Follow my simple scheme:
STEP 1: Ask yourself this question. What is more attractive than Jesus? Let's call this thing X.
STEP 2: Lift X high. Be loud. Be proud.
STEP 3: Celebrate a job well done when unbelievers agree that X really is better than Jesus.
Presto!
.
... so are you anti-pre-evangelistic events (got to love the hyphens) because you think that they all end up like your description. Or if you are pro-pre-evangelistic events but just think many of them end up like your description by mistake, how would you make sure that they are better?
I suppose I am challenged by your description because it rings true in a lot of my experience, and I have been to blame as many times as not. I have a few ideas how this mighty mistake could be avoided but would be interested to hear yours.
I fully grant the difficulty in practice. Currently I'm trying to organise a holiday "Football Academy" for 7-11 year olds with Jesus bits stuffed into the drinks-breaks etc. Or next year for the Passion for Life mission we've cast our net wide to find footballers, cricketers and tv celebs to give their testimonies. But one thing I'm adamant on - Jesus is prominent on the advertising and on the occasion.
The term *pre*-evangelism curdles my blood. Theologically it simply doesn't work (We scratch our heads and ask, "What foundation can we find other than the Rock?"). But I also think practically it's unhelpful in sucking up a whole heap of resources to do a job much better done by simply developing non-Christian friendships and going to the pub. We shouldn't need the church to organise events at which Christians and non-Christians mix and have fun. That should just happen. And one of the things that would encourage this happening more is if church stopped holding so many meetings (like pre-evangelistic events).
Also, we tend to overestimate how much a non-Christian will trust us to know or be good at X. (Almost the only thing a non-Christian thinks Christians can speak about is Christianity).
I also think we underestimate how much gospel content a non-Christian is willing to bear once they say 'yes' to an invitation. When they come to a Christian event I think they're fair game for some Jesus talk.
Can you see me clapping? Amen Glen!
'But I also think practically it’s unhelpful in sucking up a whole heap of resources to do a job much better done by simply developing non-Christian friendships and going to the pub. We shouldn’t need the church to organise events at which Christians and non-Christians mix and have fun. That should just happen.'
Yes, exactly. Nothing wrong with pre-evangelism. But events?
'I also think we underestimate how much gospel content a non-Christian is willing to bear once they say ‘yes’ to an invitation. When they come to a Christian event I think they’re fair game for some Jesus talk.'
Again, bang on. Our fears and (mis)perceptions set the agenda too much here I feel.
Thanks for this Glen.
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