Southern Baptist churches, based on our baptism reports, are less and less effective at sharing the gospel in such a way people receive it and become Christians. The reasons for this vary from church to church, but there are some common problems which span geography, culture, and ministry style. This is the third installment in a summer series highlighting some of those issues and offering some suggestions for change. The next problem limiting evangelistic effectiveness is overcomplicating sharing the gospel.
Talking about Jesus should be a simple conversation. But, like many things, we make it more difficult than it is, usually with good motives but unintended, negative consequences. In one African tribe, the word used for “American” is the same word translated “makes things too complicated.” Some witness training programs fall into this pattern. They create barriers to communicating the gospel because of their level of difficulty and subliminal message a Christian shouldn’t share the gospel until they pass the “witnessing class.” While personal evangelism training courses definitely have their place in church programming, we can’t allow them to overcomplicate the task of sharing our faith. Take the classes your church offers! If there are no training opportunities, ask your leaders to start some. But, while being trained, avoid believing the subtle lie that witnessing is only for the experts who can master a detailed curriculum.
A few Christians need in-depth, specialized training related to evangelism. There’s an important role for apologists—people who make intellectually defensible arguments for the truth of the gospel. Some non-Christians with legitimate questions about Christianity will analyze and argue about religious issues. They can be quite animated in expressing their questions and concerns. Apologists are needed to take on these antagonists and convince them of the truth.
Most people who raise questions about the gospel, however, aren’t motivated by intellectual opposition to Christianity. Their concerns stem from personal issues, often painful circumstances they are grappling to understand. These might include the death of a child (Why didn’t God answer our prayers?), an accident that killed a friend (Why didn’t God stop it from happening?), or the loss of a job (Why does God let bad things happen to me?). People asking questions like these are often looking more for compassionate reassurance of God’s love than a persuasive argument about God’s providence.
Another way we complicate witnessing is by making it an event, rather than a normal part of the ebb and flow of life. Sharing the gospel means talking about it whenever it’s appropriate in the conversation, not just on visitation night or when you make an appointment to see a friend. Witnessing is an unscripted dialogue, sometimes an ongoing dialogue with bits and parts of the gospel shared over time. Yes, there is usually a moment when you ask, “Can I take a few minutes and tell you how you can personally commit yourself to God?” But that question, and the ensuing presentation, is usually the culmination of other conversations contributing to an unbeliever’s readiness to commit to Jesus. Effective witnessing is simple, direct, and a natural part of daily relationships.
Solution: Master the basics of the gospel and a simple way to present it. Learn straightforward replies to a few common questions unbelievers raise about the gospel. Focus on answering questions by unbelievers honestly, with compassion, remembering most objections to Christianity are personal or relational, not intellectual. And, if you are motivated and able, do the intellectual heavy-lifting to become an apologist for our faith.
This series is excerpted from my book, Unscripted: Sharing the Gospel as Life Happens
Read More
Owning Up to the Failures of our Theological Heroes
What can be done when you discover the sins of historical figures who have shaped your theology?
Author’s Perspective: Andrew Fuller and the Search for a Faith Worthy of All Acceptation
Dr. David Rathel discusses his upcoming publication on Andrew Fuller.
Listen
Revelation Chapters 8-11
This episode covers the seven trumpets in Revelation chapters 8-11, emphasizing their role in the series of seven judgments. Dr. Stewart focuses on spiritual oppression and demonic activity, contrasting with the human-centric judgments of the seven seals.
Revelation Chapters 6-8
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss the symbolism of the seven seals in Revelation. The seals can range from Christ’s authority, to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, to cosmic upheaval, to God’s final judgment, and more. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of pe
Watch
Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival
Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.
Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun
Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.