http://carm.org/friendship-evangelism
http://carm.org/what-is-friendship-evangelism
Friendship evangelism is the most popular by far form of evangelism on this board. While I am not 100% against it and have books that promote it in my library books such as The 5th Gospel, and Conversational Evangelism, I think overall Friendship evangelism is not all that supported in scripture.
My attempts to evangelize the false churches, schools, politicians, and old friends and family members has often been met by resistance on this board due to the friendship evangelism mindset that is promoted here.
The way to make Christ known among people is to preach him and this can take on many forms ranging from open air preaching, writing letters, passing out tracts, to sending emails.
More good quotes that I hope people will read, but my guess they will be dismissed because they step on toes and challenge the traditions of men brought on by friendship evangelists.
The fallacy of friendship evangelism
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by evangelist6589, Nov 29, 2014.
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Aside from the fact that the op is a misrepresentation based on a biased characterization the last sentence of the op is more telling than anything else.
If you want to convince people and be influential then you need to refrain from beginning the conversation as an enemy like you did here. If you are just looking to be right and want to poke your finger in the eyes of those who disagree with you then post garbage like above.
In fact the quoted statement shows you are not ready to be on a forum at all. -
How is that NOT friendship evangelism?
I would submit that there is much more biblical support for that style than always dong "fire and brimstone!" -
evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Jesus Himself most often met physical needs before addressing the spiritual:
Paul himself would work to establish relationships for the sake of the gospel"
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I believe many Christians practice "Friendship Evangelism" with sincerity. But sadly, it is a sincerity most often born out of ignorance (1 Peter 1:13-16), an ignorance of the Word of God in general and biblical evangelism in particular. At the same time, I feel no such obligation to extend charity toward authors, pastors, teachers, speakers, and movement leaders who propagate this spiritual fraud upon followers of Christ--both true and false converts. Theirs will be a stricter judgment (James 3:1).
Friendship Evangelism Doesn't Preach Christ
My Friends Don't Want to me Preach Christ to Them
OK, this person has no clue what "friendship evangelism" means. Friendship evangelism is the realization on the part of the believer that he is the biggest Christian someone knows, and that they need to be a living testimony to the love of Christ. Unsaved people are examining the Christian's lifestyle and life choices to see if they measure up to how they think a Christian should act and behave. Therefore, we need to be good Samaritan's to unbelievers, perform good deeds, help them with their problems, basically be their friend AND preach the gospel to them. Show them by your life that you are a committed Christian and yes, tell them about Jesus.
This idea that standing on a street corner and yelling out "Repent sinners" is an effective evangelistic tool is the one that is fallacious. -
Jesus calls us to make disciples - not hand out tracts.
Jesus also poured Himself into people's lives - spent time with them, ate with them, walked with them. I've not seen many people saved with a tract (and just how does one know if anyone even gets saved if they are not there to disciple them?) but I've seen many saved through the time, love and prayers of godly friends. -
evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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The lost need to know how much we care (i.e. as concerned friends) before they will care about how much we know (about the good news.) Do we know whether God has gifted everyone to be proficient in "friendship evangelism" or might others be more gifted in planting seeds, or watering, or tilling the soil. Perhaps God's plan is not a one size fits all program?
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InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Paul rarely preached on the street. He would go to the synagogue and preach.
And by extension you think people's attitudes and reception to the gospel is going to be the same in the Tribulation as it is today? -
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Here comes Peter Cottontail...
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