Glen Scrivener, a renowned speaker on evangelism, dives into the challenges and opportunities of sharing faith in a post-Christian society. He emphasizes the power of personal storytelling and the role of technology in outreach. The discussion includes maintaining authenticity while living out faith, the compassionate nature of Jesus, and the importance of genuine relationships in evangelism. Scrivener also explores identity's impact on belief and encourages listeners to engage in meaningful dialogues about Jesus and the gospel.
Effective evangelism in a post-Christian society requires adapting methods, utilizing digital platforms and personal connections to share the gospel.
The 321 course offers a structured yet accessible framework for individuals to introduce others to Jesus, enhancing modern evangelism efforts.
Redefining evangelism as a collective responsibility allows every believer to share their faith story through everyday interactions and personal testimonies.
Deep dives
Evangelism in a Post-Christian Age
The seminar emphasizes the challenges of evangelism in a society increasingly indifferent to Christianity. It highlights the importance of adapting methods of sharing the gospel to contemporary contexts, which may involve using digital platforms alongside traditional face-to-face conversations. Personal anecdotes illustrate how digital communication, such as sharing podcasts or articles, can successfully facilitate discussions about faith, bridging the gap between physical and online interactions. The speaker encourages listeners to seize opportunities in both realms, suggesting that evangelism is not limited to customary practices but can be dynamic and multifaceted.
The Role of the 321 Course
The 321 course, presented as a free evangelistic tool, serves as a framework for individuals to introduce others to Jesus. It comprises eight concise, media-rich sessions designed to cater to various settings, whether in groups or individually. The speaker shares how the course has engaged numerous participants and emphasizes its utility in empowering believers to share their faith without embarrassment. This resource provides a structured approach that is accessible to anyone interested in exploring Christianity, making it an integral part of modern evangelism.
Understanding Evangelism Through Personal Stories
Personal testimonies play a significant role in effective evangelism, as illustrated through the speaker's interactions with his neighbor, who recently converted to Christianity. These conversations, often assisted by sharing music or discussions over WhatsApp, demonstrate that evangelism can occur organically in everyday life. The neighbor's journey showcases how personal connections can facilitate inquiries about faith, leading to deeper discussions and explorations of scripture. This approach underscores that evangelism does not have to be a rigid method but can be intertwined with personal relationships and shared experiences.
Defining the Role of Evangelists
A key takeaway from the seminar is the redefinition of the term 'evangelist' beyond traditional views of influential leaders or preachers. It encourages participants to consider evangelism as a collective responsibility, where every believer can act as a bearer of good news in their unique contexts. The speaker prompts reflections on personal experiences with individuals who influenced their Christian journey, highlighting that evangelism often occurs through humble, everyday interactions rather than grand gestures. This democratization of evangelism promotes the idea that anyone can share their faith story, making it more relatable and attainable for all.
The Power of Community in Faith
The speaker underscores the importance of community within Christianity, noting that one's relationship with Jesus naturally extends to relationships with fellow believers. This idea reinforces that being 'in Christ' means being part of a larger family, offering mutual support and encouragement in faith. By recognizing the shared journey of believers, the seminar advocates for cultivating a sense of belonging and connectedness within the church. It positions church life as essential not just for personal growth but also for collective evangelism, as community witnesses to the transformational power of faith.
The Core Message: Jesus as the Central Figure
Throughout the seminar, the emphasis is placed on Jesus as the centerpiece of evangelism and faith. Various points made highlight that the true essence of good news lies not in a set of doctrines or moral codes but in the relationship with Jesus Himself. By inviting individuals to engage personally with Jesus, attendees are encouraged to center their evangelistic messages around His life and teachings. This relational rather than transactional understanding of faith positions Jesus as the answer to life's deepest questions, encouraging believers to share their personal experiences with Him as the fulcrum of their testimonies.
In this two-part seminar, Glen Scrivener speaks about evangelism in a post-Christian age. Part 1 was streamed on the 25th of July. Part 2 was streamed on the 26th of July. Shared here with kind permission from Keswick Ministries.
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