So, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of Evangelism. I should point out that normally, I’m not a fan of what we call “evangelism” in the church. I was also raised under the auspices that good evangelism included a phrase much like the following: “if you were to die tonight, do you have the assurance you would go to heaven or hell?” It’s not a very friendly way to tell people about Jesus and besides that it’s extremely intimidating to both the asker and the hearer.
So, for me to think about evangelism is an oddity for sure, but I can’t shake it. We live in a world that is all to often very cynical about making any stand. If I came out and said I was going to get rid of my TV and DVD’s tomorrow, most folks would call me nuts. If I decided to give up all the foods I love and start some crazy blood type diet, people would worry about me (even though I already try to do that, not very successfully may I add). Making a “stand” for Jesus or declaring publically that we are followers of Him and His Church is equally a much poo-pooed event.
So, does that mean we don’t do it? Does the fact that well-meaning Christians of past years and their “ways of sharing the faith” have, in part, created a culture that is almost anti-evangelistic mean that we should just boycott the whole deal? Or do we just wait and be friendly and hope that someone will come to Christ naturally?
As the dad of one my friends would say, “yes.”
There was a time when traveling preachers were a dime a dozen. Ancient Jewish towns were often praised for their acceptance and hospitality to these teachers. Now, recieving them and listening to them were two totally different things. (Paul even had people fall asleep during his sermons – that should make teachers the world wide breathe a sigh of relief). At one point in Jesus’ ministry, He decides to send out his followers too “Spread the Good News.” The word is evangelion – we would say evangelize. When Caesar would whup up on some nation and defeat everyone in his way – heralds would be dispatched to “spread the good news”.
So, spreading the good news was what evangelism was all about, so what? What’s the good news? For Jesus, the Good News was “that the Kingdom of Heaven is here”. The Kingdom of heaven, the rule, reign and very presence of God here and now! Each week Christians pray, let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven – that’s what Jesus is saying. That’s a big deal. Jesus is telling people that any disconnectedness that we live with doesn’t have to continue. The hell of our lives – the loneliness, the despair, the isolation, oh yeah and that whole sin thing, doesn’t have to rule our lives. In Christ, we can have freedom from it. That’s the Joy of the Kingdom of Heaven and that is in deed “good news” worth repeating and sharing and shouting and livng and…
Evangelism in the 21st century is certainly different then it was in the mid to late 20th century, but it’s still spreading the Good News of a God who’s entered into our pain and wants to help us live through it. Evangelism isn’t preachy, it’s story. It’s sharing how my life is different because of what God has done for me – through my own personal prayer and study, and through the community of friends and family who support me, encourage me and push me to grow.
That’s evangelism – telling a story and because it’s such good news, I want to share it with folks.