According to David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons book UnChristian What a New Generation really thinks about Christianity and Why It Matters (Baker Books copyright 2007 ) Research from the Barna Group has revealed that many people outside the walls of the church view Christians as hypocritical, sheltered, too political, judgemental and many other things that are not very flattering to those of us in the faith of Jesus Christ. For the most part I would find it hard to argue many of these points in defense of we Christians. Many evangelism techniques involve a bait and switch approach. We will get a group from the church to invite people to a ball game, concert or other event just to deliver our Christian punch line when we feel the time is right. It sounds like one of those "free" vacation week ends where you have to listen to an aggressive sales pitch to buy a condo or a piece of land. Far too often we have used people as our evangelism projects only to turn our backs on them when they have failed to live up to our standards.
In almost 20 years of ministry I have the discovered the best method for introducing people to Jesus Christ is by really caring deeply for others in Christian love. In other words being a friend in Jesus Christ. Being involved in the community God has called you to serve by doing the everyday things we Christians overlook or believe we are too busy to do can have a great impact in a person's life. God made it simple. "You shall the love the Lord our God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There are no greater commandments than these." (Mark 12: 30 - 31 New Revised Standard Version) It is really that simple. Love God and love others in Christs name. Yes invite people to church and yet do so with love and conern. Don't threaten or get in their face with your views of God or your interpretation of the Bible. Don't be the office nag or brag about how great you think your church is compared to other churches. Show true Christian love for those in need. Care about others in Christ name especially when there is nothing in it for you. If others see that you are following Christ believe it or not people will want to follow Christ as well. Friendships don't happen all at once. Take time to care and watch others and yourself grow in Christ's love. Be brave enough to care. Be a real friend in Jesus.
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