Evan - You did NOT answer the question. Scarlett did NOT ask you what your church does - but her question was "were a catalyst for you having an "effective" conversation..." (bold my emphasis)
-
Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.
Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.
We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!
How would you reach these people?
- Thread starter evangelist6589
- Start date
- Status
Evan - You did NOT answer the question. Scarlett did NOT ask you what your church does - but her question was "were a catalyst for you having an "effective" conversation..." (bold my emphasis)
That's a difficult one. The reason I say this is that we are to function within a church (as individual members of a greater body of believers). When we break from this body in ministry our evangelism becomes more individualistic than Scripture allows. God gifts people with spiritual gifts and abilities to work within, not apart from, the local assembly.
It is within this break from the biblical model that I believe the danger arises to erode the integrity of the local church. One example is using an evangelism program in place of whatever the local church has deemed appropriate. The evangelist is not the one who makes that call, just as the deacon is not the one who chooses the pastor's sermon. We have to rely on God's guidance as communicated through His people, not just our calling. Another example is relying on para-church organizations to disciple a congregation (this is one issue that concerns me).
Individualism has crept into our churches, and I suspect this is because we live in a very self-centered society. But the result is a loss of doctrine (as people can come and go, seeking whatever doctrine they find palatable) and the lack of church discipline (as the individual is self-exalted above the congregation).
How many of those people did you actually witness 2 one on one then?
How is the million dollar bill tract a lie? It's obviously fake to anyone that looks at it. True some are more realistic than others but they all are just simply conversation starters.
The million dollar bill is not deceit.
So they do not do street evangelism nor get involved in events in the area. They never had a booth. I disagree with them in this one area. My parents church in another state however is not only Reformed but they are all on board with WOTM. So you say I forsake my calling and Mark 16:15?
Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
No, brother, that is not what I am saying and I apologize if my articulation (or lack thereof) caused you to understand my comment to be even remotely suggesting that you forsake Scripture. Instead what I am suggesting is that Mark 16 does not contradict 1 Corinthians 12.
Scripture is written to God's people (the "children of God", the Bride, or the Church). Anytime we look at Scripture as a personal revelation that is isolated from this larger context we are bound to err. In the passage I mention Paul tells the church that they are the body of Christ, and individually members of it. We need to be careful that we are not trying to be a ministry in and of ourselves but that we function as a member of the body. Are you the evangelist or are you the overseer? Are you directing the path of your personal ministry or are you submitting to the voice of God as expressed in the Body of Christ and functioning in His ministry?
Is it so obviously fake that it doesn't look like money at all? I'm not sure about the particular one you are using, but every one I have seen tries to make people think it is money for a moment until you realize quickly that it is not. It is a ploy to either pick it up or take one from a person.
I don't think the evangelistic version of pickup lines is the way to go. Sales techniques are not the key to evangelism.
Because so many of our relationships - especially with strangers - are advertising or sales related, people are extremely jaded to any interaction with strangers that is based on a gimmick or cleverness. Acting like a human being, wanting nothing in return for a few moments of genuine conversation is incredibly refreshing and powerful in today's culture. Using clever lines and slick tracts simply lets the other person know you are driving for a decision or commitment without much regard for them as a unique individual before God. If you are inviting people into the Kingdom of God, you won't need cleverness or slick handouts. They can help, but they often hurt.
Instead of going to an event geared toward those who experience same sex attraction taking on the norms of the broader culture, why don't you try befriending gay people and demonstrate love and compassion before you talk about why you are doing it? Believe me, the question will come up and they will probably raise it. Remember, you can affirm them as people and not affirm every aspect of their lives.
Those money tracts are designed to make the person receiving it think that he is getting something that he is not. So no, you are wrong about this. Deception is designed into the way they are supposed to be used.
If the recipient thinks that he is receiving money, even for one second, it is deceit.
Evan, just to clarify what we are discussing, please post a photo or a link to the particular tract.
This is what I have in mind in our discussion:
Million Dollar Bill - Tracts
This is what I have in mind in our discussion:
Million Dollar Bill - Tracts
For whatever reason, I could not post the photo. Thanks. Exactly the one.
How can I befriend a gay person unless I know where they are at? They are at events.
Go to Tractplanet.com
That's only one of the ones that I use. Tractplanet.com has many more.
The church we used to belong to was right in the town next to where we live now and there is a yearly pride parade that goes right past the church. From the first time the parade went by, we had a large sign that they could not miss as they marched down the hill into town that said, "Jesus Changes Lives". Then we had people praying from hours before the parade until the last streamer was picked up - all inside the church with the doors open. Then we had about 15 - 20 people outside handing out water bottles with a very succinct gospel presentation on the outside with our church's name and number clearly visible. We had a few people come into the church to use the facilities and we made sure people were in the building and throughout the building to greet and speak to anyone who came in. During the years we were there, no one was saved that I know of but we showed them that they were worth our time and effort and that we were there if they wished to talk. A number of people did sit down with us and talk to us and heard the gospel in full and were given Bibles as they left. That is about all we could do.
Gay people are everywhere. I know gay people from college, neighbors, work, restaurants, social events, family, etc. Perhaps not many/any are "out" to you, but I've known gay people since I was a kid and it was NOT a matter of "pride."
I think that we need to trust God and be faithful where we are rather than looking for certain people groups in order to share the gospel. When I said that we hand out water, I did not mean that we go looking for events in order to hand out water and witness. I meant that we are engaged in our community and when an opportunity arises we try to be there and share the gospel. Too often people neglect the people God has put in their lives in order to reach out to others they will never reach.
- Status