Intentionality…
-In the planning and goals of a church/group
-In evangelism-intending, at some point, to share the gospel
The moment you start steering the conversation, you stop being human. Jim Henderson, on The Big Kahuna
“We sang ‘They’ll know we are Christians by our love (and thank God that’s all we have to do)’. I grew up in a church that had the idea that we are like a cup of coffee put in a room, that the coffee will warm up the room.” Heather Kirk-Davidof
Why is this about either being pastors or being lay evangelists? What about the Celtic monastic approach?
“We love people and wait for them to ask the questions. That may feel like the coward’s way out, but?running the Four Spiritual Laws on people is wrong.” -Deborah Loyd
Waiting and listening for indications that people are asking and reflecting in front of you. When a person reflects on their life in front of you, they’re saying that it’s a teachable moment.
“Being intentional about creating a middle space, where Christians and non-Christians share the space together for a common goal. It’s about something we are accomplishing together, not about our agenda as a church.” -Neil
You mustn’t violate the trust of a middle space once you have a “captive audience.”
Jim’s great poll questions:
Who is your spiritual hero?
How can Christians stop being such jerks?
Has someone ever tried to convert you?
Throwing parties, asking questions, telling stories
Bob Ekblad alsp spoke about his ministry in Skagit County.
Sounds like some great principles and important questions to give serious thought to.
I think the Church would be wise to learn from the Celtic monastic approach (e.g Hunter’s book, The Celtic Way of Evangelism). Belonging before believing before behaving – we need alot more of this.
The “monastery by the side of the road” approach of St. Patrick, eh?
Thanks for all this material Justin, excellent stuff. I’ve been thinking about some related stuff recently, tried to do a “trackback” but I don’t think it worked.