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A Video Teaching On Evangelism That Will Likely Challenge Your Methodology
David Posthuma @ Nov 11, 2005 05:01 PM
I was recently reminded of a teaching that I had initially heard on the radio quite some time ago. When I first heard it, it gripped me to the core. As a pastoral person who is passionate about reaching people for Christ, my methods were likely similar to that of many contemporary pastors. But this teaching really challenged me to think differently about my methodology.
I want to encourage you to watch the video teaching associated with the link below. I would be very interested to hear from my readers about their perspective on the teaching. I also wonder about how our gospel presentations online could accommodate sharing the Gospel message according to the principles embodied in this video.
>> View Video Teaching (60 minutes, but worth the time)
I want to encourage you to watch the video teaching associated with the link below. I would be very interested to hear from my readers about their perspective on the teaching. I also wonder about how our gospel presentations online could accommodate sharing the Gospel message according to the principles embodied in this video.
>> View Video Teaching (60 minutes, but worth the time)
Comments
Thanks for the link Dave. I have very mixed reactions to this teaching. In sum, I agree theologically and very much disagree with the method.
Theology: I agree people must be shown they are separated from God because of their sins. They must see their condition and need in order to appreciate God’s Love and provision of the cross. I couldn’t agree more.
Method: I have no problem with using the 10 commandments as a way to point out sin. However, there are other ways. I think Ray comes a little close to saying the “biblical” way is to use the Law, thus the10 commandments, thus his approach. I usually allow people to reveal their own belief in right, wrong and judgment as they espouse their version of “good works” salvation. Then I agree with them that our conscience universally teach us that we are not perfect, have sin and are separated from God. Then I talk about the consequence of sin and the need / good news of Christ.
Additionally, I believe a very small percentage of the population can actually use confrontational evangelism. In my experience, I have no fruit in confrontational evangelism but have much discipled fruit in relational and loving evangelistic approaches. Other than in third world countries, I have never seen street evangelism work. I think Rob Bell has a great perspective on this as explained in his Nooma Series #9 Bullhorn. I believe the example of Christ is truth in love. I am equally repulsed by the “love without truth” as I am the “truth without love” approach to evangelism. People need to be loved as God loves them and loved towards God with the truth of their need and His message. So, I hesitate to promote this particular method for the church in general. I do agree that those with the strong gift of evangelism can employ this method with some degree of effectiveness. I do not completely dismiss this style but strongly question it’s effectiveness for most Christians and for post-modern unbelievers.
I believe Mr. Comfort’s method contradicts his best theological strategy. Ray acutely points out that we must theologically go to them. The lost can’t hear or appreciate the Good News without first understanding their sin and need of Christ. So we must go to them, “begin with the natural man” in order to help them appreciate the gospel. This is a great point. However, his method does not meet them where they are. Watching the reactions of the people in the crowds, reveal they were not with him. He had not won an ear for the Gospel. Some seemed to mock him as he faithfully proclaimed his well articulated and reasoned message. I am new to the Post Modern worldview, but what I have learned so far and from my own experience with modern and Post-mods, reveal a deaf ear to this approach.
I do believe there is much room in the Kingdom for varied approaches and styles of reaching people. I am sure that Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort are pleasing to our Lord and are reaching people for Jesus. I humbly offer my opinion on this piece for discussion and thought.
Jerry Tucker
Catalyst Church
Theology: I agree people must be shown they are separated from God because of their sins. They must see their condition and need in order to appreciate God’s Love and provision of the cross. I couldn’t agree more.
Method: I have no problem with using the 10 commandments as a way to point out sin. However, there are other ways. I think Ray comes a little close to saying the “biblical” way is to use the Law, thus the10 commandments, thus his approach. I usually allow people to reveal their own belief in right, wrong and judgment as they espouse their version of “good works” salvation. Then I agree with them that our conscience universally teach us that we are not perfect, have sin and are separated from God. Then I talk about the consequence of sin and the need / good news of Christ.
Additionally, I believe a very small percentage of the population can actually use confrontational evangelism. In my experience, I have no fruit in confrontational evangelism but have much discipled fruit in relational and loving evangelistic approaches. Other than in third world countries, I have never seen street evangelism work. I think Rob Bell has a great perspective on this as explained in his Nooma Series #9 Bullhorn. I believe the example of Christ is truth in love. I am equally repulsed by the “love without truth” as I am the “truth without love” approach to evangelism. People need to be loved as God loves them and loved towards God with the truth of their need and His message. So, I hesitate to promote this particular method for the church in general. I do agree that those with the strong gift of evangelism can employ this method with some degree of effectiveness. I do not completely dismiss this style but strongly question it’s effectiveness for most Christians and for post-modern unbelievers.
I believe Mr. Comfort’s method contradicts his best theological strategy. Ray acutely points out that we must theologically go to them. The lost can’t hear or appreciate the Good News without first understanding their sin and need of Christ. So we must go to them, “begin with the natural man” in order to help them appreciate the gospel. This is a great point. However, his method does not meet them where they are. Watching the reactions of the people in the crowds, reveal they were not with him. He had not won an ear for the Gospel. Some seemed to mock him as he faithfully proclaimed his well articulated and reasoned message. I am new to the Post Modern worldview, but what I have learned so far and from my own experience with modern and Post-mods, reveal a deaf ear to this approach.
I do believe there is much room in the Kingdom for varied approaches and styles of reaching people. I am sure that Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort are pleasing to our Lord and are reaching people for Jesus. I humbly offer my opinion on this piece for discussion and thought.
Jerry Tucker
Catalyst Church
A Response to Jerry:
In no way do I wish to set up any person or method as THE way to evangelize. We all must be faithful to the calling and direction of the Holy Spirit within our own life and ministry.
With this said, I think there is a sense in which Christianity has gone way to far in trying to "please people" into a relationship with Jesus Christ. I think that the community of Christ has even possibly misrepresented Jesus Christ in their desire to make Jesus acceptible in our modern and post modern culture. However, our postmodern adults are not buying the kind of faith we have been offering. They know that there is something deeper and more real than a highly programmed worship service and tithing. They know that following Christ will not make their life easier.
I think the video does a good job of pushing us to an opposite extreme. Somewhere in the middle we might find a healthy paradigm for evangelism.
But let's keep in mind that every poll I have ever seen suggests that the American Church is failing in their efforts to evangelize America let alone the world. So the methods we may hold so dearly may not be the proper methods at all. Is there possibly a postmodern methodology for evangelism? What might that look like? This is fertile ground for theological and philosophical discussion.
In no way do I wish to set up any person or method as THE way to evangelize. We all must be faithful to the calling and direction of the Holy Spirit within our own life and ministry.
With this said, I think there is a sense in which Christianity has gone way to far in trying to "please people" into a relationship with Jesus Christ. I think that the community of Christ has even possibly misrepresented Jesus Christ in their desire to make Jesus acceptible in our modern and post modern culture. However, our postmodern adults are not buying the kind of faith we have been offering. They know that there is something deeper and more real than a highly programmed worship service and tithing. They know that following Christ will not make their life easier.
I think the video does a good job of pushing us to an opposite extreme. Somewhere in the middle we might find a healthy paradigm for evangelism.
But let's keep in mind that every poll I have ever seen suggests that the American Church is failing in their efforts to evangelize America let alone the world. So the methods we may hold so dearly may not be the proper methods at all. Is there possibly a postmodern methodology for evangelism? What might that look like? This is fertile ground for theological and philosophical discussion.
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