Hey Joon! I feel like you’ve written something about this somewhere before but I’m having trouble finding it. What are some steps to make towards introducing a person to Christ (specifically a friend you’ve talked with about differences in beliefs before)? Thanks!
Thank you for this awesome question and for caring about people. We all know this is a scary topic because it’s one of the most uncomfortable parts about the Christian life. When we evangelize, we feel like we’re being “pushy” or “imperialistic” or “narrow-minded,” but at the same time we want to see people saved — and I understand that suffocating discomfort.
I think the main thing here is that most of us (and I’m not saying you do this) feel pressured to lay out the Gospel with all the correct doctrine and a perfect balance of fear-filled holiness and sugar-gooey grace. I sense a lot of desperation with guys that not only struggle to evangelize, but also have to get every part of it right. It’s nerve-racking.
While I’m all for a clear, complete Gospel, this cannot happen with a three-point systematic outline. It’s too easy to walk up to a stranger, drop a pamphlet in his lap, and tell him, “Think about it.” Again, I’m not saying you’re doing that and there’s probably room for street-preachers and door-to-door witnessing, but even late-night theological conversations are just shortcuts. While a pamphlet or presentation might be technically correct, it doesn’t really show what Jesus is about.
J.S. Park: Hospital Chaplain, Skeptical Christian 