My question is, why do we give so much attention to such nonsense rather than reiterating 101 one to one evangelism. As a regular surfer of such sites I come across a host of different thinking / presentations.
This is one I found on a blog. The blogger wrote one recently titled, How non-Christians see Christians. In my view it was classic platitudes, mind you, said in the most articulate manner. (thomrainer.com)
He states these four as key motifs: Demonstrate Respect and the Interest of Others; Don't Condescend or Discriminate; Really Care about the Non-Christian and Show it; Demonstrate Compassion and Respect.
See what I means! Platitudes. Every half decent citizen does these four things whether they be Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zano, Shimto, whatever. Hello!
New Testament
As I read the New Testament I see is something quite different. As I read Christian history I see something different. As I read of the Great Awakening I see something quite different. I as I read the transformative periods of astonishing movements of the Spirit of God I see something different.
Why have we evangelicals come to a point where platitudinous ho-ha in the name of the game in the age of Big Brother? Is Political Correctness so frightening to us that we become too frightened to say anything challenging?
What about plain speaking the challenge of the Salvation that Jesus Christ brings?
The question then becomes, how is this achieved?
I have just been on another YWAM base, this one on the Whitsundays, and what I was relayed was story after story of young people being genuinely challenged about the direction of their lives with a clear and unequivocal answer that Jesus Christ is the only way! Full stop! No flip flopping around.
This was 101 Evangelism in action. Forget the nonsense presented above, there is a nation of young people heading straight to the department of the lost. These YWAM young people are given positive and direct training through their Discipleship Training Schools, young people from all over the world.
I have spoken at DTS's over the years on sport ministry at various YWAM bases in Australia and overseas and a key aspect of my presentations have been 101 Evangelism in a sports (team and individual sports) context.
In my situation it inevitably involved having questions asked, not necessarily from those whom I got to know over months and years (forever waiting for that magic moment to dare to say something about Jesus), rather those who heard me out respect, that something clear and precise was said.
These are the vitals
These two things appear to be the critical issues in 101 Evangelism.
First, if you wait and wait and wait and wait, that's all you'll ever do.
Second, be clear and precise without nonsense.
Yes, ministry in the community is consultative, it is about a listening ear, it is showing a true heart but that is not the end of it. That is simply the initial tentative step.
Real 101 Evangelism is just that. Open your mouth and say something. Be surprised what the Lord will do through such a willing yet frightened heart. That's right, a frightened heart.
If you don' have your heart in your mouth in 101 Evangelism you're not prayed up. There is difference between confidence in the Lord and ridiculous over confidence.
The Kerugma is a term that identifies from the New Testament the key essential of the presentation of Jesus Christ. The nature of sin, the nature of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the Cross and He rose again. (www.studylight.org)
Why not try these – don't complicate it.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
