A previous post titled, “Witnessing in the 21st century” seems to have an interesting discussion going on. I thought I’d create another post with my response:

Billy Graham is probably the best example for the point I’m trying to make. His “witnessing style” is largely different than what Christians are taught today. He holds these crusades and people come. They often are coming because of Billy’s reputation. Billy Graham has brought countless people to Christ, does that mean we all should mimic his witnessing style? Most people would answer, “no, if I held a crusade…. it just wouldn’t have the same effect.” Also, if anything, Billy Graham probably favors discipleship more than evangelism. Here’s my reasoning. The people that are trained to talk to the people when the come forward are mostly taught how to follow up with them, get them plugged in a church, and really disciple them. There isn’t as much emphasis on how to share the Gospel with them.

My point is that God has created us all very different. Thus, how can we think there is only one witnessing style to use to reach all these different types of people. I’ve met some people that they can walk right up to someone, bring up Jesus, and the person accepts Christ… and that’s great for them… but how can we say that’s how everyone should witness, and how can we say that’s the best way to reach everyone?

On a note from my personal experience. I have “gone witnessing” many times. I’ve knocked on doors, and I’ve just brought up Jesus in conversations in public places while talking to strangers. I’ve talked to countless numbers of persons… and I have yet to lead someone to Christ though those means. However, after abandoning these methods, in recent years I’ve come closer than I ever have to actually bring someone to Christ. I’ve taught guitar for some time now, I’ve taught specific kids for multiple years. I did not hide the fact that I was a Christian, and I did not hide the fact that I am a worship leader in a church. The kids (NOT ME) would bring up conversations about God, what it means to go to church, and ethical issues in politics. I left the place where I’ve taught guitar, and just a few months ago one of my old students called me up and just wanted to talk and hang out. His view of Christians is that they’re hypocrites who just annoy you by trying to pressure them into knowing Jesus…. yet he is wanting to just talk with me. I will say, when I met with him, he didn’t accept Christ… but he did say he started constantly going to church. I’ve done sales, I could have “sold” him into Christianity… but I know that through this process, he’ll be better off in the end if he continues to question things, come in contact with “good Christians.”

A pastor of a local church in St. Peters was asked, “Do you realize that the church down the street is much bigger than yours?” The pastor replied, “maybe so… but we have more Christians.”

Church! Lets step out of sales and move into building the kingdom. Instead of making “Christians” lets make believers. Instead of filling the pews, lets fill the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes we can equate the two, but they are not mutually inclusive.