Back in 1998, I had an opportunity to hear George Hunter III speak. That day he futher unpacked the story I posted on Monday. Hunter had just written a book called, The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West…Again. That book is the most formative work on ministry I’ve ever read.
Hunter recaped the strategy of the church in Patrick’s day. Simply stated the Roman way of evangelism was as follows:
- Provide people with information so they may believe
- Offer them an opportunity to respond and become a Christian
- If they respond correctly, they are welcomed into the community of faith.
Let’s face it, we are inundated with information today. And while I don’t discount the individuals who are stimulated by spirited debate I do not think the believe – become – belong model will make much of a cultural impact for the Kingdom. Patrick’s understanding of context and sensitivity to culture are lessons Christians in the 21 Century need to embrace.
If you are a person of faith I would suggest you do three things:
- Make some new friends. In your day to day activity, pay attention to wherever the spark of friendship flashes and fan it.
- Invite them into your home and into your life. Yes, literally eat with them. Do as Patrick did. Invite them to participate with you in the adventure of life.
- Listen to them. That means stop trying to download the right information on them and listen to what they say, in their words and beneath their words.