[Continuing a journal of a personal quest for a more effective evangelism: an evangelism with credibility and biblical integrity.]
In my last blog I discussed what I see as
a counterproductive approach to Evangelism, viz., an “ambush” strategy. It’s
based (at least theoretically) on a concern for the eternal destinies of
people; however, there are at least two flaws in the system.
First, it begins with an assumption that
people (particularly people who aren’t in our group) need what we have—without
asking them. It’s presumptuous in its assumption that what we offer is the only
right way to God. That assumption overlooks the findings of multiple polls and
surveys that indicate 95% (more or less, depending upon the specific survey) of
North Americans believe in God. But for the evangelicals, beyond that oversight
is the conviction that believing in God is not enough. One must jump through very
specific hoops (the ones we offer) in order to be “saved.”
What 95% of the North American public
needs is a faith community that supports them in their faith journey and walks
with them as they attempt to follow Jesus. They don’t need to be targeted as
“unsaved-in-need-of-our-five-step-Roman-Road-to-Salvation.” They already “believe.”
What most “dones” and “nones[1]
really need is guidance and pastoral care in their sincere desire to follow
Jesus. They haven’t found that guidance and care in the church; that’s why
they’re not there anymore.
A second flaw in the antiquated and
counterproductive system is its vulnerability to a prideful competitiveness and
success-orientation. Granted, no one—NO ONE—will own up to that;
however, that tendency to “keep score” is a part of the image (right or wrong)
from which the “spiritual-but-not-religious) are fleeing.
So, at this point I’m thinking the focus
of our evangelism, while not abandoning the lost, should emphasize the
“spiritual-but-not-religious”—those Thomas G. Bandy calls the “spiritually
yearning, institutionally disillusioned public”.[2]
That population, says Bandy, is the largest and fastest growing spiritual
population in North America, and the Millennial generations account for its overwhelming
majority.
And I suggest the motivating vision for
our evangelism should be that of Jesus in Matthew 9:35-36 (NRSV) “Then Jesus
went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every
sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion
for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a
shepherd.”
At the next level, I’m beginning to
believe that “invitation evangelism” won’t work. The key word for our
evangelism should be the same as the key word in Jesus Great Commission,[3]
viz., GO!!! They already have been-there-done-that, and/or have declined our
invitation.
While the “spiritual-but-not-religious”
make a lot of generalized assumptions about church; there is enough evidence to
make those assumptions valid. So, maybe a prior step is for the church to clean
up its own act—or, at least to divorce itself from the stereotypes that repel.
In doing so, I suggest we begin with a focus on the Baby Boomer values of
“success” (rather than obedience), “achievement” (rather than faithfulness),
and consumerism (rather than service). I think those Boomer values are the
foundation of the “institutional disillusionment” that fuels the current exodus
from the church. This topic merits attention that transcends the boundaries of
a simple blog; nevertheless, some deep soul-searching is in order.
Finally, when we GO!!!, our primary
purpose will not be to proclaim, but to listen. I know, the kerygma[4]
is the heart of the Gospel; but, for the “spiritual-but-not-religious,” the
kerygma is a bus that already is moving 40 mph. We need to stop the bus before
we expect them to board, and I'm thinking the "Good News" for those
groups is, "Somebody cares enough about you to listen."
A major life experience for the
“spiritually yearning, institutionally disillusioned public” includes stress,
depression, and anxiety. These life qualities are a spin-off from the
fast-paced pressure-cooker life of the corporate world created by the Baby Boomer
generation. It impacts the Millennial generations severely: their work, their
relationships, and their world view.
They truly are a generation “harassed
and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” and they need—and as children
of God they deserve—to experience the love, and grace of Jesus. They already
know about it; and when they didn’t find it in the church, they left to seek it
elsewhere. By all accounts, they still haven’t found it.
Perhaps the primary question for the
church is this: is “it” even in the church, anymore. After beginning with
listening, what if our evangelism should proceed with, “I’m hungry for a closer
walk with Jesus, too. Will you walk with me, so we can help each other find
that closer walk?”
That’s the way it looks through the Flawed
Glass that is my world view.
Together in the Walk,
Jim
[1]
These are nicknames (somewhat demeaning) for those who are “done” with playing
church and those who never got started.
[2]
Thomas G. Bandy, Christian Chaos, et. al.
[3]
Matthew 28:19-20
[4]
The Greek word for “preaching” or “proclamation.”
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