Rethinking Evangelism

There's something about evangelism that still bugs me. There seems to be something inherently flawed in it. I mean, there's gotta be a reason why "evangelical" is one of the ugliest words in America today.

I think it's because an evangelical's goal is to convert unbelieving and immoral people. Well, right there you have some obvious problems. No one wants to be viewed as insufficient and certainly not immoral. Evangelical's enter every conversation with a preconceived idea that they are somehow better than another. Now, I know the response would of course be that Evangelicals are not "better" but just saved by grace, blah blah blah. My point is, regardless of what you think, it's not coming across that way. Evangelism comes across as rude, offensive, and judgemental because it makes assumptions about another.

Relationship

Unfortunately, when the evangelical has a relationship with the possible convert it is only a band aid. It's almost as if the convert finds cause to forgive the Evangelist of their approach because of their friendship. Although I believe very strongly in relational ministry I don't think this is getting at the real flaws in evangelism. I think it goes deeper.

Conversion

The American Evangelism idea is that immoral, unbelieving people are converted. As I've studied conversions in the Bible, what I've found has surprised me. A large amounts of conversions that occur in the Bible are not in immoral people. Sure, you got your Matthews (1) that change their lifestyles dramatically but you also have a vast amount of people with strong moral convictions experiencing conversions. People like Paul (2)and the majority of the disciples. Conversion is not just for the immoral.

Furthermore, conversion is not just for the unbeliever. Examples like Ananias and Peter are great examples of conversions in the Bible. Ananias had a conversion experience when he was called by God to minister to Paul. (3) Peter had a conversion experience when God changed his mind about certain foods and the freedom we have in Christ. (4) Biblical conversion is not limited to the unbeliever.

So conversion is for unbeliever and believer, immoral and the moral, seeker and saint. How does this allow us to rethink evangelism?

Leveling The Playing Field

If conversion is for everyone then I must open myself up to being evangelized. What I mean is, as I enter into conversations with others I must allow myself to be changed as much as I expect them to be changed. I must become humble and teachable while knowing this moment might be the one where God wishes to convert me.

Do you see how this thinking can radically change our approach in spiritual conversations? Conversion is not a one-and-done experience. Evangelism is not a headhunter looking for another notch on his belt. When people see our true openness to ideas only then will they feel comfortable with our ideas. Entering spiritual conversations open minded and teachable eliminates the inherent flaw in evangelism. (5) Dialogue becomes open.

Let me end with a brief example of how this has worked in my life. A few months ago I met with a friend for coffee. He happens to be gay and wanted to ask me some tough questions about God. The whole drive there I was praying for him and that I would have the right words to move him into my way of thinking. Two and a half hours later, I was driving home and realized he had converted me. My perspective had been broadened. My heart was softened. God met us there and changed me. I have no idea if my friend experienced a similar kind of conversion but I'm certain he didn't feel evangelized to. I know that trust was created as we had a fair, humble, conversation about God.

May God convert you and I this week.

May we be evangelized.

1. Matthew 9:9-12

2. Acts 9

3. Acts 9:10-16

4. Acts 10:9-23

5. I would argue those evangelist unopen to conversion are overcompensating for their personal spiritual inadequecy. If we're so scared of being influenced by another what does that say about the strength of our faith? Yeah, I'm talking to you, sheltered, Harry Potter, Da Vinci Code book burners. Ridiculous. You're making us all look silly and I wish God would convert you.