'Inviting' someone to follow Jesus means more than you think
TLDR by ChatGPT:
Evangelism goes beyond forcefully converting others and imposing beliefs.
It is about inviting people to experience the transformative power of the gospel and participate in God's restoration work.
Demonstrating genuine care, serving others, and living out the principles of the gospel are essential in effectively sharing our faith.
Stuffing the gospel down people’s throats causes indigestion
Christians have an inexplicable inclination to forcefully "convert" others.
From going door-to-door and distributing tracts to asking, "Would you like to hear about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?"
Unfortunately, this approach has led people to perceive the gospel as something Christians want to impose on them, a mere "moral code" to suppress and control.
“Christians have an inexplicable inclination to forcefully ‘convert’ others.”
Consequently, younger Christians find themselves at a crossroads, uncertain about how to effectively share their faith.
We're afraid to offend others or sound pushy, so we don't talk about spirituality at all.
The Gospel sales pitch
However, Jesus Himself instructed us to preach the gospel. We believe that a relationship with Jesus has the power to transform lives, as it has transformed our own.
It's natural to desire to share this good news, yet we grapple with balancing the desire to share while respecting others' boundaries.
“We’re afraid to offend others or sound pushy, so we don’t talk about spirituality at all.”
It’s challenging to effectively convey the message to those who may not fully grasp its significance. Simply repeating the message will only sound like a broken record.
The key lies in demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through our actions and genuine care for others.
We must showcase its impact, making it tangible, relatable, and genuinely desirable.
Ultimately, it's about restoring lives so others can experience the gospel firsthand.
Getting converts? Why don't you convert your mindset
When we think of missions and evangelism, the focus is often on sharing the message of Jesus and gaining 'converts'.
Once someone says the sinner's prayer and attends church, the mission is deemed complete.
While not entirely incorrect, this limited perspective can hinder our efforts. Many places in the world remain unaware of their need for God.
“Ultimately, it’s about restoring lives so others can experience the gospel firsthand.”
How can they feel a need for God when their lives seem fulfilled with good education, employment, and everything they believe they need?
Shady car dealer
Imagine a car salesman trying to sell you a car.
“How can they feel a need for God when their lives seem fulfilled with everything they believe they need?”
He tells you it's brand new and energy efficient, but when you see the vehicle, it appears rusty, old, and probably can't even start. You'd rather just take the bus or walk.
Likewise, true missions and evangelism must transcend mere proclamation.
Only when we demonstrate the gospel's transformative power through service and care can we effectively communicate the good news.
Abundance separates us from the normal
God continually works in the world to redeem it fully.
Evangelism, therefore, is an invitation for others to be transformed and participate in the restoration process initiated by God.
As followers of Jesus we are part of that restoration work.
It is through the fruit of our actions that people will recognise Christians as distinct from the world and, hopefully, desire to experience it for themselves.
“...true missions and evangelism must transcend mere proclamation.”
We love because God first loved us, so because God changed our world, we go out and change the rest of the world.
Reflect:
1. What were your previous beliefs about evangelism, and how did they influence the way you shared about Jesus?
2. What specific challenges or problems can you address to demonstrate the restorative power of the gospel in people's lives?
3. In what ways does the idea of inviting others to follow Jesus challenge your existing understanding of evangelism and its ultimate purpose?
