Apologetics in Evangelism

[evangelist6589]

I am finding in general the people of Denver are very much into relativism and that the New Age movement and skepticism has a huge influence in this area. While I prefer using the 10 Commandments to bring conviction I am also finding that people do not believe the Bible. Listening to RC Sproul yesterday he was making a good case for using logic and reason with skeptics in favor of a Classical Apologetical approach something that Mac, Washer, and Comfort do not agree with, but nonetheless no harm in trying other styles of tracts in evangelism and so I have found some of these types of tracts available on CBD. Unbelievers will not usually read apologetics books and so sometimes a good tract will make things far easier for me and them. Easier for me to use and know the material and carry it around when I witness, and easier for them as its a tract and not a book. What is your experience?

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

Listening to RC Sproul yesterday he was making a good case for using logic and reason with skeptics in favor of a Classical Apologetical approach something that Mac, Washer, and Comfort do not agree with, ...

But which Paul did effectively, right? I think the best method we can find to evangelize is to follow the examples of Paul and the other apostles, not some group of men today who have a favorite system that may or may not be well-derived from the Bible.

... but nonetheless no harm in trying other styles of tracts in evangelism and so I have found some of these types of tracts available on CBD. Unbelievers will not usually read apologetics books and so sometimes a good tract will make things far easier for me and them.

You know what works even better? Getting to know them, finding out things about them, relating things in our lives that are similar, and finally getting to the point of how God made our lives better.

Easier for me to use and know the material and carry it around when I witness, and easier for them as its a tract and not a book. What is your experience?

Speaking from the heart. Very effective. The less paper and material you make them take away, the longer they will hang around.

 

[JonC]

But which Paul did effectively, right? I think the best method we can find to evangelize is to follow the examples of Paul and the other apostles, not some group of men today who have a favorite system that may or may not be well-derived from the Bible.You know what works even better? Getting to know them, finding out things about them, relating things in our lives that are similar, and finally getting to the point of how God made our lives better.Speaking from the heart. Very effective. The less paper and material you make them take away, the longer they will hang around.

:thumbs:

My thoughts exactly - you beat me to it. I was about to post that this is what Paul did (and since Evangelistic leans so much on extra-biblical sources…so does Ray Comfort). I have found the best “method” is through genuine love, compassion, and conversation.

 

[quantumfaith]

But which Paul did effectively, right? I think the best method we can find to evangelize is to follow the examples of Paul and the other apostles, not some group of men today who have a favorite system that may or may not be well-derived from the Bible.You know what works even better? Getting to know them, finding out things about them, relating things in our lives that are similar, and finally getting to the point of how God made our lives better.Speaking from the heart. Very effective. The less paper and material you make them take away, the longer they will hang around.

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

[evangelist6589]

:thumbs:

My thoughts exactly - you beat me to it. I was about to post that this is what Paul did (and since Evangelistic leans so much on extra-biblical sources…so does Ray Comfort). I have found the best “method” is through genuine love, compassion, and conversation.

But you miss the entire point. In a street evangelism context with literally thousands roaming the streets as was the case in Denver Saturday it's impossible to chat with everyone or get to know them personally. 99.99% of which I won't see again on earth.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

But you miss the entire point. In a street evangelism context with literally thousands roaming the streets as was the case in Denver Saturday it's impossible to chat with everyone or get to know them personally. 99.99% of which I won't see again on earth.

No offense, John, but that's "shotgun evangelism." Yes, 99.99% of them you won't see again. That's roughly the percentage, most likely, that you fail to make an impact on for the kingdom, too.

Much more effective is to engage one person on the 16th Street Mall, one who is interested, who will listen, whose spirit is open to the gospel. You can help Christ change the life of that one person, that day.

I'm not saying your passing out tracts and preaching for a few minutes doesn't get to some. That tract may lie around on their dresser or kitchen table for weeks, then one day they pick it up, read it, and decide they need to investigate more.

But where do they go? Do they have a church background? Probably not. Do they know where to find you again? Maybe. Will they? Doubtful.

Again, I don't want to offend you, but as an addictions counselor who can freely talk about Christ, I have probably been able to more effectively present the gospel to my clients than have you been able to impact strangers on the streets of Denver with it. Personal evangelism works. Street evangelism has it's place, but the impact I believe you want -- the one God wants? -- would be better realized if you could find it in yourself to approach someone as a person, not a member of a crowd. It's a subtle but significant difference.

 

[evangelist6589]

No offense, John, but that's "shotgun evangelism." Yes, 99.99% of them you won't see again. That's roughly the percentage, most likely, that you fail to make an impact on for the kingdom, too.

Much more effective is to engage one person on the 16th Street Mall, one who is interested, who will listen, whose spirit is open to the gospel. You can help Christ change the life of that one person, that day.

I'm not saying your passing out tracts and preaching for a few minutes doesn't get to some. That tract may lie around on their dresser or kitchen table for weeks, then one day they pick it up, read it, and decide they need to investigate more.

But where do they go? Do they have a church background? Probably not. Do they know where to find you again? Maybe. Will they? Doubtful.

Again, I don't want to offend you, but as an addictions counselor who can freely talk about Christ, I have probably been able to more effectively present the gospel to my clients than have you been able to impact strangers on the streets of Denver with it. Personal evangelism works. Street evangelism has it's place, but the impact I believe you want -- the one God wants? -- would be better realized if you could find it in yourself to approach someone as a person, not a member of a crowd. It's a subtle but significant difference.

We'll I am called as a street evangelist. But I agree on impact and why I took a homeless lady to lunch Saturday that I mentioned in another thread. What sickens me is another person that does open air very well but never bothers to chat with people or feed the homeless man at his feet begging for food.

However on the other extreme I knew a team of charismatic evangelist back in SC that would give out lots of food to the homeless but would avoid preaching on sin and repentance. I am striving for BALANCE as I have witnessed both extremes.

 

[kyredneck]

I think the best method we can find to evangelize is to follow the examples of Paul....

The synagogue in each city was consistently the first place he went to.

... and the other apostles

...were apostles to the circumcision.

 

[JonC]

But you miss the entire point. In a street evangelism context with literally thousands roaming the streets as was the case in Denver Saturday it's impossible to chat with everyone or get to know them personally. 99.99% of which I won't see again on earth.

Actually, John, you are missing my point. In Athens Paul did not necessarily engage every person individually, but he did engage the people (he was not a human p.a. system). You seem to be a fan of Ray Comfort. He shares the gospel with many people at once, but it is by communicating, not broadcasting, and by engaging them in dialogue. Generally the WOTM videos show people witnessing individually. I am only using these as examples that one can exhibit the gospel while evangelizing in a crowd.

The instance of you engaging the homeless woman over a Taco Bell lunch is a good example. But I have to agree with TND that “shotgun evangelism” is not necessarily the best method (but it did open up an opportunity to witness to this woman - I wonder how many more you could have witnessed to had that been your object)…and I do not see it as a biblical example (although I also do not see it as unbiblical). Now I don’t want you to think that I am trying to get you to abandon ‘street evangelism.’ If God has called you to that as a ministry, then I am in no position to suggest you stop. But by posting here you open yourself up to critique - which is a good thing (consider what is said and then take or dismiss those opinions…once received, the responsibility is yours). And IMHO, TND has offered some good observations.

 

[padredurand]

But you miss the entire point. In a street evangelism context with literally thousands roaming the streets as was the case in Denver Saturday it's impossible to chat with everyone or get to know them personally. 99.99% of which I won't see again on earth.

What if you don't have a downtown? I should take a picture of our "downtown" some afternoon. Half a dozen cars and not a person walking on the street. There might be a couple hundred an hour going in and out of Walmart but those folks get uptight about preaching in their doorways.

 

[plain_n_simple]

Evangelist, you have not been called. It is your desire to do street evangelism. That is a worthy thing you have in your heart to see the unsaved, saved, but ask God what He wants you to do and let go of The Way of the Master. Take a look at your own video's of your "preaching". You are barking at people who ignore you.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

The synagogue in each city was consistently the first place he went to ... /// ...were apostles to the circumcision.

If you don't mind, how does that discount anything I said?

 

[evangelist6589]

Actually, John, you are missing my point. In Athens Paul did not necessarily engage every person individually, but he did engage the people (he was not a human p.a. system). You seem to be a fan of Ray Comfort. He shares the gospel with many people at once, but it is by communicating, not broadcasting, and by engaging them in dialogue. Generally the WOTM videos show people witnessing individually. I am only using these as examples that one can exhibit the gospel while evangelizing in a crowd.

The instance of you engaging the homeless woman over a Taco Bell lunch is a good example. But I have to agree with TND that “shotgun evangelism” is not necessarily the best method (but it did open up an opportunity to witness to this woman - I wonder how many more you could have witnessed to had that been your object)…and I do not see it as a biblical example (although I also do not see it as unbiblical). Now I don’t want you to think that I am trying to get you to abandon ‘street evangelism.’ If God has called you to that as a ministry, then I am in no position to suggest you stop. But by posting here you open yourself up to critique - which is a good thing (consider what is said and then take or dismiss those opinions…once received, the responsibility is yours). And IMHO, TND has offered some good observations.

He engages in a more teaching style of street preaching. However he also has display boards, and other aids that will help attract a crowd. I lack these resources, however recently I did give it some thought to buy some, but if I did that I would need to just do this and not pass out tracts as I do.

Everyone has an opinion and I have met many (even pastors) whom did not agree with his teaching style of open air, but would rather just broadcast a message. Yes in fact the person whom encouraged me and trained me a little on open air preaching, did not agree with Ray Comfort in this area and he was a missionary evangelist and a regular open air preacher. He was Arminian and KJVO. However after he left to go to a country, I met another brother whom was Reformed Presbyterian and a seminary student, and he also preferred the broadcast style of open air preaching as I do so often.

So each has an opinion, but if I had the money just for kicks I may buy some of the resources that will help draw a crowd and see how I like it.

 

[SolaSaint]

OK, I'm confused, I thought this thread was about using apologetics in evangelism. The OP was never addressed by anyone as asked by Evangel. As you said, most of the people in Denver are relativists or don't believe in God so what is the best way to approach them. I think RC is a great apologist and has very good methods to reach those who think they are intellectual.

It is hard to witness to someone using the 10 Commandments if they don't believe in God. Their answer is always going to be "so what if I offend a god I don't believe in". If you use evidential apologetics to demonstrate there is a God, then you can use the WOTM approach. But I don't think you will have much time to lay out a case for God on the street corner and using a tract is a good idea.

I heard a Christian audio of a guy who strictly used tracts a few years ago. I don't remember how it went exactly but it was a good story, hopefully it was true. The guy almost lost his life or had some kind of tragedy befall him and he bargained with God and said he would pass out 10 Christian tracts in front of his office building everyday for the rest of his life if God spared him. He didn't talk to anyone, just passed out 10 tracts everyday. Many years later at a Pastors conference a Pastor was speaking to the audience and shared how he was saved and it was through this man's tract ministry. He talked to a few of the other Pastors there that day and come to find out one ort two others there were also saved through this ministry and now they were Pastors who in turn led many to salvation. See this guy who was faithful to pass out just 10 tracts a day probably affected 100s or 1000s of souls and still is having an affect today.

 

[evangelist6589]

OK, I'm confused, I thought this thread was about using apologetics in evangelism. The OP was never addressed by anyone as asked by Evangel. As you said, most of the people in Denver are relativists or don't believe in God so what is the best way to approach them. I think RC is a great apologist and has very good methods to reach those who think they are intellectual.

It is hard to witness to someone using the 10 Commandments if they don't believe in God. Their answer is always going to be "so what if I offend a god I don't believe in". If you use evidential apologetics to demonstrate there is a God, then you can use the WOTM approach. But I don't think you will have much time to lay out a case for God on the street corner and using a tract is a good idea.

I heard a Christian audio of a guy who strictly used tracts a few years ago. I don't remember how it went exactly but it was a good story, hopefully it was true. The guy almost lost his life or had some kind of tragedy befall him and he bargained with God and said he would pass out 10 Christian tracts in front of his office building everyday for the rest of his life if God spared him. He didn't talk to anyone, just passed out 10 tracts everyday. Many years later at a Pastors conference a Pastor was speaking to the audience and shared how he was saved and it was through this man's tract ministry. He talked to a few of the other Pastors there that day and come to find out one ort two others there were also saved through this ministry and now they were Pastors who in turn led many to salvation. See this guy who was faithful to pass out just 10 tracts a day probably affected 100s or 1000s of souls and still is having an affect today.

I ordered some apologetics oriented tracts and will try and use some of the arguments in personal conversation if possible. But you are correct its difficult to lay out a case for God with a thousand people roaming the streets.

Those that are against tracts and open air preaching I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH YOU and NOTHING you say will persuade me. Each has an opinion and a calling and your hogwash has no effect on me so keep it to yourself. I have been encouraged by many to continue doing what I am doing in regards to tracts and open air preaching. In fact I remember one man back in SC whom was so convicted by my testimony and my street evangelism he told me he went back to his home church and tried to persuade them all to be out witnessing as I was.

 

[evangelist6589]

Evangelist, you have not been called. It is your desire to do street evangelism. That is a worthy thing you have in your heart to see the unsaved, saved, but ask God what He wants you to do and let go of The Way of the Master. Take a look at your own video's of your "preaching". You are barking at people who ignore you.

My critics multiply like rabbits!

 

[Aaron]

I am finding in general the people of Denver are very much into relativism and that the New Age movement and skepticism has a huge influence in this area. While I prefer using the 10 Commandments to bring conviction I am also finding that people do not believe the Bible. Listening to RC Sproul yesterday he was making a good case for using logic and reason with skeptics in favor of a Classical Apologetical approach something that Mac, Washer, and Comfort do not agree with, but nonetheless no harm in trying other styles of tracts in evangelism and so I have found some of these types of tracts available on CBD. Unbelievers will not usually read apologetics books and so sometimes a good tract will make things far easier for me and them. Easier for me to use and know the material and carry it around when I witness, and easier for them as its a tract and not a book. What is your experience?

Apologetics in street preaching it seems would require a vast body of secular knowledge. One must be educated in not only the sciences and the prevailing philosophies of the age, but also in classical studies. Even that's not enough. One must be able to answer them.

To be an effective apologist is a life-long discipline, and requires a wearying study of worldly philosophies, and a not a few lumps and stripes, which one is sure to get if he reads one or two books on a subject and thinks he can take on the world on it's own turf. Just reading a book on snakes doesn't make one a dragon slayer.

The power in preaching comes from the Spirit of God. He quickens the word in the hearts of the his sheep, and His sheep hear his voice. Just stick to the plain and simple preaching of the Cross.

 

[evangelist6589]

Apologetics in street preaching it seems would require a vast body of secular knowledge. One must be educated in not only the sciences and the prevailing philosophies of the age, but also in classical studies. Even that's not enough. One must be able to answer them.

To be an effective apologist is a life-long discipline, and requires a wearying study of worldly philosophies, and a not a few lumps and stripes, which one is sure to get if he reads one or two books on a subject and thinks he can take on the world on it's own turf. Just reading a book on snakes doesn't make one a dragon slayer.

The power in preaching comes from the Spirit of God. He quickens the word in the hearts of the his sheep, and His sheep hear his voice. Just stick to the plain and simple preaching of the Cross.

Well I do not plan on using apologetics in street preaching, I meant apologetics in personal and tract evangelism just as an added addition and so I ordered some tracts. However as John MacArthur said if they are not elect it will do nothing and I will be wasting my efforts as Mac said he did in his earlier days when he gave a lecture on the evidences to support the Bible and not a single convert came forth.

 

[kyredneck]

If you don't mind, how does that discount anything I said?

You said:

Originally Posted by thisnumbersdisconnected
I think the best method we can find to evangelize is to follow the examples of Paul....

If the OP is to follow Paul's method of evangelism he should begin with the Jews of each city.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Ro 1:16

 

[Aaron]

You said:



If the OP is to follow Paul's method of evangelism he should begin with the Jews of each city.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Ro 1:16

TND is also confusing Paul's method of pastoring with his method of evangelism.