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This week we’re talking about the problem of “instant evangelism.” Of course, it is possible for someone to be converted quickly. However, we need to be careful that we do not have an expectation to see a proper response to the gospel before a person has a fundamental understanding of God and His word that can provide the foundation for a life of faith. For various reasons, seeing results from our efforts to evangelize is often slower today than in previous generations. What does that mean for us? We’re going to discuss that today.
STORY – Be Careful of ‘Instant Evangelism.’ Your Friend Probably Won’t Become a Christian Immediately
“In recent years I’ve seen reports of hundreds of people being ‘saved’ on the streets of the UK, often during a week of outreach in a particular town or city. Typically, a bunch of enthusiastic, evangelistically-inclined young believers receive some teaching in the morning and then take the gospel out to a nearby shopping area during the afternoon. One such event recorded something like 338 salvations over the course of five days.
“I was intrigued, and so I investigated the results nearly two months later. It turned out that hardly any of those who responded on the streets were in a meaningful connection with church or with a Christian. In fact often the details given on the decision card for follow up were false and even when accurate details had been given, the person was no longer interested when contact was made.
“Does this mean we should we stop taking the Good News onto the streets? Not at all!
“Instead, my plea would be to remember there is always a particular context and culture in which we share the gospel. In the UK today, it is rare to find someone who is ready to accept Christ on their very first encounter with an evangelist! Often, people are on a long journey towards Christ and we need to acknowledge this, and let it inform our evangelistic strategies.”
[…]
“Cultural context will vary. In many parts of Africa for instance, there is an openness to God, some understanding of the gospel and an acknowledgment of the spiritual realm. This may make evangelism easier. But the West is different. In our culture, it’s rare that someone experiences an ‘instant hit’ of salvation the very first time they hear the gospel.” (Premier Christianity)
Related material:
- What Must I Do to Be Saved?
- Social Issues (Part 12): Busyness
- “Christ Did Not Send Me to Baptize”
- The Fields Are White for Harvest
- A Sermon Delivered in the Dark
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