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FLEXIBLE EVANGELISM
We set up door-to-door nights, evangelistic meetings, and “fellowship” times when we’re supposed to bring “non-Christians.” But these activities overlook the fact that “non-Christians” prefer to attend more neutral gatherings where they can feel comfortable and be exposed to Christlike people naturally. Formulas and programmed activities can minimize Paul’s mandate in 1 Corinthians 9 to adapt to and identify with people who have not yet experienced Christ’s love. Many Christians have few non-Christian friends – or even none! “Perhaps we need a new definition of the Church,” Jim Petersen writes in Living Proof, “one that draws a large enough circle to include its calling to go into the neighborhoods and the marketplace… If we are going to engage the people of this generation, it will only happen on their turf. They will not come to us.” Yes, we must be prepared to share our faith. Reading books, discussing approaches with other Christians, and planning events for “non-Christians” are important. But they can’t…