Re-Imagining Evangelism Book Discussion
Chapter 8
Invitation to a Wedding: Journey vs. Event
When I first met my wife, Florence, I was awe-struck by her. I'd never met anyone like her. I thought about Florence all the time, introduced her to my friends, spent hours on the phone, wrote letters (even ones in actual ink on actual paper), and was completely enamored with her. Still, I didn't propose to her that first month... or the second. Of course I didn't. Because the deepest commitment, "Till death do us part," required that I know not only what I'm committing to, but to whom I'm committing.
Slowly, over time, intrigue deepened to intimacy and trust, infatuation opened up into love... I began to know Florence so well that it didn't seem foolish to ask her to marry me. In fact, sometimes it seemed foolish not to ask her. I popped the question. Down on one knee... "Will you marry me?"
There is a parallel in being a spiritual tour guide for our trusted friends. There is a process involved... a journey. And we don't do anyone any favors by rushing them into a relationship with Jesus faster than they're ready to commit (it's an appropriate comparison: marriage is one of the metaphors scriptures uses to describe the Christian's relationship to Jesus). We want to help our friends get to know, build intimacy, develop trust, and ultimately hear Jesus' invitation to follow him. That's what our book, Re-Imagining Evangelism, and this blog series, has been all about.
But at some point, there is a moment of decision. There comes a point when someone has reasonably seen, heard, considered, and pondered the claims of Christ and the promise of the gospel. And at that point, many of our friends can use help in hearing Jesus pop the question: "Will you follow me?" One question I like to ask my friends at this point is something like, "What is stopping you from believing in the resurrection of Jesus," or, "Is there anything in the way of you saying yes to following Jesus now? What is it?"
How do you challenge and encourage your friends to hear the call of following Jesus? Is there anyone in your life now that you can serve by encouraging them closer to saying "yes" to his invitation?
It's your turn: Please comment on the eighth chapter! And if you haven't already, order the book!
This concludes this series of posts on Re-Imagining Evangelism. There's at least one community group that's reading this book and using these posts as discussion starters. You may want to start an informal group and do that, too! If I can help in any way, let me know.
Continue to check back for thoughts, ideas, and stories of sharing faith in the city. And if you have questions or ideas to talk about, let me know at matt@citychurchsf.org.