I often hear Christians say that their plan for evangelism is, what I like to call, the “kindness method.” It goes something like this: “I’m going to be really, really nice and wait for people to ask what’s different about me.” I’m sure you’ve heard this before, perhaps you’ve even said it, but have you ever stopped to think about the merits of this method? Let’s consider the strengths and the weaknesses of the “kindness method” of evangelism.
In defense of the “kindness method”
As we consider the merits of the “kindness method,” several verses come to mind. The first is 1 Peter 3:15 where Peter writes, “always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” In this text Peter assumes that the non-believer will be watching you, will see your overflowing hope, and be so compelled by it that they would take the initiative to ask to hear more about where that hope comes from. Let’s never underestimate the compelling power of a life transformed by Christ.
Another passage to consider is from the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Jesus assumes that our life (or “good works”) will be seen by others and will shine bright! In seeing the light, they will understand that the light isn’t coming ultimately from you, but from God and will respond by glorifying him! This implies, of course, that we’ll be ready to direct the credit for our kindness on to the one who first showed his kindness to us.
One more passage to consider is John 13:34-35 where Jesus says to his disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Here, Jesus focuses on the life of the gathered church. He tells us that when we embody and imitate his love, “all people” will see it and (to steal a phrase) “will know we are Christians by our love.”
These three passages (and there are more) make it clear that the “kindness method” of evangelism is not only Biblical, but essential as we seek to live on mission to a wandering world.
A critique of the “kindness method”
While the “kindness method” is Biblical, I would argue that it is insufficient for carrying out our mission. Let me offer three critiques:
1. The “kindness method” is passive. The great commission of Matthew 28, to make disciples of all nations, starts not with a call for the nations to come, but with a command for the disciples to go. While it’s true that some may come and ask what makes us different, relying on this alone requires the lost to take the initiative in their own evangelization. Just as Jesus took the initiative in our salvation, leaving heaven to preach the gospel of the kingdom and cry out “come to me (Matt 11:28)”, so also we must take the initiative to leave our comfort zones in order to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. The “kindness method” still requires courage. It may happen that eventually someone will take the initiative and ask what you believe. What then? Are you ready to give a clear and courageous answer? Very often, when an opportunity to share Christ comes, we get sheepish and realize that, even when others initiate the conversation, bearing witness still requires courage! Courage is a muscle that, without use, will atrophy. The “kindness method” of evangelism assumes that when a question finally comes, we’ll be able to muster the courage for the conversation.
3. The “kindness method” requires maturity. If our process of sanctification were complete, and we were fully like Christ, the “kindness method” might be more effective. However, none of us will ever on this side of glory reach perfection. While there are times that the light of Christ can and will shine through us, there are other times that people in our life will see us acting less than sanctified. To rely fully on the “kindness method” requires us to shine so bright that the rest of the world looks dark. The question might be raised: do we?
The “kindness method” of evangelism is Biblical and convenient, but, on it’s own, is insufficient. Even as we “let our light shine”, we need another plan to intentionally carry the gospel of Jesus Christ out into the world. The souls of your friends, family, and neighbors are too important to leave up to chance.
This post is the last of our Intentional Discipleship series and the first of a new series that I’m calling Realistic Everyday Mission. Over the course of the next four weeks, I’ll offer a clear evangelistic plan. It’s a plan that doesn’t require buckets of boldness, but will be accessible to evangelistic cowards like me. It’s not a plan that requires armfuls of apologetic answers but one that allows you to be a fellow traveler with those seeking God. It’s not a plan that requires knocking on doors or preaching on soap boxes. Nor is it a plan that will require you to radically reshape the rhythms of your life. Rather, it’s a realistic, accessible, everyday plan for introducing people to the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s a plan to: Pray, Pursue, Plan (pt.1 & pt.2), and Plod.
FBC Ojai News: March 3-9
Grief Support Group: Our next Grief Support Group is tomorrow, March 5, at 4 PM. This group is open to the community and led by Paul Lenderman of Mark Ministries.
Women’s Book Club: The next meeting is this Saturday, March 8, at 9:30 AM in Smith Hall. The book is What It Means to Be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund.
Book Discussion Night: On Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30 PM, we’ll be having a discussion of the book Being the Bad Guys: How to Live for Jesus in a World That Says You Shouldn’t by Stephen McAlpine. Read the book on your own and come prepared to discuss on April 1 in the sanctuary. (We’ve run out of books, order your copy here.)
Church Cookbook: Calling ALL cooks – men too! It’s been ages since we’ve put together an all-church cookbook, so dig out those most-requested, family and friend tested, potluck-approved favorites. Either email your recipe to the church office (office@fbcojai.org) or drop off a copy in the foyer. We need lots of recipes, so feel free to submit several. We’d like to have all recipes in by Sunday, March 30.
New Members Class: If you are interested in learning more about being a member of FBC Ojai, we will be having a membership class before our morning service over the next two Sundays, March 9 and 16. The class will start at 9 AM in Pastor Ben’s office.
New Church Directory: It’s time to update our FBC Ojai directory, and we would love to see YOUR face in there! Over the next month, please take a moment to update and/or confirm your information on the printed directory in the foyer. There are three copies for convenience, but you only need to make your corrections on ONE copy. Please put your initials by your name if all of the information is correct. If your information is not in the directory at all, please complete a directory information form in the foyer. Lastly, if you do not have a picture in the old directory or would like to put in a new one, please contact the church office (office@fbcojai.org). Thank you!
Sermon Questions on Malachi 3:13-4:6
This Sunday, we finished our series in the book of Malachi by looking together at Malachi 3:13-4:6. Spend time with your home group, family, or on your own, reflecting again on this passage and discussing the way it might help shape your life and faith.
What is one way that you tend to “live without perspective?” (sleep, food, etc.)
Read Malachi 3:13-15 again.
Last week God called Judah to “put him (God) to the test (cf. 3:10).” How do the people of Judah respond to that call? (see 3:15).
Have you ever felt like Judah? Have you ever felt like following God and denying yourself is a big ol’ waste of time? (see Psalm 73)
Read Malachi 3:16-4:3 again.
Malachi speaks about “the great & awesome day of the Lord (4:5).” What is that day?
Is the Day of the Lord a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
How should the coming of the day of the Lord effect the way we live today?
Will all our rewards for following God wait until the day he comes again? Share some ways you have found tangible blessings for living with the grain of the universe.
Read Malachi 4:4-6 again.
How does the Old Testament end with hope and mercy for Judah? For us?
Who is the Elijah we read about in Malachi 4:5? (See Matthew 11:11-15)
How has God sent us to join in Elijah’s mission to prepare the people for the day of the Lord?
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