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Why another evangelism strategy? With so much material currently available is another approach really necessary? Actually it is very needed. As you have probably already discovered, when it comes to evangelism there are "different strokes for different folks." And just like fishing, new lures and new techniques are always being developed in order to catch more fish and become better fishermen. The Net has been birthed out of a desire to provide a powerful new tool for lifestyle evangelism in the 21st Century.
A Post Modern Culture Will:
- Debate Religion
- Debate Politics
- Debate Morality
but...one thing they will not debate is...
Your Personal Experience!
Post-Modern Perspective
The need for a new training tool is evidenced by interviews of non-Christians like the ones that follow:
Michael (32, single, civil engineer, Indiana)
"A big turnoff to me is when Christians approach me like I’m a notch in their belt. I almost get the impression that [talking to me about Christ] is like a sales call. First, they introduce their product. Then they tell me the features and benefits. Finally, they try to close me. It’s more like I’m a challenge to them than a person. I feel a little used if they don’t find out about me first, tell me about themselves, give me a reason to listen. They’re telling me about something so personal, and yet some of them use the same approach they might use to sell me a phone service. Is this because we’re a product-oriented society or because evangelicals are trying to be trendy? I appreciate the concise spiels, because my time is valuable, but—to me—trendy is about cool shirts, a state-of-the-art pager, a great CD. Heaven isn’t exactly a subject that lends itself to good salesmanship. I’m as modern as they come, but I need some personality with my technology, if you know what I mean."
Sam (39, government employee, married and father of two, Virginia)
"People spend more time trying to convince me to join their particular church or denomination –or claiming their brand of theology is the "truth" – than just talking about this man they say is their Messiah. That’s a big turnoff and distraction."
Jill (26, homemaker, mother of one and part-time aerobics instructor, California)
"People who talk to me about their faith seem so perfect, so peppy about it. They project an image of ‘I never have a problem now that I’m saved.’ I could listen to them better if they showed me just a little more reality in their lives—how they’ve failed, what they struggle with, that sort of thing. It’s like they’re so intent on doing good PR for God that they can’t let their own humanity show through. The result is that I find myself wondering what they’re really like rather than listening to what might be a very sincere appeal to me, because I’m so distracted by a delivery that seems a little forced. It would help if they’d invest more time building a relationship between us before springing Jesus on me. I feel ambushed by a smiley face if they want me to think they never get behind on their VISA bill, never get ticked off by a rude driver, never get mad at their husband—human things I can relate to."
(All testimonies used by permission from On Mission Magazine, pp. 48-49, September-October, 1999)
How can you effectively share your Personal Experience?
Use the NET TRAINING TOOL KIT to train yourself and/or other church members on how to share Christ with others. View the NET promo video on this website... Visit the LifeWay Christian Resources Bookstore nearest you or call 1 866 407-6262 and order your kit today.
Training
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