Show up — declare — or win?
How would Christ have us preach the gospel? Three broad approaches are in use today. Evangelism can be thought of as presence, proclamation or persuasion. Or in more colloquial terms, show up, declare, or win.
Persuasion evangelism (which of course involves being present and declaring the gospel at the appropriate juncture) is by far the most effective and biblically supported model. In fact, it is falling short of Christ’s intent for us to allow ourselves to define presence or proclamation evangelism as an end in itself.
This is not to say that the activities involved in presence or proclamation evangelism are not good Christian endeavors, but we must look through Christ’s eyes and realize that even those who are not in Christ can alleviate suffering and do good works. But only those who are in Christ can lead others to Christ.
Most of all, God desires for those we evangelize to share eternity with him. That is his first priority. That’s why Paul, though he cared very much for the needy (consider the offering for the saints in famine-stricken Judea), he sought by all means to persuade people of salvation through Jesus Christ.
However, sometimes we face a situation where persuasion is either not possible or too dangerous. Sometimes even proclamation (see below: Proclamation Gone Wrong) is not viable. In those cases, we revert to presence evangelism, but we never resign ourselves to making presence or proclamation our only goal—we always strive to return to persuasion evangelism.
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The church’s efforts in Bangladesh are an ideal example. Bangladesh is one of the most difficult mission fields in the world, and therefore one of the areas that has the greatest need for the gospel. John Biswas began with proclamation evangelism. Before long, several gospel workers were nearly killed, and our training facility was nearly burned down by angry mobs. We backed away to reconsider how to proceed.
John set out to establish a presence and let Christ be known through sharing his love with people round about. But all was done with the intent of being able to see changed lives and permanent spiritual communities being formed. Look at the pictures—they show the beautiful and effective progression that now exists in the efforts of the WCG Bangladesh, from presence to proclamation to persuasion. The spiritual communities have been and are being formed, and they are gaining in strength and spiritual health. They also remain a blessing to all those who are round about.
Definitions
Presence Evangelism: Letting your light shine, often through good works. Example: World Vision, Mercy Ships, Kids Alive, local outreach projects.
Proclamation Evangelism: Creation of situations where people are told about Jesus Christ and invited to accept him. Example: Crusades, door-to-door evangelism, musical touring evangelism, Jesus Film project.
Persuasion Evangelism: Establishment of relationships that lead to conversion and discipling of converts to a basic level of spiritual maturity. Example: church plants, World Impact, cell churches.
Proclamation Gone Wrong
Ranjon Roy and his wife are part
of the gospel work supported by the WCG in Bangladesh. It’s a risky occupation,
but Ranjon patiently establishes a presence in a village. Based on the goodwill
generated at the “Presence” level, Ranjon introduces those who are open-minded
to the Scriptures. As the Holy Spirit opens minds further, people are led to
accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Ranjon’s brother was also a gospel worker, involved in strictly “Proclamation” evangelism—in this case, a Jesus Film ministry. Hridoy Roy was attacked and stabbed to death in reprisal for attempting to indoctrinate villagers away from Islam. Hridoy was hailed in a U.S. Christian newsletter as Bangladesh’s first martyr. Was Hridoy a martyr, a victim of lack of wisdom … or maybe a little of both?
Presence Evangelism
Goats arrive on the upper deck. The goat program has opened doors and hearts in the villages. Our people establish relationships with village leaders, who help identify the poorest of the poor, who are then given a goat. One goat can, over time lift a widow from destitution. Pictured (right) are some of the latest beneficiaries of the goat program.
Presence Evangelism
The nurses training program is the latest of the “Presence” evangelism efforts in Bangladesh. Professional training in home-care nursing is given. Pictured (above) is the second class to graduate from the training program. These young women will fan out across the countryside providing home-care for elderly and invalids. The nurses represent all faiths, but the Christian nurses have a special mission to share Christ’s love with as many as possible.
Proclamation Evangelism
Our ultimate goal is always to see people who are dead in their sins become alive in Christ. Pictured is a Bible study being conducted at our training center. Many of these women were reached through one of various “Presence Evangelism” programs. But their desire has gone beyond the physical to a desire to understand the Scriptures and to come to know the Christian God. Note that the vast majority of attendees are women. This is common in many mission fields. The women, however, teach the children, and eventually many husbands follow.
Persuasion Evangelism
Cell groups are formed where new converts can be part of a growing spiritual community. After conversion and a time of discipleship, these brothers and sisters in Christ become part of the Presence and Proclamation process. In addition, each new household opens the door to relationships that are open to Persuasion Evangelism from the outset.
By Randal Dick
WCG
Superintendent of Missions
Copyright © 2003 Worldwide Church of God
