‘Evangelism’ has been described as a word with a good heart but a dirty reputation. Certainly, in many church and social circles, ‘evangelism’ has virtually become a swear word. And sadly, there’s good reason for this. For there have been far too many stories of things being done in the name of ‘evangelism’ that have in fact violated the good news of the gospel and the principles of God’s kingdom - things that don’t look like anything that Jesus would be caught doing. Just think of the caricature of the overly zealous college student, with a bible held high in his hand, running after someone who is desperately trying to get away, shouting at them that they need to be saved. Or the painful office worker who tries to turn every conversation to religion, and then insists that her experience of faith is the only one which is valid.
Stories like these, and there are dozens more, have quite frankly given evangelism a bad name, and have caused many Christians to distance themselves from any form of evangelism whatsoever. Talk about throwing the proverbial baby out with the bathwater.
The sad irony is that the word ‘evangelism’ literally means ‘sharing good news’. So what is so scary or offensive about that? And the answer surely is, ’Nothing much.’ But the problem arises when those sharing the good news forget what makes it good in the first place. And when that happens, what they say starts sounding more and more like bad news in the ears of their listeners.
So what makes the good news good? Well, the good news of God’s saving work in Christ and the new life that is available in him is good because:
- It speaks of God’s unconditional love for all people.
- It celebrates the intrinsic value and worth of all people in the eyes of God, who has created us all in his own image, which even our sin cannot undo.
- It reveals the nature of God’s mercy and grace - i.e. giving us the good things we don’t deserve (grace), and not giving us the bad things we do deserve (mercy).
- It affirms our freedom to choose, and refuses to coerce us in any way.
- It addresses our plight as people; it touches our places of deepest and most desperate need, and promises real transformation for our lives.
- It is based on hope & love, not shame & fear.
- It reminds us that God is much, much bigger than what our human minds can comprehend or contain.
When the good news is shared in ways that are consistent with these things, it is good news indeed. In fact, it’s nothing less than evangelism as God intended.
PRAY AS YOU GO
Forgive me Lord for the times when I have shied away from sharing the good news about you with others who really needed to hear it. Forgive my hesitancy and reluctance to be a bold witness, for fear of being labeled a religious nut-case. Remind me that there is nothing judgemental, coercive, manipulative or deceptive about authentic evangelism, and so it is an aspect of the gospel that I can embrace without compromising the values of dignity, tolerance and acceptance. Help me to grow in this area of my faith. Amen.
FOCUS READING
1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
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