As a Christian leader, your ultimate goal should be nothing short of reaching people who don’t know Christ. Although our culture is changing drastically, so much that all the mediums we’ve ever used to tell people about Christ are becoming less effective daily. However, we will be highlighting the 3 crucial ways to approach evangelism in our Post-Christian society.
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If we continue using the methods that worked in the past to talk to people about the Christian faith, it might yield results. But then the probability of losing the vast majority we are trying to reach, especially those under age 30, is imminent.
We live in a post-Christian society that requires the system of evangelism to change for the mission to stay alive.
If you are wondering what a Post-Christian society means, A post-Christian society is a present-day society with contrary opinions, worldviews, or alternatives to the standard of Christianity. While many things may change in evangelism, these 3 crucial ways are ideal and relevant to push evangelism even in a post-Christian society.
Welcoming a Question is as Necessary as Giving the Answer
In times past, evangelism was a lot about helping people get answers. Most leaders fail to honor and warmly welcome their questions when answering people, resulting in an increasingly massive problem. No one likes it when they walk into a store, and a customer service attendant ignores their questions or makes them feel stupid. One of the best experiences anyone should ever have should be those in which someone gives rapt attention to their questions. Subsequently appreciates them, and tries to respond effectively.
Christian apologetics are often too impatient to listen to the questions. However, church leaders who patiently embrace people’s questions will grow far more effective in evangelism than leaders who don’t.
Imagine you are listening to someone ask this question. Spot the difference:
“So what if I die now? Will I be rejuvenated?”
Answer: Christians do not believe in rejuvenation. So no, you won’t; instead, you will be resurrected in Christ.
OR
Answer: Thanks for asking. That’s a brilliant question. The truth is Christianity focuses on resurrection. Would you be pleased to learn or hear more resurrection rather than rejuvenation?
Which answer would you like to hear?
Channeling the Conversation to Other Areas is More Effective than Pressing for a Conclusion
Most Christian groups like Starting Point, an eight-week small group help people who are new to the Christian faith find their path. The most knowledgeable leaders are not those with all the answers or constantly trying to reach conclusions. A conversation that involves 12 people will likely have 12 different opinions and perspectives, many of which might seem biblical but in the real sense are not.
Hence, the most knowledgeable leaders can channel a conversation in a way that answers your questions. They don’t fizzle out, no matter how strange and unclear the questions might be. Alternatively, they listen without being judgmental and confirm a person’s intents. They appreciate people for their contribution and engagement. Being empathetic, effectively listening, and channeling the conversation towards the truth; will help you win the hearts of younger generations. On the contrary, slamming on the brakes and outrightly telling them they are wrong, will create rebellion.
It Pays to be More Open than to be More Certain
As Christians, don’t get it twisted; we can be sure because our faith is inevitable. But while having a chit-chat with post-moderns, coming across as open is way more effective than coming across as certain. Psychologically, one can tell that a person has a depth of conviction if you spend more time talking to them. Although, depending on that, a conviction can be counter-productive most time. A person who always wants to be certain thinks they are convincing when reverse is the case.
The truth is it makes them appear a bit arrogant, less intellectual, and not open to others’ opinions. Embracing different views compels others to open up to you. Approach the conversation with the mindset of understanding where they are coming from; who knows; you might learn something new. The engagement should be based on their ideas and questions.
A Wrap
Conversion after evangelism is not a 35 seconds miracle. Ever wondered why a person who is forced to do anything abandoned it a few years down the line? Likewise, do the people who find their way to Christianity flourishes endlessly years down the road? Jesus promises to draw everyone to Himself, and indeed he will.
However, He did not say He would do it 10 minutes, nor will it be in a 120-minute service or an eight-week class. It took the disciples three years to figure out who Jesus was, so why do you think the church’s approach to evangelism will be different? Please don’t get this wrong; we should not lose our urgency in carrying out the mission. However, we need to accord people the time and choice to come to faith and not shovel the gospel down their throats. And likewise, give the Holyspirit the chance to perform the work of salvation.