Dialogued with a pastor of a church that feeds the homeless, attracts new people to his church, has programs for the poor, and runs an effective ministry. In the eyes of many on this board this pastor is an effective evangelist. But hear the catch. He denies that Hell is real, believes everyone is saved, would rather follow what Jesus did, than to worship Jesus, and when I questioned his views he pointed me to his ordination, his 40K he had to spend in biblical studies to get his Mdiv, and everything but the scripture. But I pointed him to scripture, but since he does not interpret it literally we could not dialogue for long.
This pastor easily attracts people to his church and does lots to help the poor. Its a shame many on this board consider this style of evangelism effective.
Prediction.
Someone will point out that Evan is off the base with this bit.
He will mention his favorite author, Calvinism, and street preaching.
Replies to these will lead to references to Rabbits and movies about gremlins.
Finally, he will disappear for a while while he
calms himself with an adult lemonade.
I don't know that the man is not an "effective evangelist". I believe his doctrine is wrong (in terms of who will ultimately be saved and on a literal Hell), but this is not more wrong than others who have proved to be effective in their evangelism....or at least who have been used by God in effective ways (for example, C.S. Lewis...and his "mentor" George MacDonald, Karl Barth). I think that God will use a man despite his error if that man is a follower of Christ. And I would much rather see a man
struggling to follow and be like Christ than one who is content in merely knowing about Him.
On a side note, you do not take the Bible literally either (you take some parts literally but tend to generalize others) so this may not be the best angle for you to take in addressing the preacher.
How many in his ministry are saved, become disciples and are leading others to Christ?
If the answer is zero, then he is NOT an effective evangelist but instead he is a doer of good deeds.
Mormons are better "evangelists"
than most Baptists. Cult leaders are better "evangelists" than most Baptists.
In his own way Hitler was the most successful "evangelist" to ever live. Your point is?
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Effective at what is the question. Through doing good works and expressing compassion, I can effectively make converts to the Temple of the One Pawed Monkey. Did those converts I made get saved??????