evangelism

The Ethics of Evangelism

xaglen — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 17:02:01 -0600

There's one thing Christians and non-Christians have in common. They both get uncomfortable talking about evangelism.

There are a lot of reasons that evangelism has gotten a negative reputation, but the biggest is that Christians don't do it the way the Bible commands us to.

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Biblical Commands

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12, NRSV This is the most violated rule in evangelism. If Muslims treated us the way we treat others, we'd go nuts.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15b-16, NIV Notice that this verse presupposes a relationship of sufficient quality that the other person feels comfortable bringing up the issue of religion.
We reject all shameful and underhanded methods. We do not try to trick anyone, and we do not distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know that. 2 Corinthians 4:2, NLT Evangelism by deception (such as in "spiritual survey" schemes) is forbidden to Christians. This includes inviting them to evangelistic functions without telling them that it's a Christian event.
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:5-6, NRSV Evangelistic conversations should be pleasant conversations.
If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. Mark 6:11, NRSV. If someone doesn't want to talk to you--leave! We are not called to bug or badger people.

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Biblical Examples

Consider also the following Biblical stories. In each case, ask yourself the following questions:

Was there a previous relationship?
Who initiated the conversation?
Was there any miraculous component?
Is there any correlation between the first three questions?
Was there any deception, manipulation, or pressure?

Jesus & Nicodemus - John 3:1-21
Jesus & Samaritan Woman - John 4
Jesus & Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-31
Levi & Friends Luke - 5:27-32
Philip & Nathaniel - John 1:43-51
Philip & Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8:26-40
Paul on Mars Hill - Acts 17:16-34
Peter & Cornelius - Acts 10
Paul in Ephesus - Acts 19

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Reflective Analysis

What is evangelism? How is it different from marketing?
Is evangelism always the most important dynamic in any relationship? If not, what is more important?
Using non-biblical adjectives (such as manipulative and intrusive) what are some characteristics of unethical evangelism?
Construct a personal code of ethics for your evangelism. Include both affirmations (‘I will be honest’) and rejections (‘I will not be judgmental.’). Live by it and teach it to others.

Investigative Bible Studies

xaglen — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:58:37 -0600

A Bible study for non-Christians.

Some suggested resources

Alpha Course: Alpha is a food-based, discussion-driven, Spirit-filled outreach that many Chi Alpha groups are using successfully. This is a great program if you don't have time to prepare your own studies or train leaders. All a leader does is this program is moderate discussion with specific instructions not to answer questions themselves. Some Alpha representatives say that Chi Alpha is the best college ministry fit for their outreach because we embrace the Spirit as they present Him. -
Alpha On Campus website: http://jhfrahm.home.texas.net/
Alpha website: http://www.alphacourse.org/
God Investigative Groups
One of my favorites is in the appendix to Jim Petersen’s book Living Proof (ISBN:0891095616) (the study itself is called Twenty Four Hours With John—do an internet search and see if its out there).
the eXit Strategy

Outreach Ideas

xaglen — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:50:07 -0600

Before you read anything else, read about The Ethics Of Evangelism.

Satanic Book Signing This idea comes from Georgetown Chi Alpha. Buy as many used copies of the Screwtape Letters as you can get your hands on. Get a booth on campus and put up a large sign that says "Book Signing By Satan." Dress up a student in a devil costume and have them give away free copies and sign them with things like, "See you soon -- Satan" and "Hate you -- Satan." Put a bookmark in each book with your ministry's contact and meeting info.

Confessional Booth In the book Blue Like Jazz (which is really good) the author describes setting up a confessional booth at Reed College in Portland. People would walk in and then the Christians would confess to them all the evils that Christianity has been guilty of (being unloving and judgmental, perpetrating the crusades and whatnot). The book tells the story in a remarkable way--check it out.

Free Prayer Tent Just set up a booth/tent with a giant sign that says "free prayer here." You might be surprised at who shows up. This has worked at UC Berkeley.

Experience It Booth "We set up different things that would engage their senses. First they watched a startling video on a laptop. To relax them, we then had them listen to the ocean while sticking their hands into some warm sand. After that, we had them listen to a rainstorm, while running a latte smell under their noses. At the end, we handed them an Andes mint and said the Bible says Taste and see that the Lord is good. Today, we have engaged your senses in a real experiential way. You can experience God in just as real and experiential way." - idea courtesy of Oregon State Chi Alpha.

Investigative Bible Studies: launch Investigative Bible Studies for non-Christians in the dorms.

External Links

InterVarsity Evangelism Guide: http://www.intervarsity.org/evangelism/
Campus Stories: http://www.campusstories.org/ snapshots of effective campus evangelism