Friday, August 13, 2010

Evangelism Myth 9 - The More Complex, the Better!

There is another myth that seems to sort of revolve around Evangelism Circles, and that is the more complicated the plan, the better it is. If there are stages and daily goals and weekly goals and monthly goals and various committees and groups and timetables, then clearly we are dealing with wise people who have thought through these issues carefully. Hence, we can just follow the massive outline they present for us and we will have success.

This is a popular myth for a couple of reasons. From the perspective of the authors, well, if you are going to write something. . . write. From the perspective of the consumer. . . well, it's big and shiny. And it also provides some cover for when it doesn't work. The author can say, "Well, you didn't do these steps right". The consumer can say, "Well, this was just too much for a little congregation like us." The complexity gives a false hope going in and it provides a ready made excuse on the way out.

Here's the simple truth. Evangelism is nothing more than this - speak the clear Gospel of Christ Jesus to people who are aware of the struggles they face against sin and the fallen world.

If they aren't aware of their sin, you need to speak the Law. This is uncomfortable - and unless you are their friend and know that you care for them and love them, they will simply write you off.

If they aren't aware of the struggles we see in life. . . um, give them a bit of time. They will fall and skin their knees at some point.

When the Law has done its work - proclaim the same Gospel that you delight and rejoice in - tell them that what Christ has done for you and given you is what He has done for them and desires to give them. This means you need to know real Gospel, and not a false Gospel of money, wealth, or power - but the true Gospel of forgiveness of sins and life in Christ.

It's simple. Know the Law, and know the Gospel. This makes it a wondrously difficult art to master, but that's as hard as it gets. It really is simple - but we think it has to be complex.

1 comment:

Cammie Novara said...

"Here's the simple truth. Evangelism is nothing more than this - speak the clear Gospel of Christ Jesus to people who are aware of the struggles they face against sin and the fallen world." You're absolutely right. There's a really animated debate that I thought would be of interest on evolution vs. intelligent design going on at http://www.intelligentdesignfacts.com