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 PrintableVersion Unlocking the doorEvangelism in the real worldIs this the key?UNLOCKING THE DOOR Unlocking the door is not another course on how to explain the gospel. Rather, it provides the reader with a wealth of ideas on how we can get alongside non-Christians in the first place. The book argues that few of us have meaningful friendships with people from outside the church and also suggests that in today’s culture, people are increasingly alienated by church and all they feel it represents. In reaction to this, the authors offer us detailed suggestions, mainly aimed at women, for getting to know people in our ‘circle of influence’. Whether it is organising a chocolate party or starting a film group, practicalities are spelt out and useful addresses are given. As a pre-evangelistic tool, this is very helpful and the authors are right to call us to respond to the views and needs of unchurched people in today’s changing culture. However, the strong emphasis on this point means there is a danger that the most important need of these people — for them to hear God’s unchanging offer of salvation — is somewhat underplayed. Tied in with this is the authors’ view on church, a view possibly influenced by Brian McLaren’s book, A Generous Orthodoxy, quoted at the end of the book. Firstly, the authors seem to assert that the distinction between those who belong to God’s church and those who don’t is blurred. People ‘are not 100% Christian or 100% non-Christian… Shorthand terms like Christian and non-Christian may at first appear useful but you soon realise that they can cause us to miss the point.’ Now of course it’s true that Christians are still sinful and go through ups and downs in their Christian lives. It’s also true that some non-Christians can appear far more open to Christian things than others do. However, the fact remains that the Bible is clear that we are either in God’s family, forgiven by him and united with Christ, or we aren’t. If we are vague about this, not only do we fail to appreciate our own position in Christ but we could also be fooled into thinking that people don’t need to hear the clear message of Christ crucified. Secondly, the book suggests that in today’s world the traditional church gathering may no longer be culturally appropriate. While it’s true we need to get alongside unbelievers and should be willing to try new things in our meetings, there is no need to throw the baby out with the bath water. Christians meeting together as his family, hearing him speak through his Word, encouraging each other, singing and praying together is a biblical norm. We need church to stay focussed on the gospel that has made us fully Christian and to stay motivated to share it with our unbelieving friends. And with that in mind, I might just organise that chocolate party… Elisa Beynon© Evangelicals Now - January 2006 |
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