Indianapolis, IN

It was at least a dozen years ago.  I was at one of those Gaither Homecoming concerts - ya' know, the southern gospel things with all the old people?  We were walking down the street and right outside the main entrance was one of those 'street evangelists'.  Not the type trying to enter into dialogue with people.  But the kind with the megaphone and the sandwich board that says something like "Repent or Die." 

From that day, I never really understood that approach.  I always thought of God as a loving God, one desiring a relationship with us.  And I always thought of salvation as a trust, a belief; not just a repentance.  What's with the scare-tactic, turn-or-burn evangelism?  Does that evoke true trust and following?  If we, as the Church, are the bride of Christ, how did we get into that role?  By fear, or love?

My wife, my bride, didn't come into relationship with me by fearing me.  She came into that as we built a relationship, a trust, a belief in one another.  She certainly didn't become attracted to me by the comments I was hollaring through a megaphone or the sign I wore saying, "You need me."  It was through dialogue.  And an almost-childlike curiosity that drew us to one another.  And as important as the "Do you like me, yes or no? Circle One." note is to every budding relationship; it wasn't through a cold piece of paper that we came into relationship with oneanother.

So why do we try to get people to become part of the Bride of Christ by hollaring at them?  Or wearing some sign?  Or handing out turn-or-burn tracts? 

Maybe that tactic went away ten years ago.  And since then we're better understanding the potential to lead people to Christ through relationship than fear?  We might think.  But I just saw these guys again a couple days ago.  Maybe not the same people, per se, but the same type.  Downtown Indianapolis - Indy 500 Festival Parade.  And there they were, complete with tracts, megaphones, and signage.

I have no idea if anyone came to christ through their efforts.  And I have no idea if anyone was turned away from Him through their efforts either.  I can only hope the first did happen, and the latter didn't.  But I just don't know.

I'm all for street evangelism...meeting random people and leading them to a relationship with the Lord.  I just wonder about our technique, our tactic.  What would be more like what Jesus did?  What will most effectively bring people to Him?  That's what I want to do.  And that's the Church I want to be a part of.