am in no way denying the usefulness of tracts and the fruit that has been borne by handing them out. But more thinking needs to be done on evangelism, especially in these days. I encourage any comments to be shared on this matter, and I ask for all of your prayers as we venture down this new road.
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