This sort of evangelism frustrates me, and it seems that I’m not the only one – have a look at what David Bosch says:
“An evangelism which separates people from their context views the world not as a challenge but as a hindrance, devalues history and has eyes only for the ‘spiritual’ or ‘nonmaterial aspects of life’ (H. Lindsell) is spurious. The same is true of an evangelism which couches conversion only in micro-ethical terms, such as regular church attendance, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and daily Bible reading and prayer, or limits the evangelistic message to an offer of release from loneliness, peace of mind, and success in what we undertake. In fact, much so-called evangelism, it appears, aims at satisfying rather than transforming people.” (Transforming Mission, p.417)
Here’s my take on evangelism: Evangelism is about calling on rebellious (all) people to repent of a life of autonomy, ask for forgiveness in Christ, and live with Jesus as their king in their own context now and forevermore, in accordance with the scriptures.
I agree with your definition of evangelism, though I’m not sure I understand David Bosch’s quote. People everywhere are in need of the love and forgiveness that is only possible in Christ Jesus. This includes those well meaning Christians who do anything at all in terms of evangelism, even if in some respects they are missing the mark. There is such a great need out there, and such an internal resistance (maybe its fear) within churches to do personal evangalism, we should encourage any and all attempts, as imperfect as they may be. After all, its not us that does the converting, its the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of people who are receptive to his proddings. Let’s walk beside people and be an encouragement, instead of suggesting they may be doing it wrong.
I have been following your blog since I stumbled across it a week or so ago. It nice to meet you and your thoughts on this medium called the internet. It’s pretty obvious to me that you are an on fire Christian. That’s wonderful. Blessings to you in your ministry in South Africa and elsewhere.
Hi John thanks for your comment.
If I understand Bosch correctly he’s saying that a form of ‘evangelism’ that doesn’t take into account real people, living in the real world, in a particular culture, with a particular history, is a ‘spurious’ form of evangelism. It’s then reduced to just ‘making a decision for Christ’ – it has no impact on the ongoing living of the individual in his world, culture, history etc. And so we can say that this sort of evangelism deals exclusively with the ‘non-material’ which is clearly not what the Bible calls of evangelism. The Bible looks for transformation – that has always historically been the case when individuals have undergone authentic conversion – it impacts the non-material.
He also critiques evangelism that causes people to convert to a set of rules. What marks a converted person is not necessarilly someone who doesn’t smoke, dance, drink etc – other groups do that too. What marks a Christian is an understanding of the transforming Gospel and the person and work of Christ on their behalf.
Finally he seems to me to be critiquing a view of evangelism that only deals with ‘felt needs’ – hence his comment about satisying instead of transforming. I think Mark 2 is the classic passage that teaches us that although Christ is concerned (to a degree) about felt needs he also has an agenda beyond them – that people come into a right relationship with his Father.
Building a personal relationship with Jesus is what being a Christian is about. I think that building a relationship with a person, and in doing so sharing the gospel, is what brings people to Christ. I think we need to meet people where THEY are, not just throw out a set of rules. Through seeing trust, and love through people in this world, they can see how God’s love and trust works.