Previous page | Main ALOVE site Archive   Evangelism: Dirty Word? ... : back to god page    What do you think of this article? - share here Evangelism – what’s it all about? In a time when Church tracts and preachers on street corners can make any aware young Christian’s stomach turn, we take a fresh look at how Jesus actually spoke to people about the life he offered, and discuss what he might have meant by the ‘Good News’. These days, evangelism can seem like a dirty word for Christians and non-Christians alike and it’s not always surprising why. We’ve all experienced those frothy-mouthed street evangelists, who through squeaky megagphones or bizarre poster presentations, tell us - in no uncertain terms - that the end is nigh, we are all sinners and there is no hope for our lives if we don’t fall to our knees right then and there. You can’t help wondering whether such people are well intentioned at best, or slightly deranged at worst! Whatever your view, it’s difficult to see how their approach does justice to the Good News. ‘The medium is the message' – someone once said - so no wonder that at times, the Christian story can appear like a message no one wants to hear! Evangelism sometimes seems more like a mass sales drive and ‘argument to be won’, rather than an opportunity to share the wonderful love, grace and acceptance of the Jesus story. Perhaps that’s why a good number of Christians consider evangelism either as an irritating duty, a terrifying engagement best left in the hands of professionals, or a positive evil in a world of tolerance, relative truth and diversity. I have a friend who for many years asked just that question. Why would I want to evangelise? As far as he could tell, Christianity was the sum total of a long list of things you were forbidden to do, most of which looked like a lot of fun. Besides, weren’t Christians just trying to get everyone to think the same way as they did? So how can we liberate this notion of evangelism from being more like ‘bad news’ than good? Here are a few thoughts for how we might approach our understanding of evangelism: 1| Evangelism is about discovering the Jesus story afresh. Take some time out to read some of the accounts of Jesus’ life. What do you notice? How are you challenged? What makes sense? What confuses you? What are you still pondering about? Perhaps part of our evangelism needs to be about sharing in this story with other people? What do they notice? What are they learning? Evangelism shouldn’t be about Christians having all the answers, but recognising that God is already at work in other people’s lives and joining in with that. Evangelism can provide an opportunity for exploration and growth. As we journey with others, we can all discover new things and go deeper in faith. 2| Evangelism is about a conversation: Following on from above, we should approach evangelism as an opportunity for conversation and discussion. Time and again, we see how Jesus spent time dialoguing with others; asking them what they thought about the Kingdom of God, turning their questions to him around, bringing challenge and not always giving the full answer! In our western context, where truth claims are treated with skeptically, or even cynically, we need to take time to engage with others, understand their culture and their world view and seek to identify ways in which the Christian message can help bring a new perspective or challenge. 3| Evangelism is about relationship and community: When you look at the life of Jesus, you see that he spent much of his time with people, just hanging out, eating with others, healing the sick, touching the untouchables... And how about us? In our efforts to reach out to others through mission and evangelism, we should go to where people are at, get involved in their lives, identify with their struggles and campaign for justice. Evangelism is just as much about the life that we lead with and amongst others, as it is about proclaiming spiritual truths. It’s that old adage again… ‘People don’t care what you know unless they know that you care…’ 4| Evangelism is about celebration: In the Bible we read countless references and stories to party and celebration. The Kingdom of God as a wedding banquet; the Father’s celebration of a returning prodigal son… God’s grace, love, forgiveness and the new life it brings is certainly something worth celebrating. Instead of being party poopers and speaking about faith in terms of ‘do’s and don’ts’, evangelism can actually be a great opportunity to let others know about this party! Of course, it’s important for Christians to challenge injustice and speak out against inequality, but we should also be known as people of joy, hope and celebration, who know how to party!!! So what about my friend? For my friend, the realization that Jesus brings life as a free gift to anyone who will receive it turned his view of evangelism completely on its head. That, he discovered, really is good news! That was something he could share, something people needed to hear, something people might actually want to hear. And why would anyone refuse that gift? Now, everyday he walks the streets collecting bottles and cans for recycling and telling everyone he meets the Good News. He no longer puts people into categories like rich or poor, smart or dumb, druggie or police officer. He looks around and sees people in need of life. He is incredibly gifted at talking with people sincerely about the big issues of life, and at explaining the Good News to them in a way they can understand. He is undeniably joyful as well, not a loud-mouthed car salesman type of evangelist, because he is constantly rejoicing in the life he has been given. There are good and bad ways to do evangelism, of course, and there are many books and courses out there that purport to teach Christians proven step-by-step methods for “converting” people. But while the method matters, it is very much secondary to the message. If you have not actually understood the “good news” for yourself, you will never have any motivation to share it with others, at least not any good motivation. Evangelism will be a burden, a fear, or a power trip for you instead of an opportunity to share life with someone. The Good News is all about life, and life in all its fullness. That is a good message - so please, don’t shoot your local missionary! : back to top : back to god page Youthwork - The Partnership ... 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