Sometimes we think that our life alone is our testimony, and we don’t start evangelical conversations with people because we are afraid they don’t want what we have to “sell,” or that they will be offended, or that they will think we are being pushy. So instead, we put out a message that says, “I am a Christian” by what we wear or what we do… and we wait for people to approach us. But for the most part, we will probably find that no one does. They don’t approach, so we don’t speak up. There’s a better model of evangelism, though, and it’s found in the life of Jesus. He always engaged with people where they were, meeting their needs and showing love. The key to effective evangelism is about creating relationships with the people around us, as this post explains.

"I Don’t Want What You’re Selling" by Paula Hendricks     

This week two men came to our company to try to promote some kind of supplemental insurance. They set up a temporary office in the cafeteria, posted signs around the building, and waited for us to come meet with them.

We didn’t. We avoided them like the plague.

When I walked by them (I had to in order to get my tuna casserole out of the fridge), I introduced myself because I felt sorry for them. But I declined their offer to sit down and learn more. The little I knew was enough to keep me away (they were selling something I didn’t want or have the money to buy).

I wonder if that’s how it is with us and non-Christians. We have something of worth that we want desperately to “sell,” but we don’t want to appear pushy. So we “set up office” and make our identity and purpose clear. Maybe we do this by the clothes we wear, the Bible we carry, the Christian bumper stickers we plaster our cars with, or even the things we avoid (maybe we don’t swear, drink, go to clubs, or watch racy movies).

Then we sit and wait. And wait. And wait some more for unbelievers to be drawn to us and to show interest in our message. But for the most part, no one does.

How do you think Jesus would have done evangelism? (Oh, wait—we have a record of that!) Jesus always engaged people right where they were. He attended weddings, dinner parties, and feasts. He took walks and boat rides with people and played with children. He spent time teaching in the religious centers. Sometimes He met people's physical needs. Sometimes He met their spiritual needs. Sometimes he met both.

When we compare ourselves with Him, how are we doing? How many non-Christians do we have friendships with? Have we invited any into our homes recently? Are we showing genuine interest in those we meet every day? Do we know why they might be turned off to Christianity? Have we even thought to ask them (and not give an immediate defense, but listen and dialogue with them)?