unChristian.4

4.19.13

“We are not likely to change another adult’s spiritual trajectory by a comment here or a small dose of Jesus there. If we really want to help outsiders see the unique freedom available through Christ a simplistic get-saved message is an insult to their intelligence.”

        The above quote is a great wrap up and way to set the mood of chapter four of unChristian. It focuses on certain perceptions held, or myths, of the significance of faith-sharing activities. And what the reality is along with what is really effective. Which I’m going to summarize as best as I can.

Myth: The best evangelism efforts are those that reach the most people at once.

Reality: The most effective efforts are interpersonal relationship based. Most young people come to Christ because of people they know, usually very well as compared to strangers.
       I find this true in any setting of life. Relationships allow you to connect with other. Understand what gets under their skin, and what lifts them up. Knowing the way a person learns, if they are an introvert or extravert will allow you to experience life with them easier. 

Myth: We cannot worry about the possibility of offending people when sharing the truth about Jesus.

Reality: Obeying the command to make disciples does not give us license to offend people. Especially when those offenses are actually inhibiting us from fullfilling that very commandment. True respect for people is a key factor in effective evangelism.
(2 Timothy 2:22-24) “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolishness and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
         Yes, the Gospel is a powerful message that can be offensive. You are bringing peoples sin into the light. No one, not even myself, likes to hear they are a “bad person” especially to the magnitude that the Bible presents us with. It hurts. But that does not allow you to be unkind. Key thing to remember is truth without love is empty. It can do more harm than good.

Myth: Everyone has an equal chance of becoming a Christ follower.

Reality: Based on extensive research on this topic, our data points out clearly that the faith trajectory of the vast majority of Americans is mapped out before they become adults. We are not likely to change people’s trajectory by a comment here or there.
       I’ve come to understand this with my own family. They are practicing Catholics which is a works based faith. Me coming home and mentioning bits of the Gospel doesn’t change their outlook. It takes work. Development of deeper relationships and addressing deep rooted issues. And allowing the beauty and the truth of the cross to be repeated multiple times. 

Myth: We just need to help outsiders find a connection with God.

Reality: 42% of outsiders said they’re skeptical and distrustful of faith and religion. Part of that is fierce independence. They don’t want to be whipped up into a state of emotionalism and reliance on faith. 

     “Experiencing and feeling” God sounds paranormal to outsiders. It puts them out of their comfort zone and makes them skeptical sometimes. For part of the generation that does things by the book and logically based actions, religion doesn’t fit into that category.

        Scripture is clear that there is a basic starting point to the Christian faith: admitting that we need Jesus. People accept the message and enter the Christian faith without any hoops to jump through. And more than just going to church on Sundays but entering a community. Establishing relationships that allow spiritual transformation.
There are 3 outcomes that are most common in spiritual transformation of Christians:
1. Thinking. “Our research shows there is a primary reason why ministry to teens fails to produce a lasting faith is because they are not being taught to think.” Young people experience a one-size-fits-all message that fails to connect with their unique sensibilities, personality, or intellectual capabilities. Young people need to be taught how to process the rich complexities of life.
2. Loving. If we are transformed by our faith, we change the way we perceive and love people. Just because a person believes the right thing about Jesus, does not automatically make the person loving. “We do not look like Jesus to outsiders because we do not love outsiders as Jesus does.”
3. Listening. Knowing the right answers is not sufficient; we have to be able to apply what we know. The first step is realizing what we don’t know. Listening to God through the Bible and often through other people, is how we learn.

        To wrap up the “avoid the get saved” message that is often displayed is just a few comments.

Why should the most important message in human history be perceived as a cheap marketing gimmick? If outsiders stop listening, we can’t simply just turn up the volume.
I’ve come to remember with each and every person I encounter. They are broken. They are loved and accepted. They have just as much Grace that I have been blessed with. And most importantly, God views them as cherished treasures to be saved. Every person has a unique history and perspective on Christianity. Different lifestyles need different approaches.
And relationships are a commitment. An ongoing one that if abruptly ended, an outsider is hindered with the ability of the life-long joyful commitment to Christ.