What Evangelism Do We Really Believe In? by Pastor Dwight

Decades ago we trained people to ask questions like, "If you died tonight why would Jesus let you into heaven," or, "Right now do you know for certain you'd go to heaven." Over the years we realized people weren't even thinking about heaven let alone dying. Life was about friends, school, jobs and the pursuit of happiness, with the occasional concern for things that were wrong like Apartheid or greedy, selfish materialism.

We also realized we had problems trying to "scare the hell out of people" by warning them to come to the altar quickly so they wouldn't be "left behind" if the "rapture" happened tonight. That picture of God wasn't any more appealing than God meeting them at death's gate to tell them either, "You won the whole enchilada-enter heaven," or, "Too bad but you go to hell." On the other hand telling them to come and die on the cross didn't get people excited. Evangelism is hard!

For a while we wanted to preach prosperity but didn't have enough faith. We preached "the kingdom of God comes dominion of God over the whole earth, and you can be part of His victory," but we struggled with things like continued suffering and injustice and the continued failures of church leaders.

Many people are negative about even the big "E" word let alone knocking on doors or passing out tracts. And although we like people coming to us on Sunday, we let them find their own way Sunday afternoon through Saturday. We basically stink at discipleship and friendship outside of our "meeting."

How about evangelizing men with a challenge to manliness, courage and sacrifice for the greatest good? Invite them to Ziklag beginning Thurs eve Oct 14; or to share life with women on Friday nights, or to bake bread or make quilts?

What do see people hungry for and needing?

How about Evangelism into hope, joy, love and justice for the oppressed-"good news" which we proclaim from heaven's kingdom as already begun? Or invite neighbors to love through a food drive. Bring love through service or hospitality. Bring peace through our prayers for them. Bring hope because of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and ascension and tell them justice will come for the poor and oppressed because He returns as Judge to set things right.

What evangelism do we really believe in?
PD