How friendship destroys evangelism as we know it

Evangelism is cliche.

Christians keep telling us to evangelize the lost world, when really Jesus told us to make disciples. That’s a big difference. When you and I go forth to preach the good news to the whole, wide world, we don’t have much incentive to share it lovingly. It’s easier to simply proclaim the truth, regardless of how it affects others.

When you and I shift to a discipleship mindset, though, things change. No longer can we share without followup. No longer can we rely on one liners. No longer can we one-off. We have to live with the consequences. We live with the disciples we’ve made. We make friends.

That’s how it works.

Friendship destroys evangelism as we know it by forcing us to care.

That’s the commission Jesus gave us…  oh, and He tells us He’ll be with us the whole time. Remember that from the end of Matthew?

I’d quote it, but that’s cliche too.

Serving Suggestions:

(1) Is it easier for you to share Jesus with a friend or with a stranger? Why?

(2) Ask someone you know who’s not a Christian about their experience with Christian evangelists. Don’t defend Christianity or your friend’s interpretation of it – just ask questions. You’ll learn a lot.