Church never got back with me regarding evangelism

[John of Japan]

My parents church is all over WOTM so it's a shame not everyone thinks the same regarding evangelism.

You have got to be kidding! Everyone must think the WOTM way, or your way???? Frankly, I'm glad that Moody, Torrey, Rice, etc., etc., did not do evangelism the same way. One Gospel, many methods.

I'm thinking of an animal for you. It starts with the letter "L."

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXc6gIqFI00/VqAErRXGwZI/AAAAAAAA3Yg/qdJDjMyu5Ck/s320/lemming+logic.jpg

 

[Don]

Tell that to John Bunyan (just sayin').

LOL

Consider it in the context of "practicing."

 

[Squire Robertsson]

It's like saying the Romans Road is the only Road.

Frankly, I'm glad that Moody, Torrey, Rice, etc., etc., did not do evangelism the same way.

 

[John of Japan]

It's like saying the Romans Road is the only Road.

Correctamundo.

 

[evangelist6589]

You have got to be kidding! Everyone must think the WOTM way, or your way???? Frankly, I'm glad that Moody, Torrey, Rice, etc., etc., did not do evangelism the same way. One Gospel, many methods.

I'm thinking of an animal for you. It starts with the letter "L."

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXc6gIqFI00/VqAErRXGwZI/AAAAAAAA3Yg/qdJDjMyu5Ck/s320/lemming+logic.jpg

Correction. WOTM is the best way but not the only way.

 

[John of Japan]

Correction. WOTM is the best way but not the only way.

How in the world does one define the "best way" of evangelism? Most souls saved through it (pragmatism)? Most people witnessed to (pragmatism)? Most Biblical? (There is no one Biblical way of evangelism. Just read the book of Acts.)

I'll tell you the best method of evangelism: the one that gives the Gospel! Period.

 

[evangelist6589]

The reason I asked which church was that I was wondering if this was the church that you had mentioned in past posts.

Sometimes churches have things in place, to their satisfaction anyway, and are very resistant to someone coming in and changing things. Sometimes they are apprehensive for good reasons, other times they may be apprehensive for not so good reasons. But here are a couple of things to consider as you move forward:

First, if you are not a member of that church then you may find it difficult to gain support. Membership conveys a sense of responsibility and accountability (which goes both ways). If you are not a member then you are not the responsibility of that church (the elders have no business approving or disapproving of your efforts as you reside outside of their scope of responsibility).

Second, you may find resistance in terms of your family situation. I really hate to bring this up, and you have my apologies if you find it inappropriate but as you’ve discussed it recently on the BB it needs to be examined. Some churches will consider a man who is separated from his wife as, at a minimum, unable to manage his household and therefore questionable in terms of leading a ministry. You may be looked upon by some as unqualified, particularly given the recent nature of the separation.

Third, elders and pastors have concerns. They have struggles. Sometimes what is important to us (sometimes what is VERY important to us) are not important to them. It is not that they do not care, but that they also have issues that consume their daily lives.

But more importantly, I believe (strongly) that churches need to disciple their own people and equip those under their care to evangelism. Churches should not depend on others to accomplish those things that God has placed as their responsibility. If you are not a member of that church then they have no reason to reply. If you are a member of that church, then they probably should take the time to know you and your doctrine before supporting you (my church has a policy that members cannot lead or teach until they have been members for a year...it is important that churches take the time to examine those they choose to support).

I plan to become a member soon. Recent separation was not my fault and besides they are forgiving. One man who teaches at the church has been divorced 3 times so I doubt that may have anything to do with it. Perhaps I contacted the wrong elders or perhaps they are not open to evangelism.

Even if they reject WOTM I am open to doing evangelism via the methods in the book Tell the Truth and or MacArthurs own evangelism book.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

No man can truly submit 100% to God if he refuses to submit 100% to another man.

that kinda sounds Gay!

 

[evangelist6589]

John,

Is this the church that you are presently attending?

You said that you don't know these elders that you have emailed. Why not get to know them first - work up a relationship with them. Let them see you participating in the work of the LORD at that church.

Become a co-worker, if you will, with them. Then they might be amiable to listen to your ideas.

It takes time and effort to cultivate relationships like this.

This is a good idea. I have a friend who knows more people and is more sociable than I, but he dislikes WOTM. Well regardless we could do evangelism and read about it in the MacArthur book on the topic. I know they would be open to that.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

How in the world does one define the "best way" of evangelism? Most souls saved through it (pragmatism)? Most people witnessed to (pragmatism)? Most Biblical? (There is no one Biblical way of evangelism. Just read the book of Acts.)

I'll tell you the best method of evangelism: the one that gives the Gospel! Period.

That stuff EVAN is touting just leads to arguments & controversy.....I cant see it persuading anyone.

 

[JonC]

This is a good idea. I have a friend who knows more people and is more sociable than I, but he dislikes WOTM. Well regardless we could do evangelism and read about it in the MacArthur book on the topic. I know they would be open to that.

I hate using the term "plug in" because I think it is overused in churches and somehow diminishes (in my mind) the concept of corporate discipleship. But I would encourage you to "plug in". Perhaps simply find the greatest need in your church and begin there. Let them know you believe your calling is to evangelism (as an evangelist....if that is indeed the direction to which you are called) and do your best to support their efforts. Remember that evangelism existed long before WOTM was thought up and the church may have another model in practice or in mind (be careful not to diminish the work in which the church is already engaged).

BTW, are you a member of that church?

 

[evangelist6589]

I hate using the term "plug in" because I think it is overused in churches and somehow diminishes (in my mind) the concept of corporate discipleship. But I would encourage you to "plug in". Perhaps simply find the greatest need in your church and begin there. Let them know you believe your calling is to evangelism (as an evangelist....if that is indeed the direction to which you are called) and do your best to support their efforts. Remember that evangelism existed long before WOTM was thought up and the church may have another model in practice or in mind (be careful not to diminish the work in which the church is already engaged).

BTW, are you a member of that church?

I plan to become one soon.

 

[evangelist6589]

How in the world does one define the "best way" of evangelism? Most souls saved through it (pragmatism)? Most people witnessed to (pragmatism)? Most Biblical? (There is no one Biblical way of evangelism. Just read the book of Acts.)

I'll tell you the best method of evangelism: the one that gives the Gospel! Period.

Which is what I do and argue for. My tracts are not all WOTM based and neither am I. It is however my preferred method.

 

[John of Japan]

Which is what I do and argue for. My tracts are not all WOTM based and neither am I. It is however my preferred method.

"Preferred method"--good.
"Best method"--not so good.

 

[Baptist Believer]

WOTM is the best way but not the only way.

You recently threw out a challenge that you don't want to engage anyone regarding the WOTM method unless they have read "Hell's Best Kept Secret" and the "Way of the Master" book.

I am engaged in reading both, and I would like to discuss it with you after I have had a change to complete it and consider the contents.

Preliminary thoughts:

1.) I appreciate the tone of materials in that they are concerned about evangelism and the very real potential of false converts.
2.) I have noticed that that Comfort and Cameron seem to have an incomplete view of sanctification, where evangelism is something that is distinct from worship and spiritual maturity instead of a natural outgrowth of worship and spiritual maturity. (I need to see if that consistently holds true past the first couple of chapters.)
3.) There is a fundamental assertion that the method of evangelism in the early church - even in the Book of Acts - is posed by the hearers being convicted by the Law, with the caveat that the law is given to the proud and grace to the humble. That is not supported by scripture. We don't see Paul giving the Law to the Gentiles, even when they are proud and hostile.
4.) Comfort doesn't seem to have an understanding of the role and importance of intentional Christian discipleship methods - at least, not in the early chapters.

Do I have it wrong? Am I misunderstanding the material?

 

[evangelist6589]

You recently threw out a challenge that you don't want to engage anyone regarding the WOTM method unless they have read "Hell's Best Kept Secret" and the "Way of the Master" book.

I am engaged in reading both, and I would like to discuss it with you after I have had a change to complete it and consider the contents.

Preliminary thoughts:

1.) I appreciate the tone of materials in that they are concerned about evangelism and the very real potential of false converts.
2.) I have noticed that that Comfort and Cameron seem to have an incomplete view of sanctification, where evangelism is something that is distinct from worship and spiritual maturity instead of a natural outgrowth of worship and spiritual maturity. (I need to see if that consistently holds true past the first couple of chapters.)
3.) There is a fundamental assertion that the method of evangelism in the early church - even in the Book of Acts - is posed by the hearers being convicted by the Law, with the caveat that the law is given to the proud and grace to the humble. That is not supported by scripture. We don't see Paul giving the Law to the Gentiles, even when they are proud and hostile.
4.) Comfort doesn't seem to have an understanding of the role and importance of intentional Christian discipleship methods - at least, not in the early chapters.

Do I have it wrong? Am I misunderstanding the material?

You are misunderstanding Comfort and Cameron and need to read the entire books in depth. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Read them slowly as well.

 

[InTheLight]

Recent separation was not my fault and besides they are forgiving. One man who teaches at the church has been divorced 3 times so I doubt that may have anything to do with it.

Oh boy.



Sent from my Motorola Droid Turbo

 

[Baptist Believer]

You are misunderstanding Comfort and Cameron and need to read the entire books in depth. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Read them slowly as well.

I have had no choice by to read them slowly over the past week or so... been too busy. However, I am going to have quite a bit of down time this weekend where I am waiting on my wife. Perfect time for a book.

I don't find the material difficult at all, I just think they are missing a bunch of important understandings about the nature of the Christian life and the way the gospel was presented by Jesus and the earliest apostles. However, I will reserve judgment until I finish.

 

[evangelist6589]

I have had no choice by to read them slowly over the past week or so... been too busy. However, I am going to have quite a bit of down time this weekend where I am waiting on my wife. Perfect time for a book.

I don't find the material difficult at all, I just think they are missing a bunch of important understandings about the nature of the Christian life and the way the gospel was presented by Jesus and the earliest apostles. However, I will reserve judgment until I finish.

Are you reading both books?

 

[Baptist Believer]

Are you reading both books?

Hell's Best Kept Secret is not much of a book. It's available online for free. I have reviewed it.