August 04 Evangelism resources


	Evangelism Resource Newsletter

What’s stopping you?
Why we don’t evangelise and what to do about it.

We sing about having the words of eternal life and wonder how we ever "keep them in", but keep them in we do. Many of us would claim to be less evangelistic, to have the gospel on our lips less often, to miss more golden opportunities for witness, than we would like. What is stopping us?

There are two common reasons we don't share the gospel with others. The first is that we are fearful of being rejected by others. The second is that we are often not confident of what to say. In this article, I look at each of these reasons for reticence and suggest a way forward. The answer, it seems, is in the question.

Rejection

We are fearful of being rejected by friends and family, and that's natural. We are scared of being tagged a religious fanatic, a weirdo or whatever. Let's face it—we all like to be liked. We think that if we broach the subject of being a Christian with others then this will stretch the friendship or make the other person cool towards us from that point on. So most of us generally keep our faith to ourselves.

From early in life we are conditioned by our parents to fit in. After picking up my son from pre-school one day, I learned that he had bullied another child. My advice to him was that if he continued to fight with other children he

wouldn't have any friends. It's not bad advice, but year after year this sort of advice is conditioning my son that the main aim in life is to fit in. Most of us have learnt this lesson by the time we have grown up. We no longer beat up our friends just for the heck of it.

What lies behind our fear of rejection is that we want so desperately to be accepted by others. This is natural and can be a good thing. God is a relational God and wishes us to be in quality relationships with others. But if we believe Jesus who commanded us to speak of him to the nations, then at times we will be rejected. Even Jesus himself faced rejection by the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18, who heard the claims of the gospel and walked away very sad.

Not sure of what to say

Many people have told me that they don't share their faith because they are not sure of what to say. Even if they do give it a go many fear that they will be asked questions that they will not know the answers to. We shouldn't be surprised that it is hard work to learn to share the gospel. We often mistakenly think because we are Christians and God's Spirit lives inside us that we should be automatically good at sharing the gospel. Yet in all other areas of life we have to put in a lot of effort to be good at anything, whether it be sport, career or education. The only

way to be more confident about what to say and how to answer a few of the most-often-asked questions is to put in the hard work. Having said that, you don't need all the answers to give it a go at whatever stage you are at now. To be faithful, available and godly is what God is looking for. You don't have to be an expert from the start. A simple skill to learn

Beyond these two problems, some simple skills in conversation can make all the difference in our approach to evangelism. One that is worth developing is the skill of asking a question. To become better at sharing the gospel we don't just have to learn the gospel itself but we have to learn to become better at listening and understanding the other person before speaking. The best and most obvious way to do this is to ask them questions.

There is a skill to asking questions. Some questions can kill a conversation; others open it up in valuable ways. For example, the question "Do you mind if I tell you what Christianity is really about?" is likely to receive the answer "No", in varying degrees of politeness. However, if the question is "Can you tell me your opinion on who Jesus was?", it is far more likely that the respondent will in fact respond. Some simple facts about questions will help us grow in confidence as gospel-sharers.

1. Whoever asks the question will direct the conversation.

Conversations usually begin in response to a question, be it 'What did you do on the weekend?" or "Why do you think God allows suffering?" Both questions can lead to the gospel if you are prepared. It is unfair to expect unbelievers to ask the questions that lead a conversation towards Jesus; we need to begin and guide conversations in that direction.

2. Asking questions demonstrates respect for another's opinions (as long as you do in fact listen to the answers!)

Most people are quite willing to express a view on something, even if they don't know much about it! They like being asked; it is rarer than we think for one person to take a genuine interest in another's ideas.

3. Questions generate dialogues rather than monologues.

In my early days as a Christian, I was often so concerned that the people I was talking to knew the gospel of Jesus that I would blurt out a gospel outline at the first opportunity. It was polished and clear, but it pretty much ignored the other person and was, at times, plain rude. A person who is contributing to a conversation themselves is more likely to be listening to what you are saying.

4. Questions raise curiosity and a hunger to know more.

Often when I have asked a person's opinion on something, they have asked me for mine later. Raising a question with someone may mean that they will at least start searching for an answer, even if it isn't you who gets to provide an answer.

5. Questions lead to the revelation of what people believe.

With only a few questions, you can discover what a person believes about life itself. You can determine whether they are Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, Christians, etc. Whether they think they are headed straight to the grave, or on to heaven or hell. And, on the flip side, unless you ask these things, they may stay unrevealed for years.

6. Questions help to clarify beliefs.

This fact is extremely helpful in evangelism, since it means you can find out what it is about Jesus that someone needs to hear. For example, I once asked a man who he thought Jesus was. He replied that Jesus was "an inspiration to his life". He thought Jesus was God, but as the conversation rolled on I found out he was involved in the New Age movement and believed we were all gods. We discussed what Jesus did and said. I asked him whether he thought his conclusions about Jesus did justice to the Bible's depiction of him. He replied that he had been challenged and would have to look at the Gospels in a new light.

Three core questions

If we are seeking to bring the gospel of Jesus to someone, we need to remember that there are certain facts and meanings that we need to communicate: the content of the gospel. It is one thing to start an evangelistic conversation, and another to actually communicate the gospel through it. I use three core questions to make sure I get to these issues. I keep reminding myself that at some point in the conversation I want to ask these things:

1. What do you think it means to be a genuine Christian?

2. Who do you think Jesus was?

3. Why do you think Jesus died on the cross?

I don't necessarily ask them as baldly as that (sometimes I do), but I try to tailor them to the particular conversation I'm in.

If you keep these questions in mind, we will be moving along the path towards "getting out" those words of eternal life that we have been "keeping in".

Shaun Potts

PREPARING AN EVANGELISTIC MEETING/SERVICE

Some basic principles, which should control the planning and content of an evangelistic meeting:

* They ought to be designed primarily for unbelievers and seekers.

* Everything should serve to create an environment which will be most conducive to a

* clear presentation of the gospel of Christ.

* Establish ownership of the event by the Christians so they will confidently bring along

* unconverted family and friends.

* Remember planning does not replace prayer as an essential element in planning.

Those responsible for preparing the event should be ruthless in asking key questions of its contents: Will this help or hinder in putting unbelievers at ease? Does this support the gospel message and topic? Is the congregation equipped and willing to invite their unchurched friends? Are we depending upon God or our own preparations? Have we avoided all the cringe factors?

The Program or Service - The basic principles for the event are:

* keep it simple and focused on the Gospel theme.

* invited people should be referred to as newcomers or first time visitors not simply guests and visitors. Guests and visitors come and go whereas the other terms suggest this Christian group welcomes new people and encourages future visits.

* the leader should prepare introductions and link sentences very carefully, avoiding in house commentary and Christian jargon. Most of us are nowhere near as good at ad-libbing as we think. Apart from informational comments about amenities, childcare facilities and refreshments, notices should be avoided. Essential notices for the regulars should be included on the back of the service handout and then the leader can simply draw their attention to this leaflet and leave it there.

* do not have a collection! However, if a collection or offertory must be taken, it needs to be handled with great thoughtfulness and care. The leader could say, "We are delighted to have several newcomers and visitors with us today. It is our common practice to collect money at this time to support the Christian work of this church and churches overseas. However, this is only for our regulars so when the 'bag' comes by please be our guests and just pass it on."

* when using a liturgical form of Service, choose one that is very simple in structure and language, and stick to it. However, remember that the Holy Communion is not an appropriate service to use because it is a service for the Christian family. The whole service should be reproduced along with all the congregational songs, Bible readings and prayer of commitment on a single service sheet. This is easier to follow, cuts down on directions and can be taken home for further reflection.

* finally ensure that the Bible passage to be preached on is always read close to the message, so that it is fresh in the minds of the audience.

The Music

Outsiders hardly ever engage in communal singing and are unfamiliar with most Christian songs. Therefore, have a minimum of congregational singing and use musicians and singers to present items that will be appropriate to the target audience. Bands and soloists should be made aware of the theme for the night and be asked to focus on the Lord Jesus—His person and purpose. It may also be helpful, where copyright is not a problem, to have the words of the items available so that communication is as clear as possible.

A Testimony

A well prepared personal witness can be very effective. It demonstrates both the reality that people do become Christians and the relevance of the gospel for life today. Use the 'Guidelines For Sharing Your Story' booklet available from Ridley Bookstore for $0.60. If an interview format is preferred use John Chapman's Know and Tell the Gospel, (pages 152-154), where there are some guidelines about questions to be asked. Whether an interview or talk approach is chosen, it is important to ensure that it is well rehearsed. Ensure the person practices with the microphone as many people are unfamiliar and nervous with its use. If they cannot be heard then the testimony is a wasted opportunity. It is preferable to use an interview dialogue style of testimony when there is going to be a monologue gospel message as this provides a different mode of communication.

A Drama

Short dramatic presentations can be very effective and creative vehicles for raising issues that the gospel message is going to explore and answer. However, bad, long or irrelevant drama does nothing but hinder the process of Christian communication. A basic rule of thumb is if you cannot guarantee that the drama will be professional, short (5-10 minutes at the outside) and will assist in setting up the preacher's topic, forget it. Also don't cram the program with too much material, but choose to have just one of the following: testimony, drama, extended band, or solo performance.

The Bookstall

It is better to have one or two titles that you are pushing for the day, rather than a great variety on the bookstall, which only confuses the inquirer. I recommend:

* A Fresh Start by John Chapman,

* About Life by David Mansfield,

* Journey Towards God by Kel Richards for adults

* A Sneaking Suspicion by John Dickson for teenagers.

It is also a good idea to provide free copies of the New Testament or a Gospel in a modern translation or 'The Jesus Video' and also a good gospel tract such as 'What is a Christian?' or 'Two Ways To Live'. Some churches provide a 'Newcomers Pack', which may already incorporate such material along with information about the local church. It would be a good idea to have someone keep an eye on the free literature to ensure there are adequate supplies and these are not being wasted.

Dress

The speaker, musicians, chairperson etc. ought to inquire about the most appropriate dress code before arriving. Ask what the organizers anticipate the outsiders will be wearing and then dress in a way, which would make them feel comfortable.

Sample Format:

Welcome and Introductions

Opening Song Item (1 or 2)

Prayers for Relevant Issues (2 or 3)

Song Item

Testimony/Drama

Congregational Song (provides time for people to stand before the Message)

Bible Reading

Message (Including response mechanism.)

Final Item or Congregational Song

Closing Brief Comments (Thank you, refreshments and the bookstalls free literature.)

Final Comment

Every evangelistic meeting ought to be saturated in prayer before, during and after it takes place. It is also dependent upon careful planning beforehand, clear and truthful preaching, the attendance of unbelievers and a comfortable relaxed setting, which is conducive to easy listening. Therefore it is essential that Christians have confidence in the preacher and are comfortable about inviting their unchurched contacts. Christian leaders should be working hard to instil this sort of confidence in their congregations.

Stephen Abbott

Evangelism Ideas:

NB. MAKE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE YOU INVITE UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE COMING TO, AND THAT THERE WILL BE A MESSAGE!

> Run a Valentines Day Dinner for newly weds. Have a speaker talk about marriage. Have tables of 3 or 4 couples including a couple from the church.

> Hire a café and have a dialogue meeting. Arrange for live music.

> Take a group booking to the art gallery. Plan what paintings you are going to see and use them as an introduction to the Christian faith with supper/morning/afternoon tea afterwards.

> Have a car rally. Finish up at the church for a BBQ.

> Have an organ recital with the introductions to the music to form the message. Follow it with morning or afternoon tea.

> Have a progressive dinner. Each host introduces themselves, including part of their testimony.

> Have a trivia night - the quiz master can talk about the least trivial decision they have made.

Good evangelism is an invitation, not a confrontation!

We too readily assume that others will not be interested in our faith. Invitation can have positive results whereas confrontation often provokes rejection.

Does your church have low-key, non-threatening (maybe social) events to which people can be invited and feel at ease?

Most people outside church have little understanding either of what church is all about, or what the Good News of Jesus might mean in their life. Their ideas about Church and faith are generally based on something they learnt at school, or what they have seen on TV, or the off-hand remarks of friends.

Very few people will ever walk into a church on a Sunday – any more than a church person would think of walking into a service of worship in a Mosque or Temple.

Opportunities

Churches that create opportunities for people outside the church to meet people from within the church are often those where there is growth. People need the chance to meet with Christians in informal, non-church settings – to get to know them and see what makes them "tick" – and maybe to chat a little about life and faith without feeling any pressure.

Relationships

Research shows that relationships are often the most crucial factor in a person coming to faith. So, as part of their evangelism strategy, churches ought to think of ways for non-church people to meet church people, and for church people to meet non-church.

Social events, clubs and groups, trips out, picnics, dances and meals are all possible ways of helping non-church people mingle with Christians, and each to get to know the other. In different cultures, social settings and for different ages what a church plans and does will be different.

Questions to consider:

1. When your church plans its social activities, do you deliberately plan things that non-church people would also enjoy?

2. Does your church have activities to which church people can invite spouses, family and friends where those people will feel comfortable and welcomed (apart from your Sunday services)?

3. Part of the strength of courses such as Alpha is that they are built around people sharing a meal together, and then give non-church people space to listen, talk and raise their questions and doubts without feeling threatened. Does your church provide safe and welcoming places where people can discover more about Christian faith without attending church?

Adapted from material by Rick Warren

EFAC VIC HOME Easter Newsletter August Newsletter

	What’s stopping you? Why we don’t evangelise and what to do about it.
	We sing about having the words of eternal life and wonder how we ever "keep them in", but keep them in we do. Many of us would claim to be less evangelistic, to have the gospel on our lips less often, to miss more golden opportunities for witness, than we would like. What is stopping us?
	There are two common reasons we don't share the gospel with others. The first is that we are fearful of being rejected by others. The second is that we are often not confident of what to say. In this article, I look at each of these reasons for reticence and suggest a way forward. The answer, it seems, is in the question.
	Rejection
	We are fearful of being rejected by friends and family, and that's natural. We are scared of being tagged a religious fanatic, a weirdo or whatever. Let's face it—we all like to be liked. We think that if we broach the subject of being a Christian with others then this will stretch the friendship or make the other person cool towards us from that point on. So most of us generally keep our faith to ourselves.
	From early in life we are conditioned by our parents to fit in. After picking up my son from pre-school one day, I learned that he had bullied another child. My advice to him was that if he continued to fight with other children he
	wouldn't have any friends. It's not bad advice, but year after year this sort of advice is conditioning my son that the main aim in life is to fit in. Most of us have learnt this lesson by the time we have grown up. We no longer beat up our friends just for the heck of it.
	What lies behind our fear of rejection is that we want so desperately to be accepted by others. This is natural and can be a good thing. God is a relational God and wishes us to be in quality relationships with others. But if we believe Jesus who commanded us to speak of him to the nations, then at times we will be rejected. Even Jesus himself faced rejection by the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18, who heard the claims of the gospel and walked away very sad.
	Not sure of what to say
	Many people have told me that they don't share their faith because they are not sure of what to say. Even if they do give it a go many fear that they will be asked questions that they will not know the answers to. We shouldn't be surprised that it is hard work to learn to share the gospel. We often mistakenly think because we are Christians and God's Spirit lives inside us that we should be automatically good at sharing the gospel. Yet in all other areas of life we have to put in a lot of effort to be good at anything, whether it be sport, career or education. The only
	way to be more confident about what to say and how to answer a few of the most-often-asked questions is to put in the hard work. Having said that, you don't need all the answers to give it a go at whatever stage you are at now. To be faithful, available and godly is what God is looking for. You don't have to be an expert from the start. A simple skill to learn
	Beyond these two problems, some simple skills in conversation can make all the difference in our approach to evangelism. One that is worth developing is the skill of asking a question. To become better at sharing the gospel we don't just have to learn the gospel itself but we have to learn to become better at listening and understanding the other person before speaking. The best and most obvious way to do this is to ask them questions.
	There is a skill to asking questions. Some questions can kill a conversation; others open it up in valuable ways. For example, the question "Do you mind if I tell you what Christianity is really about?" is likely to receive the answer "No", in varying degrees of politeness. However, if the question is "Can you tell me your opinion on who Jesus was?", it is far more likely that the respondent will in fact respond. Some simple facts about questions will help us grow in confidence as gospel-sharers.
	1. Whoever asks the question will direct the conversation.
	Conversations usually begin in response to a question, be it 'What did you do on the weekend?" or "Why do you think God allows suffering?" Both questions can lead to the gospel if you are prepared. It is unfair to expect unbelievers to ask the questions that lead a conversation towards Jesus; we need to begin and guide conversations in that direction.
	2. Asking questions demonstrates respect for another's opinions (as long as you do in fact listen to the answers!)
	Most people are quite willing to express a view on something, even if they don't know much about it! They like being asked; it is rarer than we think for one person to take a genuine interest in another's ideas.
	3. Questions generate dialogues rather than monologues.
	In my early days as a Christian, I was often so concerned that the people I was talking to knew the gospel of Jesus that I would blurt out a gospel outline at the first opportunity. It was polished and clear, but it pretty much ignored the other person and was, at times, plain rude. A person who is contributing to a conversation themselves is more likely to be listening to what you are saying.
	4. Questions raise curiosity and a hunger to know more.
	Often when I have asked a person's opinion on something, they have asked me for mine later. Raising a question with someone may mean that they will at least start searching for an answer, even if it isn't you who gets to provide an answer.
	5. Questions lead to the revelation of what people believe.
	With only a few questions, you can discover what a person believes about life itself. You can determine whether they are Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, Christians, etc. Whether they think they are headed straight to the grave, or on to heaven or hell. And, on the flip side, unless you ask these things, they may stay unrevealed for years.
	6. Questions help to clarify beliefs.
	This fact is extremely helpful in evangelism, since it means you can find out what it is about Jesus that someone needs to hear. For example, I once asked a man who he thought Jesus was. He replied that Jesus was "an inspiration to his life". He thought Jesus was God, but as the conversation rolled on I found out he was involved in the New Age movement and believed we were all gods. We discussed what Jesus did and said. I asked him whether he thought his conclusions about Jesus did justice to the Bible's depiction of him. He replied that he had been challenged and would have to look at the Gospels in a new light.
	Three core questions
	If we are seeking to bring the gospel of Jesus to someone, we need to remember that there are certain facts and meanings that we need to communicate: the content of the gospel. It is one thing to start an evangelistic conversation, and another to actually communicate the gospel through it. I use three core questions to make sure I get to these issues. I keep reminding myself that at some point in the conversation I want to ask these things:
	1. What do you think it means to be a genuine Christian?
	2. Who do you think Jesus was?
	3. Why do you think Jesus died on the cross?
	I don't necessarily ask them as baldly as that (sometimes I do), but I try to tailor them to the particular conversation I'm in.
	If you keep these questions in mind, we will be moving along the path towards "getting out" those words of eternal life that we have been "keeping in".
	Shaun Potts


	PREPARING AN EVANGELISTIC MEETING/SERVICE
	Some basic principles, which should control the planning and content of an evangelistic meeting:
	* They ought to be designed primarily for unbelievers and seekers.
	* Everything should serve to create an environment which will be most conducive to a
	* clear presentation of the gospel of Christ.
	* Establish ownership of the event by the Christians so they will confidently bring along
	* unconverted family and friends.
	* Remember planning does not replace prayer as an essential element in planning.
	Those responsible for preparing the event should be ruthless in asking key questions of its contents: Will this help or hinder in putting unbelievers at ease? Does this support the gospel message and topic? Is the congregation equipped and willing to invite their unchurched friends? Are we depending upon God or our own preparations? Have we avoided all the cringe factors?
	The Program or Service - The basic principles for the event are:
	* keep it simple and focused on the Gospel theme.
	* invited people should be referred to as newcomers or first time visitors not simply guests and visitors. Guests and visitors come and go whereas the other terms suggest this Christian group welcomes new people and encourages future visits.
	* the leader should prepare introductions and link sentences very carefully, avoiding in house commentary and Christian jargon. Most of us are nowhere near as good at ad-libbing as we think. Apart from informational comments about amenities, childcare facilities and refreshments, notices should be avoided. Essential notices for the regulars should be included on the back of the service handout and then the leader can simply draw their attention to this leaflet and leave it there.
	* do not have a collection! However, if a collection or offertory must be taken, it needs to be handled with great thoughtfulness and care. The leader could say, "We are delighted to have several newcomers and visitors with us today. It is our common practice to collect money at this time to support the Christian work of this church and churches overseas. However, this is only for our regulars so when the 'bag' comes by please be our guests and just pass it on."
	* when using a liturgical form of Service, choose one that is very simple in structure and language, and stick to it. However, remember that the Holy Communion is not an appropriate service to use because it is a service for the Christian family. The whole service should be reproduced along with all the congregational songs, Bible readings and prayer of commitment on a single service sheet. This is easier to follow, cuts down on directions and can be taken home for further reflection.
	* finally ensure that the Bible passage to be preached on is always read close to the message, so that it is fresh in the minds of the audience.
	The Music
	Outsiders hardly ever engage in communal singing and are unfamiliar with most Christian songs. Therefore, have a minimum of congregational singing and use musicians and singers to present items that will be appropriate to the target audience. Bands and soloists should be made aware of the theme for the night and be asked to focus on the Lord Jesus—His person and purpose. It may also be helpful, where copyright is not a problem, to have the words of the items available so that communication is as clear as possible.
	A Testimony
	A well prepared personal witness can be very effective. It demonstrates both the reality that people do become Christians and the relevance of the gospel for life today. Use the 'Guidelines For Sharing Your Story' booklet available from Ridley Bookstore for $0.60. If an interview format is preferred use John Chapman's Know and Tell the Gospel, (pages 152-154), where there are some guidelines about questions to be asked. Whether an interview or talk approach is chosen, it is important to ensure that it is well rehearsed. Ensure the person practices with the microphone as many people are unfamiliar and nervous with its use. If they cannot be heard then the testimony is a wasted opportunity. It is preferable to use an interview dialogue style of testimony when there is going to be a monologue gospel message as this provides a different mode of communication.
	A Drama
	Short dramatic presentations can be very effective and creative vehicles for raising issues that the gospel message is going to explore and answer. However, bad, long or irrelevant drama does nothing but hinder the process of Christian communication. A basic rule of thumb is if you cannot guarantee that the drama will be professional, short (5-10 minutes at the outside) and will assist in setting up the preacher's topic, forget it. Also don't cram the program with too much material, but choose to have just one of the following: testimony, drama, extended band, or solo performance.
	The Bookstall
	It is better to have one or two titles that you are pushing for the day, rather than a great variety on the bookstall, which only confuses the inquirer. I recommend:
	* A Fresh Start by John Chapman,
	* About Life by David Mansfield,
	* Journey Towards God by Kel Richards for adults
	* A Sneaking Suspicion by John Dickson for teenagers.
	It is also a good idea to provide free copies of the New Testament or a Gospel in a modern translation or 'The Jesus Video' and also a good gospel tract such as 'What is a Christian?' or 'Two Ways To Live'. Some churches provide a 'Newcomers Pack', which may already incorporate such material along with information about the local church. It would be a good idea to have someone keep an eye on the free literature to ensure there are adequate supplies and these are not being wasted.
	Dress
	The speaker, musicians, chairperson etc. ought to inquire about the most appropriate dress code before arriving. Ask what the organizers anticipate the outsiders will be wearing and then dress in a way, which would make them feel comfortable.
	Sample Format:
	Welcome and Introductions
	Opening Song Item (1 or 2)
	Prayers for Relevant Issues (2 or 3)
	Song Item
	Testimony/Drama
	Congregational Song (provides time for people to stand before the Message)
	Bible Reading
	Message (Including response mechanism.)
	Final Item or Congregational Song
	Closing Brief Comments (Thank you, refreshments and the bookstalls free literature.)
	Final Comment
	Every evangelistic meeting ought to be saturated in prayer before, during and after it takes place. It is also dependent upon careful planning beforehand, clear and truthful preaching, the attendance of unbelievers and a comfortable relaxed setting, which is conducive to easy listening. Therefore it is essential that Christians have confidence in the preacher and are comfortable about inviting their unchurched contacts. Christian leaders should be working hard to instil this sort of confidence in their congregations.
	Stephen Abbott

	Evangelism Ideas:
	NB. MAKE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE YOU INVITE UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE COMING TO, AND THAT THERE WILL BE A MESSAGE!
	> Run a Valentines Day Dinner for newly weds. Have a speaker talk about marriage. Have tables of 3 or 4 couples including a couple from the church.
	> Hire a café and have a dialogue meeting. Arrange for live music.
	> Take a group booking to the art gallery. Plan what paintings you are going to see and use them as an introduction to the Christian faith with supper/morning/afternoon tea afterwards.
	> Have a car rally. Finish up at the church for a BBQ.
	> Have an organ recital with the introductions to the music to form the message. Follow it with morning or afternoon tea.
	> Have a progressive dinner. Each host introduces themselves, including part of their testimony.
	> Have a trivia night - the quiz master can talk about the least trivial decision they have made.
	Good evangelism is an invitation, not a confrontation!

	We too readily assume that others will not be interested in our faith. Invitation can have positive results whereas confrontation often provokes rejection.

	Does your church have low-key, non-threatening (maybe social) events to which people can be invited and feel at ease?
	Most people outside church have little understanding either of what church is all about, or what the Good News of Jesus might mean in their life. Their ideas about Church and faith are generally based on something they learnt at school, or what they have seen on TV, or the off-hand remarks of friends.
	Very few people will ever walk into a church on a Sunday – any more than a church person would think of walking into a service of worship in a Mosque or Temple.
	Opportunities
	Churches that create opportunities for people outside the church to meet people from within the church are often those where there is growth. People need the chance to meet with Christians in informal, non-church settings – to get to know them and see what makes them "tick" – and maybe to chat a little about life and faith without feeling any pressure.
	Relationships
	Research shows that relationships are often the most crucial factor in a person coming to faith. So, as part of their evangelism strategy, churches ought to think of ways for non-church people to meet church people, and for church people to meet non-church.
	Social events, clubs and groups, trips out, picnics, dances and meals are all possible ways of helping non-church people mingle with Christians, and each to get to know the other. In different cultures, social settings and for different ages what a church plans and does will be different.
	Questions to consider:
	1. When your church plans its social activities, do you deliberately plan things that non-church people would also enjoy?
	2. Does your church have activities to which church people can invite spouses, family and friends where those people will feel comfortable and welcomed (apart from your Sunday services)?
	3. Part of the strength of courses such as Alpha is that they are built around people sharing a meal together, and then give non-church people space to listen, talk and raise their questions and doubts without feeling threatened. Does your church provide safe and welcoming places where people can discover more about Christian faith without attending church?
	Adapted from material by Rick Warren

Evangelism Resource Newsletter