Evangelism: What's the Point?

As I write this, I'm watching a clip from The Daily Show where two pastors, one young and mightily hip and one youngish and straighter-laced, are arguing about the future of Christianity. Naturally, the weird Presbyterian they found thinks robots are the future of Christianity. I never know how much people play to the camera and how much of what they say they really believe. I'm sure the Presbyterian pastor bumps up his "cool"factor just by being on The Daily Show.

They were both interesting perspectives. The young cool guy is packing the pews...but I an telling you, that is not for everyone. Not even close. And...while the services may be really fun and interesting, I am curious the walk between services...which is really what this discipleship thing is all about.

Now that I've shown my own geek colors...here's the point. The good-citizen Christianity of the 50's and 60's and perhaps 70's is gone. It should be. We don't do this Christian thing to get a good job or be respected in the community. We don't do it to show another country that we are better than they are because we believe in God. In fact, what does "believe in God" even mean?

Being a church member is no longer a social necessity. Frankly, I think that's a good thing. It puts us squarely in the hot seat to live our faith, to be able to articulate it to others, to understand and speak why the way of Christianity is a better way.

Can you do that? I'm getting better at it, but I've been thinking about it for awhile. To answer a question of why someone would want to "come to church" with you. "So you can be saved" simply makes no sense to today's world.

What makes sense? How do we have the conversation? Why do we do this membership thing? What, besides heaven after we die, is the point?

The PC(USA) has started its constitution with a great statement of our purpose. Here's an evangelism thought to chew on:

The good news of the Gospel is that the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— creates, redeems, sustains, rules, and transforms all things and all people.

It's really more than a thought...it's a challenge. How might a conversation go with a co-worker or new neighbor if this was our foundation for asking them to come and worship with us? Play it out in your head. Try and memorize the sentence. Put it on a notecard in your car, read it before you start driving, and then think about who you might be called to invite, and how a conversation might go based on that foundation.

If you really want to get serious, practice with a friend. Be tough with each other...then help each other construct "good news" answers.

And let me know how it goes...what questions or challenges can you not answer? Where does the conversation break down?