Rethinking Evangelism: How Alan Hirsch gets it wrong and Jesus got it right.

“We are in a time when it appears evangelism is on the decline,” reports Ed Stetzer in a “State of Evangelism” article.  And, with evangelism on the decline, many are suggesting that we need to rethink this discipline.

Popular author, speaker and founder of the Forge Missional Training Network, Alan Hirsch, suggests that we need to "reframe evangelism in the task of discipleship” because evangelism gets “done along the way.” Here is what Alan said, from a recently posted article in Church Leaders:

Alan, in this video, suggests that evangelism should happen in the process of discipleship, because "that’s the way Jesus did it." We need to ask is this really the Biblical model? Of course, we need greater focus on "discipling the nations" but with all due respect to Mr, Hirsch, I think his approach is misguided and his teaching isn't Biblical as I will show here in this post.

To make his case for reframing evangelism in the context of discipleship, Alan consider the ministry of Jesus and asks the question when the disciples were "born-again." Hirsch argues that since Jesus’ disciples weren’t “born-again” until some later time after following Jesus we don’t need to give ourselves to the task of evangelism, as a primary discipline, but simply allow it to happen as we “make disciples.” Alan does say we "do get to do it," evangelism, which is great, but his argument needs some rethinking.

 There are a few things that need reconsidering with Alan's reasoning, as expressed in the video above:

1)      No doubt Alan is well intentioned but his  argument is simply bad hermenutics. Alan makes the mistake of isolating an idea from the broader narrative. How Jesus discipled his disciples is certainly instructive but we need to recognize that the disciples experience in training with Jesus was unique. It occurred pre-Ascension and before the sending forth of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians look to the cross and resurrection as the central pivot point in history but neglect the significance of the Ascension. Without the Ascension there is no promised Holy Spirit (John 7:39), the agency of the “born-again” experience (John 3:5-8). More to the point, once the Holy Spirit came, our task is defined as being “witnesses” which is firstly an evangelistic mission (Acts 1:8), so that we get to the “make disciples.” No one can call upon the one who saves without the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3) and cannot understand Scripture without the illuminating work of the Spirit (John 16:13-16). Alan also states that we cannot know when someone is saved, but there is no Biblical support for this position (Romans 10:9-10). I for one can you tell you when that life changing moment occurred - January 23rd, 1997.

2)      Clearly the disciples were “born-again” later after following Jesus, were being discipled and were doing ministry with Jesus before their conversion experience. Alan does make the point they were probably “born-again” when Jesus breathed upon them to receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), post resurrection. But to suggest that evangelism is done along the way, as we “make disciples” misses the very clear examples of Jesus own ministry and teaching. Jesus went about evangelizing, which simply means sharing the Good News of a new life – the Kingdom life - available through repentance. Jesus preached this Good News in every town and village in Galilee (Luke 8:1). Jesus sent out his 12 and 72 to "preach" that the Kingdom of God had come near (Luke 9 & 10). Jesus evangelized the women at the well before the discipleship of her and her village (John 4:7 ff). Jesus evangelized the demoniac who quickly became an evangelist (Mark 5:1 ff). Jesus tells us the parable of the sower, scattering seed, which suggests a lifestyle of evangelism as a primary focus (Matthew 13:1 ff). 

3)      Much is being made of the Great Commission and the imperative to “make disciples” which is great. Alan uses this command to suggest that evangelism happens is the context of making disciples. Perhaps but certainly not always, as demonstrated by Jesus’ own ministry, and the birth of the church-age on the day of Pentecost. A simple reading of the Book of Acts shows that the first disciples understood their role was to “evangelize” as their first priority. From Peter standing before the crowd of 3,000 (Acts 2:14 ff) to Paul standing before Agrippa (Acts 26:1 ff), the acts of the apostles put the task of evangelism front and center in the lives of Christ followers. The Apostle Paul encouraged his protégé Timothy to, “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). While the four Gospel accounts use the word “disciple” often, it is at least interesting to note that Paul, Peter John, James, and the writer of Hebrews never use this all-important word - not once. It is informative to note that both Paul and Peter speak of the Gospel being “preached.” (1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Peter 1:12). We have a tendency today to focus on the directive- "make disciples"- and gloss over other mandates like proclamation (Matthew 24:14).

4)      Jesus tell us in Matthew 28:19 to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” There are two emphasis Jesus is making in the Great Commission: 1) to “make disciples” and 2) "teach them to obey everything” he had commanded. The church has fallen short on both accounts, as studies bear out. And, because we have, we have lost our evangelistic zeal to spread the Good News everywhere, so Alan does have a point that evangelism training should happen in the context of discipleship. It was in that context that Jesus taught his disciples to evangelize. But that’s not the only space in which evangelism should happen. Matthew 28:19-20 is not the only Great Commission passages Jesus gives us. In Mark 16:15 Jesus commissions his church to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” In Luke 24:47, Jesus commissions his church to preach “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” to all nations. Jesus’ focus was on the message which is Good News, the “evangel,” for “all nations.” 

While we rethink evangelism let’s not de-emphasize the important task that Jesus gave us to as evangelists. We need to be very intentional in our efforts to teach, train, and live a life of Good News. As Ed Stetzer concludes; "we need a lot more evangelizing going on…"

There is a Great Commission also found in John 20:21. There Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Jesus was the greatest evangelist of all time. He was very intentional about evangelism. Let’s follow his example for Living Sent Today.

Threat of ISIS, Syrian Refugees and the Ultimate Answer - 10 Rules to Live By

There has certainly been a lot of news, blogging, posting, tweeting, texting, and every other form of communication about the Syrian refugee crisis following the horrendous Paris bombing by the Islamic State. All of which has produced much debating, arguing, blaming and heated exchanges from both sides of our politically divided and opinion laden populace.These are confusing and dangerous times. 

Given our technology, everyone thinks they are an expert on everything simply by benefit of having a Facebook account. Many are ready, willing and able to express opinions instantly but are we willing to be thoughtful as we look for answers and try to make sense of life at the beginning of the 21st Century? 

Freedom of expression is a God given right but perhaps its time to to rethink and self-regulate what we express, especially in light of these present day tribulations. Allow me to suggest 10 ideas, maybe rules to live by, for responding to the refugee crisis and the very real threat of ISIS, even as we work to assure that we do not let any unwholesome posts appear on our FB walls, tweets, or instagrams but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who read (Ephesians 4:29).

1)      Let’s be Noble

No one really talks about being noble any longer. Noble is the characteristic of having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals. One of the highest ideals foundational to the forming of our now very troubled nation was the free expression of ideas. Personally, I don't align myself with the politcal Left or the Right on all issues. I support ideas I deem worthy and oppose the ideas of either side that I find troublesome or wrongheaded. I refuse to simply buy a "party-line." I do try to align myself with the truth, dig for the facts, and then reason from there. I think it best to remain independent in our thinking, read widely to include opposing ideas and examine the available information as best we can. Let’s be thoughtful in our thinking, not reactionary. We may find we disagree but let’s be like the Berean’s who are described as “noble” in their pursuit of truth (Acts 17:11). 

2)      Let’s be Respectful

While we may disagree we don’t need to be disagreeable in our relationships with others. Reading social media posts about any issue these days is to see the level of disrespect that Americans, even Christians, have toward “one-another.” No one wins when our national discourse is mean spirited and contentious. Our responsibility as Christians calls us away from harsh and thoughtless rhetoric and to speak the truth in love, respectfully. These are difficult times and we need to rise to the challenge of not giving into the emotions our media frequently preys upon. Rather, “valuing others above ourselves” is the Biblical mandate (Philippians 2:3). That simply means we respect the opinions of others as they may in fact have something to teach us. 

3)      Let’s be Truthful 

The leading candidate on the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton, said recently that Muslims have nothing to do with terrorism. Our President has failed to call the threat of Islamic terrorism what it is. This certainly is disingenuous at best, as the clear and present danger is from a group calling themselves the “Islamic State.” ISIS believes they are representing Islam. But other Muslims are the number one target of this egregious aberration of the Muslim religion. Extremist views are dangerous no matter the underlying belief system. They are called extremist for a reason and should be called what they are. Extreme views originate in base doctrine, becoming excessively dogmatic and dangerous. We won’t properly address the situation until all parties are honest about it. But ISIS only represents 1 in 20,000 Muslims, globally, who do hold various views of their religion so let’s not generalize either. 

4)      Let’s be Judicious 

If in fact, the majority of Syrian refugees cannot meet our entry requirements, as some have reported, then they should not be admitted and we should oppose any circumvention of our laws that would seek to do so. Governments are established for our peace and safety (Romans 13:1-5) and need our prayers (1 Timothy 2:2). We should certainly be diligent in our vetting processes, make improvements as we can, and not give into thoughtless compassion for compassions sake. Thinking biblically requires proper discernment and understanding. We don’t invite the one who comes to “steal, kill and destroy” into our homes, even while we understand that our fight is “not against flesh and blood.” But justice also calls us to think well and not give into stereotypes. 

5)      Let’s Understand 

In the process of safeguarding our nation, let’s not stigmatize a whole class of vulnerable people – refugees – nor hold any prejudice against a whole group of people – Muslims. Entering the U.S. as a refugee is the hardest way to get here. Refugees must pass through a rigorous and lengthy vetting process. This infographic explains the process. Refugees are escaping persecution, war or natural disaster in the home that they love and the culture that they know.  No one chooses to be a refugee. They travel a very dangerous and long path, lasting potentially years, to be granted asylum in the U.S. What we also need to understand with respect to Muslims is that they have a very different worldview. They see the world much differently than we do. Addressing that is beyond our scope here but it should inform us to at least be understanding when they don’t act like we would expect. Let's try to be understanding in our thinking and wise in our response (Proverbs 1:5). 

6)      Let’s Not Fear 

We often fear what we do not know and what is different. The result is many have demonized Muslims, stereotyping 1.6 billion people and believed in generalizations – “All Muslims are terrorists.” Now due to the recent Paris bombings, some Americans, including some notable Republican Presidential candidates, are responding in a greater fearful manner, suggesting extraordinary and unconstitutional measures.  Reacting in fear, a group recently staged an armed protest outside of a local Mosque in North Texas. We must be careful that our fears do not impede upon civil liberties for other Americans. It would not be the first time in our history such as been the case. We cannot give into fear, especially as Christ followers. What would be better is to befriend a Muslim and try understand their worldview. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and we cannot love what we don't know.

7)      Let’s Stay Concerned 

This past week’s uproar about the Syrian refugee crisis arose from the Paris bombings. But this crisis has been going on for months. Many who had not given much consideration to this ongoing tragedy reacted to the news. But like with so many crisis, Americans tend to have short attentions spans and will move on to the next news item, while the plight of millions, really billions of poor, oppressed and suffering, remains tenuous. Inscribed on a plague in Lady Liberty in the New York City Harbor are the immortal words – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Those words represent a profound value of our nation that does make us exceptional, and should inform us to stay concerned for the plight of the less fortunate, wherever they come from. No, we cannot help everyone but we should help those in greatest need, be it here in the U.S. or aboard. 

8)      Let’s Pray for Solutions

Allowing some, even 10,000, Syrian refugees into America is not a stand-alone solution. Inevitably, some will qualify for refugee status. There is a recent Syrian population already in the U.S.^, with 875 Syrians entering our nation in 2015, predominantly Muslim. But these refugees represent a very small percentage of the total. We need thoughtful policy and interventions that bring an end to this conflict and provide a safe-haven for the 4 million displaced individuals in their war-torn country. Better would be a solution that returns them to their homes. That may seem an impossibility at this point, with the existential threat posed by the Islamic State but with God all things are possible, right? So let’s pray for solutions.  

9)      Let’s Love as Commanded 

There are two commands that must inform how we live today – “love your neighbor as yourself” and “love your enemy.” Jesus’ calls us to continuous concern for our fellow human beings, without prejudice, bias or fear. When we begin to see others as made in the imagine of God, as one people, the human race, as fellow citizens of this planet who are all equally in need of God’s love, and the Gospel of his grace, we stop labeling, stereotyping, or classifying the “other.” What the radicalized Islamic State fighter needs is not our hate, but to know they are loved. Certainly not for what they are doing, but rather because of who they were created to be by God. Yes, that is a high calling but in Christ we have all we need to live with love first. 

1)  Let’s Incarnate the Gospel 

If you are a Christian, your first responsibility is to God. Jesus didn’t save us so that we could live a comfortable life in the safety of our nation and one day live forever in heaven. He left us here to represent him, be a witness to his Good News, to demonstrate his mercy, grace, love and peace. Incarnating the Gospel means living our faith, even before other Christians, so that we let our “light so shine before others."  When we don’t live with the Good News as our first priority we’re not living as we’re called by Christ. What a Muslim needs is a Christian friend to show them what sacrificial love is and lead them into the Word of God so they can discover who Jesus is for them. The Gospel is the ultimate answer to the threat of ISIS, the tragedy of Syrian refugees, and the fears of Americans.

A provocative article entitled “How ISIS is Spreading the Gospel” concludes with this question, “The proto-evangelists (ISIS) are doing their job (in driving many Muslims to reconsider their faith). Are we doing ours (in reaching and loving them to Christ)?”  [edits mine]

We have a great opportunity before us for living sent today. Carpe Diem!

Rethinking Evangelism: “But Sharing the Gospel is Tough!”

Staying in shape is tough but more Americans are exercising more frequently than ever.[1] My wife and I try to make it to the gym at least four times a week. Maybe because we're now "middle age" and see the urgent need to stay fit as we enter our more "mature" years. The greatest obstacle to staying fit is not taking the time to exercise regularly. But the investment is worth it. 

During a break at the gym the other day, I was chatting with a friend. I was sharing about the need to reach the nations with the Gospel, another passion of mine. It is, after all, the mandate of Jesus that the Good News of his Kingdom be proclaimed to all peoples everywhere (Matthew 24:14).

I was explaining that the nations are now among us, increasingly so. The data indicates that there are now 85 Masjids, Muslim places of prayer, in the DFW Metroplex, my home turf. This religious demographic has grown greatly over the past three decades. I doubt you could find a few mosques in North Texas 30 years ago. We also have a growing population of Hindus in my city and hundreds of thousands of immigrants representing hundreds of "Unreached People Groups."

I was also sharing about the Jesus Film, how the initial capital for this great evangelism tool, first came from the Dallas area, and the impact that this movie has had globally, about the number of languages the film has been translated into, but how the film has not been effective among most Americans. I was sharing with my friend the success that the ministry of Christ for All Peoples, with whom I now serve, is having with the use this tool in reaching our international neighbors. 

My friend commented, “but sharing the Gospel is tough.” He reasoned that pluralism and multiculturalism has made it tough. Really? I responded, “but how tough it is it to give away the greatest gift I have ever received?” 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an evangelism maven, one of 'those Christians' who shares a Gospel message at every opportunity, regardless of the circumstances, sometimes with the motive to "add another notch to the belt." I know some of those guys and while I admire their passion, I'm also concerned about their approach. I have done my fair share of "witnessing" over the years however, was an Evangelism Explosion Trainer, been on the streets in New York City and London sharing tracks and "proclaiming the Good News." But I'm not naturally an evangelist, just as I'm not naturally a super fit person. Who is? 

Maybe my friend has it right, “sharing the Gospel is tough.” But should it be? And if it is for us, why it so hard? In our pluralistic cultural, where every lifestyle choice is now acceptable, where every religious path is equal, where secularism reigns but your "entitled" to keep your faith “private,” maybe it is tough. We certainly don’t want to offend anyone, right? We’re only supposed to love our neighbor and if God wants them “saved” he will do the work, or so the prevailing narrative seems to informs us. We can just focus on doing good works, being compassionate people, and leave the rest up to God's timing. But is that what we see in the Biblical example?

Jesus came on an urgent mission and as he came he sends out those who would follow him. He came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He went from town to town preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. He called and equipped disciples (Luke 9:1), he taught throughout Galilee, healed the sick, fed the hungry (Matthew 4:23), and accomplished so much more than could be recorded (John 21:25). He knew his task, why he had come, and saw his work through to completion (John 17:4). And, most importantly, he told us he had set the example for his people to follow...

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

(John 13:15)

Unlike the record number who are exercising, the problem we have today is that so few do actually follow Jesus example. David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, makes the following observation:

“evangelism is on the decline among key demographics, especially among Busters and Boomers who make up nearly two out of three active Christians today…Christians need to be aware of a growing apathy toward evangelism among the most unlikely of groups: middle-age and middle-income Christians. These are the very people who are often reaching a place of religious maturity, which traditionally includes a commitment to faith-sharing conversations.” [2]

We should have a majority of mature active Christians today, since the "Busters and Boomers" compromise the largest segment of the American Christian population, but do we?

“Measure almost any group of churches today versus 30 years ago. You’ll likely find only one person is being reached with the Gospel for every 40 to 60 church members. You will find that conversions have declined precipitously. And where you find numerical growth, you are more likely to find the growth is transfer of Christians from one church to another….Few churches are truly sending out their members to evangelize those in their communities. The Great Commission has fast become the Great Omission.” reports, Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway. [3]

If Christian “maturity” was defined by typical American Christian practice – personal devotion and church attendance – we would be a very mature Church. But it’s not. Those disciplines are important but they are not maturity producing in and of themselves. 

Christian maturity is best defined by obedience to “all” Jesus commands, to actually following his example, by a "commitment to faith-sharing conversations.” That's the final command of Jesus to his disciples. Jesus doesn’t give us, “Busters and Boomers,” a smorgasbord for our own personal selection to reach maturity. He demonstrated how to live and calls those who would follow him to live as he did.  

What makes sharing the Gospel so tough? There are no doubt many personal answers to that question. But let me suggest there are three underlying reasons, that get expressed in many ways, for why we might find sharing the Gospel difficult:

1. A lack of confidence in ourselves. If we truly knew who we are in Christ and believe we possess the greatest and most important message in the history of mankind we would have the assurance to live with the loving and meek boldness (the two actually do co-exist) required of our faith and Jesus’ example. Confidence in who we are as representatives of who Christ is gets expressed in our lives by what we make our priority. According to Kinnamen and Rainer's respective research we apparently have other priorities.

2. A lack of confidence in the Gospel. If we truly appreciated the exceedingly great worth of the free gift of life we have received in Christ’s finished work we would have the confidence to give that gift away to others, regardless of what our culture says. Confidence of the Gospel’s power to transform hearts and lives gets expressed by giving it away, not hoarding it for ourselves and our church. We'll deal with our understanding of the Gospel in another post. 

3.  A lack of confidence in Christ. If we truly grasped the incalculable value of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection we would have the confidence to live as we are called. Confidence in who Jesus is for us must be expressed in how we live our lives, IN HIM, not just in where we plan to spend eternity.

Sharing the Gospel is not meant to be tough, even under the most difficult of circumstances^__ in the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 21:12-15). In our own strength, sharing the Gospel is actually not possible (John 15:4), which may be why it is so often left undone. But when we know who we are, value properly the message we carry, and understand all Jesus has accomplished, sharing with a world in need becomes more than possible^__ it becomes urgent!

Jesus. of course, had no difficulty in sharing about himself, his purpose for coming, so why should we, especially when we can have confidence in his great promise…”And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). 

Just as the greatest obstacle to staying fit is the lack of exercising, the greatest obstacle to sharing the Gospel is not exercising our faith, not to mention our freedom, to do so. But Jesus is worth it! 

How we might bring change to these "confidence" level will be the subject of future posts.