Culture and Evangelism

Our culture has been conditioned to look for the latest and greatest fix for any problem that confronts them. One example of this is health care where there is always a new pill for whatever ails you. Whether we realize it or not, our cultural conditioning shapes the decisions we make and the opinions we hold when it comes to church issues. Evangelism methodology is a great example of how culture has an effect in the church. The scenario usually goes something like this, we begin to notice a decline in attendance until we finally become uncomfortable and then the push to evangelize kicks in. This push is often accompanied by selecting a certain program or method of reaching out to the lost. Some members will remember door knocking campaigns and tent meetings which were highly effective in their time and suggest that this is the way to grow the church. Other members will suggest a newer program of outreach that they have seen work in other congregations and suggest that this is the way to grow the church. Soon the focus turns from seeking the lost into seeking the program as we argue over which way is the best way.


 
If we desire to reach people with the gospel, we need only to get the gospel in front of them. If you want to see how powerful the gospel can be, you don't have to look very far. If you open your bibles to the book of Acts, you can read about the powerful explosion of our faith and the church only days removed from the crucifixion. This explosive growth came about because people were excited about a message and nothing would stop them from sharing that message with their friends.


 
In other words, followers of Christ were not content to be followers only. These early Christians used whatever means were necessary to share the good news of Jesus Christ. They became the right person at the right time for someone in need of salvation.


 
How has God used you to be the right person at the right time? Please share your story with us in the comments section!


 

~ Followers Fish ~