by Kwasi Kena
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The first article in this series explored ways local churches can move beyond mouthing ritual responses to evangelism.
Reaching Pre-Christians
This article explores fellowship, the first step to learning how to reach pre-Christian people today.
We are, by some estimates, in the fifth or sixth decade of the postmodern or post-Christian era. What was considered effective evangelism in the modern era differs drastically from effective approaches to evangelism in the postmodern era.
Evangelism in the Modern Era -- Explain the good news, seek a decision, invite people into fellowship.
Evangelism in the Postmodern Era -- Invite people into community, hold conversations; belief precedes commitment.
These extreme differences should have dictated immediate, widespread changes in evangelism. But effecting change is slow, agonizing work. Despite poor results, some churches continue offering a traditional menu of evangelism for which pre-Christians have no taste.
How can your church update its outreach to pre-Christians? The personal journey to faith of evangelism professor George Hunter may provide helpful insight.
Evangelism Through Fellowship
Hunter became a Christian through a three-part process:
- Fellowship in a church "in which the people pulled for one another, and interceded for one another."
- Conversations with people actively living their Christian faith.
- Belief and commitment after perceiving that God was present in the people with whom he was in fellowship and embracing their beliefs.
Through this three-part process, Hunter's life changed profoundly. He treated people better, invited high school friends to his church fellowship, and initiated conversations with many pre-Christians.
As Hunter became more interested in evangelism, he talked with "experts" who, Hunter laments, convinced him to do evangelism the "right" way:
- Presentation--Explain to a person his or her need of a Savior;
- Decision -- Encourage a person to make a personal commitment to Christ;
- Fellowship -- Bring the new Christian into a fellowship of believers for spiritual growth.
The order of the process was completely opposite that of Hunter's. Nevertheless, armed with this traditional model, practiced from St. Peter to Billy Graham, Hunter went out to evangelize.
The result? After years of practice, Hunter noticed that he was less effective when he evangelized the "right" way than when he had shared his faith in ways that were natural to him.
Today, people desire fellowship before decision; belonging before belief.
Rediscover Wesleyan Evangelism
John Wesley had a four-step process for leading people to salvation. First, people were awakened. Wesley met people where they were via open-air preaching. He touched those written off as unreachable, uninterested, ignorant, and spiritually closed. Where would you go to meet such people today?
Second, an awakened soul was welcomed into the fellowship of a Methodist class meeting. Is there a safe place for Christian inquiry in the life of your church?
Third, the class meeting leader taught the pre-Christian to experience justification. The class meeting leader urged people to seek God until they were assured of their salvation. What happens in the life of your church to encourage a clear, personal encounter with God?
Fourth, the class leader taught people to expect to experience sanctification -- even to the point of being free from sin's power. How do people learn about the holiness of Christianity in your church?
Fellowship and continual conversations were essential to Wesley's process.
Resonate with Pre-Christians' Needs
Today's pre-Christian population is often spiritually curious. You can help their quest through honest conversation about the difference Christ has made in your life.
People regularly look for a community to belong; notice the popularity of online social networks. Invite people into fellowship with no strings attached.
People need to hear a message that touches the heart and mind and urges them to live a better life, to turn their lives around.
People must also experience a faith that makes a difference.
Fellowship, regular, loving interaction is essential in reaching people for Christ today.
Who is your congregation willing to reach for Christ? Church -- is it for members only or whosoever will?
Reference Resource
George G. Hunter III, "The Celtic Way For Evangelizing Today" in Journal of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, vol. 13, 1997-1998. p. 15-20.
Recommended Resources
Kwasi Kena is the Director of Evangelism Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship. Please direct suggestions and comments to him at kkena@gbod.org.
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Posted 9-10-09.
