During our Sunday worship time
recently, we talked about what evangelism
really is; it’s the good news that Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection brings us
back to a right relationship with God even though we put ourselves on the wrong
side of God’s laws.
It’s much more than just a ‘Christian
guilt trip’ as many people would define evangelism. Regrettably these same
thoughts spill over into people perceptions of church too.
Yet, there are similarities
when it comes to pushing back against these perceptions.
In his book Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why
Sacred Words are Vanishing—and How We can Revive Them author Jonathan
Merrit says the key is to take common religious language and “break it down…” From
there we can rebuild these words in ways that that are “more helpful, richer,
and beautiful.”
This is also the key to inviting
people to church. Alex Tran, a self-described introvert, says it’s all in the
approach:
·
Keep the language simple, casual, and friendly.
Never assume they’re looking for a church and be sure to leave the decision up
to them.
·
If they don’t ask a follow-up question or
engage further, then you’ll want to leave the conversation at that. If they ask
a question or share a bit of their faith journey, then it’s a good sign they’re
open to hearing more.
·
Do take the opportunity to share more about your
church: why you love it, how God’s used it in your life, etc.
·
Always invite with kindness. How you end the
conversation will be how they remember your invite.
With the approaching holidays,
you may find yourself more open to the “more helpful, richer, and beautiful”
themes that come in speaking “God from scratch.”
Consider this a gentle
invitation to come as you are, and listen to God’s love language for the ages.
Together We Serve,
Pastor Mike
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