Transformational Christianity

[Jethro Bodine]

Biblical or unBiblical?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformational_Christianity

UnBiblical, of course.
When one compromises the gospel to join hands with false gospels and employs worldly methods to attain worldly success, disguised as God's success, they're not doing the Lord's work, but their own:

"16For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." (1 John NASB)

This movement is the evidence of how the world's 'talent search' mentality and it's love for fame and fortune has invaded the church. False gospels are benefiting the most from this worldly mentality for reaching the world.

 

[atpollard]

"When a man stops believing in God he doesn’t then believe in nothing, he believes anything."

Combining Church and the World worked so well in the Dark Ages ... let's try it again. We need a more secular church for the modern world ...
... NOT!

OK, unbiblical. The Church is the people and its job is to introduce other people to the God who can fix them.
Ending poverty is not the road to God.

 

[smaller]

I have to remind myself of this quite often:

Philippians 1:18
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

From personal experience I have quite a few friends who are involved with mega churches of various sorts. A long term friendship with some folks in southern Cali who had no church or believing life whatsoever joined the Saddleback/Rick Warren church a few years ago. It's a California thing. Go big or go home. The church membership is huge. At least NOW I can have a pleasant conversation with them about Jesus, the Gospel, christian life, etc, whereas prior the depths of conversations were simple and shallow i.e. not interesting for them much. Can't say my conversations with them didn't have some influences. Them having grandkids also played a role in their interests as well as the interests of their children.

These various exposures tend to accumulate for people resulting in their eventual interests in church/Jesus. Can't really say it's a bad thing. Jesus will form them how He Pleases.

 

[atpollard]

These various exposures tend to accumulate for people resulting in their eventual interests in church/Jesus. Can't really say it's a bad thing. Jesus will form them how He Pleases.

I pray you are right for the majority. It worked the opposite for me. Early exposure to liberal Christianity inoculated me against the gospel ... I had already seen the 'truth' and knew their words were just 'soft soap' and 'scare tactics'. This greased the path to far darker forms of Atheism and Nihilism.

The one point on which I must completely agree with you is: "Jesus will form them how He Pleases."
... or as Corrie Ten Boom put it "God does as he pleases, and He does it right well."

 

[smaller]

I pray you are right for the majority. It worked the opposite for me. Early exposure to liberal Christianity inoculated me against the gospel ... I had already seen the 'truth' and knew their words were just 'soft soap' and 'scare tactics'. This greased the path to far darker forms of Atheism and Nihilism.

The one point on which I must completely agree with you is: "Jesus will form them how He Pleases."
... or as Corrie Ten Boom put it "God does as he pleases, and He does it right well."

Anyone who has an "extreme" interest in Jesus and His Word can get quite picky over time about what they'll accept and sit under as to teaching/preaching. From way too long of exposures as an ignorant but fervent newbie believer in charismania camps that I eventually had to put away (decades ago) because of the superabundance of bad unbiblical hype narratives I have no interests whatsoever in the "feel good about self" Gospels which extends to the "prosperity/health/wealth/personal improvements/social club" forms of the Gospel.

I took me quite awhile to sit down and personally sort through ALL the details of these various forms of "Gospels." I'd like to say I've made internal peace with all of them, but am fully accepting of little of same.

Nevertheless, God in Christ is always at work, imho. Heb. 4:12. And I think Paul had that in mind when he penned Phil. 1:18, trusting Jesus to work things out.

We can observe similar things by reviewing the various churches in their locales in the N.T. They all had their respective "error issues." Don't we all?

Grace, Love and Mercy in and from Christ has led me to connect with all believers, at least allowing me to put aside trying to condemn any of them to hell, which "actions" are what I abhor today and have for quite some time from my personal mindset/perspective. I don't and won't fellowship with damnation of other believers, period. Nobody is perfect. I trust Jesus for them and myself. This was a hard place to find.

But, if you read the tone of the opening poster, the opposite might seem to be the quest. Rather than rejoicing that Christ is preached, many tend to look for ways to condemn them to hell. I just see no benefits in that mindset whatsoever.

To me ALL of these "intentions to damn and make people stumble" is beyond any doubt, adverse spiritual captivity that leads people into that mindset. They are so intent on saving their own hides they forget that the joy of Christianity is to love one another. So, I live by this dictate. It's SOOO much more pleasant:

Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

 

[JohnDB]

From Wikipedia:

. Transformational Christianity interprets the gospel from a unified perspective of transforming individuals, relationships, and institutions.[1] It thus tends to align intellectually with evangelicals, emotionally with charismatics, and socially with ecumenicals — though only up to a point. The emphasis is less on being theologically or politically correct than on being effective in transforming the believer and the world around

Which I admit is something that I would love to see...it does my heart good to see people doing as they should and going the extra mile to make it happen.

But at what price?
People get burnt out... especially if the focus is on something other than Christ.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Rather than rejoicing that Christ is preached, many tend to look for ways to condemn them to hell.

You seem to have missed that Paul was saying their motive was wrong, not their gospel:

"15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Philippians 1:18 NASB bold mine)

The point you got wrong in the passage is Paul is not slamming the gospel they preached. It was their motive that he condemned.

Paul was quite 'judgmental' about false gospels. But you are defending the preaching of 'angel of light' gospels--damnable gospels that have enough Christ in them to appear acceptable, but which actually lead people into damnable beliefs. The 'hyper-grace' gospel is a good example (Jude 1:4 NASB). And, in times past, the 'works of the law for justification' gospel (Galatians 5:4 NASB). And of course, the 'godliness is a means to financial gain' gospel (1 Timothy 6:5,10 NASB). Paul was not restrained in condemning those who taught false gospels. But he says he rejoiced that Christ was preached, even if it was out of impure motives.

I don't and won't fellowship with damnation of other believers, period. Nobody is perfect. I trust Jesus for them and myself. This was a hard place to find.

But, if you read the tone of the opening poster, the opposite might seem to be the quest.

Well, you 'seemed' wrong.
People don't condemn themselves for having wrong motives. They condemn themselves for having false gospels. I made no mention, or even implied, that Transformational Christianity instantly and categorically equates to a false gospel. No Christian has a 100% pure motive for their service to God. But it's clear to me that the Transformational Christianity movement is not just tainted by impure motives but is altogether based on an impure motive--the lust for fame and fortune on a grandiose scale. That's what makes it especially dangerous.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Which I admit is something that I would love to see...it does my heart good to see people doing as they should and going the extra mile to make it happen.

It depends on what people are being transformed into.
Of course, it takes correct theology to transform people into what God wants them to be. Which is what I see is the failure of these mega-church movements. They drive people to be good servants of God--deacons, door keepers, greeters, etc.--without first teaching them to be transformed into kind, generous, loving people. See the difference? And that is where I think burn out comes from. People are pushed and manipulated into acting on the outside what they are not being taught and led to be on the inside. Jesus said the outside of the cup will be clean if the inside is clean, but the church, in general, has it the other way supposing that if you make the outside clean then the inside will be clean too. Not even remotely true.

 

[Chopper]

It seems like every once in a while some new movement comes down the pike of "something new that excites". These movements try and fire up what has become "lukewarm". I like what I read this morning in my personal studies....It's from Bob Hoekstra and it's just a section on the value of God's Word.

"Our role involves a humble receptivity of His word. "Receive with meekness the implanted word." We are to continually take in the scriptures with a sense of urgent, personal need. Such an attitude would indicate agreement with the words of Jesus. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Mat_4:4). We cannot truly continue in grace without regularly partaking of "the word of His grace." If we humbly take in God's word consistently, the grace of God at work through the word will demonstrate the transforming power of the Bible: "which is able to save your souls." This delivering work of the scriptures is not limited to justification (that is, saving us from the guilt and condemnation of sin). It also includes sanctification (that is, saving us from the tempting and controlling influence of sin in daily living). Jesus prayed for His followers concerning this sanctifying work of the word of God. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John_17:17). God's word is able to make our lives all that He wants them to be: "the word of His grace, which is able."

Any new movement that comes our way, if it's not true to the Word of God. IMO, it needs to be disregarded.

 

[JohnDB]

Ok Jethro Bodine ,

It's not mega...it's meta-church. Meaning it really isn't church but it really isn't something else either.
Just like Promise Keepers wasn't a church it was a religious organization that was for men of all faiths of several different theological camps.

Their goals are admirable but misguided. We will always have poor people. No matter what we do...we will have poor.

The poor are poor for reasons that are only temporarily suspended...not permanently. We have a welfare state that proves why such things are not good.

 

[smaller]

You seem to have missed that Paul was saying their motive was wrong, not their gospel:

We "work" from a different basis of understanding.

The Gospel does present that "everyone" is wrong i.e. ALL have sin and have sinned. 1 Romans 7:17 & 20-21, 1 John 1:8. Indwelling sin and evil present with us can never be "right."

BUT the GIFT of God in Christ, by faith, is eternal life. Romans 6:23.

The point you got wrong in the passage is Paul is not slamming the gospel they preached. It was their motive that he condemned.

I don't doubt one bit that sinners preach the Gospel. 1 Tim. 1:15. But some quite falsely think that isn't the case. Envy, strife and contention(s) are works of sin. 2 Cor. 12:20-21.

Paul was quite 'judgmental' about false gospels.

So it may seem to you. Paul rejoiced every way Christ was preached by his own words.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

The short lesson on the matter is NO ONE preaches from the seat of Perfection. But the Spirit of Christ is and remains Perfect, regardless.

Some believe preaching is a litany of Perfect doctrinal points. I don't believe that is the case. Perfection isn't found in any list, but in and by His Spirit.

But you are defending the preaching of 'angel of light' gospels--damnable gospels that have enough Christ in them to appear acceptable,

I'm pretty sure that Paul had the correct mindset on the matters, in "every way." I've never found a Perfect Preacher yet and don't expect to IF they are preaching "honestly." But I have found quite a number of dishonest preachers claiming otherwise. I'll still listen. But I know they are talking out of their hats i.e. speaking from the seat of pretence.

pretence

1. an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
   synonyms: make-believe, putting on an act, acting, dissembling, shamming, faking, feigning, simulation, dissimulation, play-acting, posturing;

but which actually lead people into damnable beliefs. The 'hyper-grace' gospel is a good example (Jude 1:4 NASB).

Quite a LOT of believers try to make themselves out to be something other than sinners saved by Grace. I personally think all such are hypocrites. Nevertheless they will be saved. If God wants to show them what they are still sinners I'm pretty sure the case can be made in short order. But you see dear Jethro, some are not interested in that part of the reality of the Gospel. Indwelling sin and evil present will always be patent liars. And God DOES amplify that working, to SHOW IT as a reality. Romans 7:13, 1 Cor. 15:56.

Believers in general do not like to "hear" this part of the Gospel. They prefer to paint themselves up and claim otherwise.

Paul was exceptionally clear about "our" status as believers:

WE ARE NO BETTER than any other sinners. Romans 3:9, 1 Tim. 1:15. As much as our flesh likes to claim otherwise.

And, in times past, the 'works of the law for justification' gospel (Galatians 5:4 NASB). And of course, the 'godliness is a means to financial gain' gospel (1 Timothy 6:5,10 NASB). Paul was not restrained in condemning those who taught false gospels. But he says he rejoiced that Christ was preached, even if it was out of impure motives.

Then I'd suggest your apparent disdain is ill placed. No matter who is speaking and what is said we still have to "sort through" the facts and compare what is said to what is written, regardless.

Well, you 'seemed' wrong.
People don't condemn themselves for having wrong motives. They condemn themselves for having false gospels.

All indwelling sin and evil present with ALL of us remains under the condemnation of God in Christ. No matter how much "religious insulation" and "hypocrite cloth" we try to cover ourselves with. From my seat I'm not interested in providing excuses for these facts in the Name of Jesus because I know it's the action of hypocrisy.

I made no mention, or even implied, that Transformational Christianity instantly and categorically equates to a false gospel.

There is always some truth that comes forth when anyone picks up Gods Words. To say that there isn't a stitch of truth isn't true with anyone. We are exposed to Truth in Gods Words but we ourselves are not ever 100% TRUE. That seat is Reserved for The Truth.

No Christian has a 100% pure motive for their service to God.

Brilliant deduction!

But it's clear to me that the Transformational Christianity movement is not just tainted by impure motives but is altogether based on an impure motive--the lust for fame and fortune on a grandiose scale. That's what makes it especially dangerous.

Well, that's why I said I have to remind myself of Paul's sight quite often. There is a lot of nonsense floating in the sphere's of believerdom that I don't care to sit under. But sometimes I just bite my tongue and move on. No big sticks from me pounding on anyone is going to "make them" Perfect. It's not possible.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

"Our role involves a humble receptivity of His word. "Receive with meekness the implanted word." We are to continually take in the scriptures with a sense of urgent, personal need. Such an attitude would indicate agreement with the words of Jesus. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Mat_4:4). We cannot truly continue in grace without regularly partaking of "the word of His grace." If we humbly take in God's word consistently, the grace of God at work through the word will demonstrate the transforming power of the Bible: "which is able to save your souls." This delivering work of the scriptures is not limited to justification (that is, saving us from the guilt and condemnation of sin). It also includes sanctification (that is, saving us from the tempting and controlling influence of sin in daily living). Jesus prayed for His followers concerning this sanctifying work of the word of God. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John_17:17). God's word is able to make our lives all that He wants them to be: "the word of His grace, which is able."

This truth changed the course of my Christian life.
I had been saved about four months and a deacon was pinch-hitting for the pastor one Sunday morning and he said you have to read the word of God. I was under conviction, of course, because I knew all along that I should be reading my Bible, but had not been. Well, in the morning before I went to work the next moring I read a passage from Romans 3. When I got to work two guys were discussing something I HAD JUST READ IN THE BIBLE THAT MORNING. I was able to share what I had just learned that morning. Needless to say, I was hooked and I devoured the word of God from then on, and have been changed by it, ever since. G. Tompkins doesn't know it, but I'll be part of his reward in the kingdom for his service for the kingdom while laboring in God's building and field on earth.

"...so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." (Philippians 2:16 NASB)

So, my dear brother, G. Tompkins, will one day see that he did not run his ministerial race in vain. I heard what he said, put it to work and we will rejoice together over one another in the kingdom.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

It's not mega...it's meta-church. Meaning it really isn't church but it really isn't something else either.

I understand and appreciate the difference. And surely, no one can argue that these 'meta' churches are indeed mega-churches (I used the term 'mega' in reference to a post here). The tactics explained in the wiki page are indeed what so many 'mega' churches are employing. But it is also clear that many tradionally mainline denominations are going the 'Transformational' route. Maybe not to the extreme of the populr 'prosperity' gospel, but going that way nonetheless.

Here in the Bible belt, where you and I both live, you should be well aware that the greatest commandment for the Christian is "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19 NASB). It seems most churches, especially in the Bible belt, exist for the sole purpose of evangelism, as if that is the greatest and most important reason a Christian exists (which it is not). Now, don't get me wrong, I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST EVANGELISM (except that I personally hate it because it's not what I'm gifted to do). So I see church after church getting the congregation saved Sunday after Sunday, and if they're not doing that they're telling them how they should be getting everyone saved. Not knowing that ISN'T the epitome of the Christian life and mission but rather only one aspect of it.

I made the point about the 'meta' church to an elder in my church one time. I tried as politely as I could to share in our Bible study how evangelism is not the sole purpose for which Christians and churches exist (I now know it's better to simply leave a church that believes incorrectly). I explained later to him how evangelism is only ONE of the many gifts in the church and that to devote the entire mission of a church to that one single gift is to not have a 'church', but to have a 'ministry'. So many churches are making this mistake. From what I see right now, Transformational Christianity is definitely making this mistake.

Churches are for the growth and development of the family of God--those who already believe. Evangelism (outreach, as the church calls it) is for birthing new people into that family. But the church has made evangelism the sole purpose and mission of the church. Education of the believer within the church is now teaching others how to be evangelistic, not how to 'love God, love your neighbor as yourself'. And even those commands--the greatest commands--get defined to mean 'serve God by leading others to Christ', not knowing that nurturing the character of Christ displayed in the fruit of the Spirit is the epitome and end all of the Christian life and experience, not evangelism. Doing that first is what will equip the people of God to be dynamic, successful fishers of men, and not just that, but will cause them to excel in all the other gifts of the Spirit, which are as equally important as evangelizing is. That is what will grow the church. But it has to be understood that it will not grow 'mega' churches. But it will grow smaller, solid, wonderful Spirit-filled churches. I'll take that over a flighty, shallow mega-church doing things on the outside that they are not in the inside any day of the week.

Okay, enough of the soapbox on this Saturday morning. I have chores to do.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I don't doubt one bit that sinners preach the Gospel. 1 Tim. 1:15. But some quite falsely think that isn't the case. Envy, strife and contention(s) are works of sin. 2 Cor. 12:20-21.
[...]
So it may seem to you. Paul rejoiced every way Christ was preached by his own words.

No he didn't. He slammed the Judaizers for their Christ/law gospel, not rejoiced at it's preaching. And did you forget that Paul got so upset with the woman following him around proclaiming them to be servants of God proclaiming the way to salvation that he rebuked the evil spirit right out of her:

"16It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” 18She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment." (Acts ). ​

He hardly rejoiced in her message. And what of Jesus? He told the lying spirit proclaiming him as the Holy One to 'shut up'!

" I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him." (Mark 1:24-25 NASB)​

 

[smaller]

No he didn't. He slammed the Judaizers for their Christ/law gospel, not rejoiced at it's preaching.

It's pretty easy to spot hypocrites Jethro. Jesus pinpointed to them in the pulpits of Israel rather succinctly.

The hard fact of the matter is this: WE ARE NO BETTER than any other sinner. Romans 3:9, Gal. 3:22, 1 Tim. 1:15.

Anyone who thinks otherwise has fallen victim to hypocrisy. One of the easiest traps to fall into. SELF deprecation IS The Gospel.

And did you forget that Paul got so upset with the woman following him around proclaiming them to be servants of God proclaiming the way to salvation that he rebuked the evil spirit right out of her:

The woman was obviously LYING don't you know? All unbelievers are bound with and by the spirit of disobedience. The LIE of the woman was in declaring salvation to "us." There was salvation presented to the WOMAN but NOT the spirit of disobedience that spoke from her lips. Acts 26:18, Romans 11:32, 2 Cor. 4:4, Eph. 2:2.

IF you ever manage to "get the picture" of this matter your sights will divide properly.

He hardly rejoiced in her message. And what of Jesus? He told the lying spirit proclaiming him as the Holy One to 'shut up'!

Brilliant deduction. Not all who speak from the flesh are just "a person." Neither is there a preacher in the pulpit who doesn't have the identical matter that Paul had in 2 Cor. 12:7. The only question is whether they know it or not. Most don't.

Mark 4:15 IS a present reality. I've seen it many many times. When I witness I know for no uncertain fact that there is a person, and there is the resistor who is NOT the person, also present with them, holding them captive. Don't you know this?

I'm not interested in the party in red. Nor am I ignorant of "his" devices. But I am interested in reaching the person, always. To be a "minister" of the Gospel requires stereo vision. You have to see more than one channel.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Not all who speak from the flesh are just "a person." Neither is there a preacher in the pulpit who doesn't have the identical matter that Paul had in 2 Cor. 12:7. The only question is whether they know it or not. Most don't.

Mark 4:15 IS a present reality. I've seen it many many times. When I witness I know for no uncertain fact that there is a person, and there is the resistor who is NOT the person, also present with them, holding them captive. Don't you know this?

I'm not interested in the party in red. Nor am I ignorant of "his" devices. But I am interested in reaching the person, always. To be a "minister" of the Gospel requires stereo vision. You have to see more than one channel.

Was Paul only talking to the demons behind the message when he said this?

"7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" (Galatians 5:7-12 NASB)​

Did he wish lying spiritual beings would go the whole way and emasculate themselves? Hardly.
Enough of this 'don't judge' crap. It's okay to call out false doctrines/ gospels and the people who push them.

 

[smaller]

Was Paul only talking to the demons behind the message when he said this?

"7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" (Galatians 5:7-12 NASB)​

Did he wish lying spiritual beings would go the whole way and emasculate themselves? Hardly.
Enough of this 'don't judge' crap. It's okay to call out false doctrines/ gospels and the people who push them.

Paul saw others and even himself the WAY Jesus demands "all" to be seen. Mark 4:15.

 

[JohnDB]

I'm not a fan of doing evangelism the way they often preach it from the pulpit.

I evangelize...but I make a relationship with people I come in contact with first. So when I tell them about Jesus...there is no doubt that I am not a freak. Nor do they dismiss what I tell them either.

It's a vastly different form of evangelism that is much more effective than Street preaching.

I think that all Christians can do that...the street preaching? I leave that for the wackos.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I evangelize...but I make a relationship with people I come in contact with first.

I don't need to know you personally to know without a doubt that this is how you 'evangelize'. This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is what is being taught in the churches I was referring to in post #13. I have no qualms against it except, personally, that I'm not equipped with the spiritual gift to be particularly successful at it. God doesn't use me that way. But I would never tear it down as useless and ineffective. That's not my point.

My sister was saved through such a relationship with a co-worker during a difficult time in her life. I'm not big on it personally because that environment, while conducive to effective interpersonal contact, is also for that reason the very environment that fosters the highest likelihood for interpersonal conflict over religion, and because of that should not be taken on without the power of a gift to do so. Been there, done that. I know what I'm talking about.

So when I tell them about Jesus...there is no doubt that I am not a freak. Nor do they dismiss what I tell them either.

It's a vastly different form of evangelism that is much more effective than Street preaching.

I think that all Christians can do that...the street preaching? I leave that for the wackos.

Which is kind of ironic, because that's where you can be the most effective.

Being in public, and not being in an environment where you can get too personal, is actually the best place for the person with the gift of evangelism and for those who simply want to extend some grace of God to people, to operate. It's only for wackos if you want to be a wacko. Approaching people with the gospel in a public place is hardly wacko by definition. Jesus, Paul, and countless others are not wackos for doing that.

Have you ever heard the testimonies of true evangelists? The person with the true gift of evangelism can meet a stranger in an airport and two minutes later have them confessing Christ as Lord. The rest of us? We just try to be kind and gracious to them, offering to pray for them, giving them a few bucks when they need it, share a bit of Biblical knowledge, or doing whatever is in line with our particular gift, prepping them for the visit of the person who does have the true gift of evangelism and who can, and will lead them to salvation.

I remember one woman from my church going on an evangelistic trip with a ministry team many years ago sharing how one of the evangelists approached a woman in an airport and started a conversation with her by commenting about the beauty of her earrings. The evangelist had her making a confession of Christ two minutes later. That's what the true gift of evangelism often looks like.

My pastor/mentor/father in the faith shared how he got saved because a man from a local Nazarene church he was acquainted with showed up at his door one Sunday morning unannounced to take him and his wife to church. He was rather reluctant to go, and the man was somewhat insistent, but they went anyway and ended up getting saved, water baptized and the whole nine yards. Would I or you do that? No. We don't have the gifting, and therefore, the spiritual power to do that. Instead, we would be the polite, helpful, cheerful Christian that the new convert knew for months or years that slowly nibbled away at his resistance to spiritual things through the witness of our transformed lives, getting him ready to make a confession of faith somewhere in the future. The problem being, the church isn't focusing on the transformed life to do that! Instead, they are relying on the world's glitz and glamour to attract people to Christ.

The point is, don't knock 'in your face' street evangelism. It's not wacko. It's for the spiritually gifted. If you want to knock something, knock this ridiculous 'talent search/prosperity' mentality driving the church's evangelistic efforts these days. See, when you lack powerful evangelists like the kind I've just spoken about (because the gifts aren't being taught and aroused in God's people and are being written off as 'wacko') you end up resorting to light shows, donut and coffee bars, weak gospels, and tattooed flamboyant musicians, oh, and bouncy blowup tents, to attract people to your church by catering to some carnal interest in them in the (distant) hope of eventually bringing them to a confession of Christ. I'm guessing Chopper , who I'm confident has the real gift of evangelism, not just a personal testimony to share with people like the rest of us have, did not need to employ those things to bring people to Christ.

 

[IncredibleTransformation]

I'm not a fan of doing evangelism the way they often preach it from the pulpit.

I evangelize...but I make a relationship with people I come in contact with first. So when I tell them about Jesus...there is no doubt that I am not a freak. Nor do they dismiss what I tell them either.

It's a vastly different form of evangelism that is much more effective than Street preaching.

I think that all Christians can do that...the street preaching? I leave that for the wackos.

I think it all depends on your calling. John Wesley was one of the greatest street preachers ever. I don't believe the founder of the Methodist Church was a wacko. You do it one was, he did it another. It depends on what God calls you to do.