There are thousands of people growing up in Britain today who would like to find out more about the Christian faith. Some of them have reached that stage of the journey where they are ready to come to church – these are the people who find their way into the worshipping life of the church year by year. (This is good, but they are few in number). There are more people who have reached a stage on the journey where they are ready to explore the claims of faith through a course. (This is why nurture courses like Alpha and Emmaus have been so hugely successful in recent years, and why building a place of nurture is such a vital part of the evangelistic process).
The majority of people are further back down the road. They are not atheists. All the surveys of recent years show that most people have some sort of belief in God. Other evidence in our culture indicates a growing interest in spiritual things. These are people who have never had the opportunity to engage with issues of faith nor heard the gospel presented in a way that connects with the issues they are facing. When this is done there is a resonance: the longing of the human heart stirs in harmony with the longing of God.
The evangelising church seeks to create an environment where this can begin to happen. For many of them the next step will be to join a nurture group. But often some sort of stepping stone will be needed to get there. This is what the evangelistic event can achieve.
At every event where the gospel is being shared there should be a clearly sign-posted next step. This could be -
- Another similar event
- An invitation to explore faith more seriously by joining a nurture course
- A visit from someone to talk about matters of faith
However, it is still difficult to give voice to this awakening of faith. People will feel embarrassed about saying they have been moved by what has been said and unsure about what the next step should be. This is where it is very important to give simple practical help.
One of the best ways of handling this part of the process is through a response card (see below). At most evangelistic events a card like this will be extremely useful, giving the reticent and the hesitant (i.e. most people!) the chance to make a response. And because the cards are handed out to everyone, no one feels singled out, and everyone, no matter where they are on the journey, has the chance to say how they feel and whether they would like to find out more. The card can also provide other useful information for developing this sort of ministry. And, of course, no one has to fill it in.
A certain lightness of touch is required in introducing this part of the event. Everyone usually moans at having to fill in a dreaded evaluation sheet. But if it is kept short and simple, and if the opportunity to express interest in exploring faith is explained, hundreds of people have found that this is the way their journey to Christ begins. By hundreds, I do not mean hundreds at one event, but twos and threes and fours at lots of small events over a period of time as churches begin to weave this way of doing evangelism into the tapestry of church life. And for the people who respond this is a hugely significant step they are taking. Perhaps for the first time in their life they are expressing a desire to know God, or at least a desire to find out about God. And if we don’t give people the opportunity to make this response then the journey to faith will be all the harder. Usually the only thing getting in the way is our own embarrassment.
Visiting is also vitally important. If the team of people who are putting on the event can include some who are willing to visit those who have made a response, then this, more than anything, will give clear expression of our loving concern.
|
St Mary’s, Hightown Thank you for something this evening. We hope you have found it an enjoyable and stimulating time. You can help us by answering these questions. Please put as circle around the answer nearest to how you feel. 1. Did you enjoy this evening?
2. Do you think the Church ought to do more of this sort of thing?
3. Would you like to find out more about the Christian faith?
|
