Liar - Liar! - The first image that comes to my mind when I think of our first faux pas is the Disney movie Pinocchio. This little wooden boy is not able to tell a lie without being caught, because with every exaggeration of the truth his nose grows - noticeably! Perhaps one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to faith sharing is the underhanded way that the gospel is presented. There are many less than honest tactics employed by well-meaning Christians that destroy the image of Jesus and even brake his heart. These methods range from the sometimes elaborate bait-and-switch technique to an out and out lie! I can't stand any of these - and neither can Jesus!We've all seen these and many of us have even used these models in our own faith walks. No one like to feel tricked or lied to so why has this model been so widely used in the first place? For those of you struggling with the idea of what this looks like let me give you a brief example:
I've been associated with churches that have to bring invitation to worship into everything they do. Nothing wrong with inviting people to worship but we shouldn't blindside people with a call to faith when they're expecting a car wash! When we lure people in by offering a FREE service: car-wash or no-strings-attached meal then it should be just that! We shouldn't be clobbering people with the gospel and a call to faith once we get them where we want them.
If you search the scriptures, you'll be hard-pressed to find any example - anywhere of Jesus or any of his followers scheming people into hearing the good news message. After all our world is full of enough half-hearted promises and boldface lies. You don't have to look far to find someone telling you what you want to hear even when they have NO desire or intent to hold to their end of the deal. This underhanded technique is nothing short of a lie.
Now instead of focusing only on the negative, I'm inviting you into the discussion on brainstorming some creative ways to do TWO things: serve the community just for the sake of serving - no strings attached and secondly ways to creatively and purposefully bring the message of Jesus into our daily lives in honest, authentic, and practical ways.
Pastor Derrick, first how are you sir? Well I hope. I understand what you are saying that if a church is offering a service/function to the community it should be just a service/function to the community. My question would be shouldn't that church have the opportunity to invite those that are attending the service/function of that church to worship with them. I would hope that if someone knows a church or ministry for that matter is doing something it is any outreach to the community. With that understanding an offer to come worship would be extended to them. Unless the church or ministry says you can not receive what we are offering unless you attend a worship service then I don't think it is under handed. I would pray that is it the church's mission to reachout to help and be of service to their local communities. That through those outreaches they may be able to win souls to Jesus. After all isn't that why we are trying to help those that are lost. I pray I've been able to add some valid comments to the discussion.
ReplyDeleteStay Encouraged & Be Blessed
I'll See You On The Road to Success
Gerald B. Colson
great comment Gerald! Thanks. In my opinion you are absolutely right but there are some cautions. My biggest problem here is with regard to the bait and switch. I've seen too many churches blindside people with an altar call or some such thing in the midst of a clothing drive or free carwash. That's just not ok! With that said a blanket invite to worship - great! I personally feel however that it's more effective if individuals from the church participating in the event connect with people individually and then invite them from the basis of their newfound relationship.
ReplyDeleteAgain great thoughts and challenge! Thanks and God's richest blessings to you in Christ!