Myths About Conversion Efforts Flashcards
Myth:
The best evangelism efforts are those that reach the most people at once.
Reality:
The most effective efforts to share faith are interpersonal and relationship based. When we asked born-again Busters to identify the activity, ministry event, or person most directly responsible for their decision to accept Jesus Christ, 71 percent listed an individ-ual-typically their parent, a friend, another relative, or a teacher.
A majority of those decisions were described as conversations and prayer, while about one-third were instances in which their friend or family member took them to a church service or an evangelistic event. In an era of mass media, it is easy to believe that the more eyeballs, the more impact. But radio, television, and tracts accounted for a combined total of less than one-half of I percent of the Busters who are born again. The clear implication is that most young people come to Christ because of people they know very well, usually in the context of “everyday” interaction.
Myth:
Anything that brings people to Christ is worth doing.
Reality:
When you’re talking dollars, there is no price too high for a soul. But the problem isn’t just cost. In our research with some of the leading “mass evangelism” efforts, we found that often these measures create three to ten times as much negative response as posi-tive. In other words, imagine your church is considering mailing Bibles or videos or other Christian materials to homes in your com-munity. Our research shows that the “collateral damage” of doing so -those whose impressions of your church and of Christianity would be more negative as a result- is significantly greater than the positive impact on those who will respond favorably to these efforts. Moreover, such mass evangelism efforts are most effective with marginally churched adults, while outsiders are usually the ones who respond most negatively.
As Christians, we have to keep in mind that response rates are not the ultimate goal but rather the wise and careful stewardship of the image of God. Today’s media and technology create unparalleled opportunities, but they also wield the potential to harm the Christian image among many outsiders. If you create more barriers with outsiders because of your tactics, you have not been a good steward of the gospel. How we choose to share Christ is as important as our actually doing it.
Myth:
We cannot worry about the possibility of offending people when sharing the truth about Jesus.
Reality:
Obeying the command to make disciples does not give us license to offend people, especially when those offenses are actually inhibiting us from fulfilling that very commandment. Jesus used strong language, but who was he most likely to offend? Religiously arrogant people, not outsiders. Yes, the cross is offensive to people, but that gives us no extra motivation to be harsh or spiteful. True respect for people is a key factor in effective evangelism. The Bible specifically addresses this: “The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. … They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those peoples hearts, and they will believe the truth” (2 Tim. 2:24-25). This Scripture also reminds us that people commit to Christ because God changes their hearts.
Myth:
People embrace Christianity because of logical arguments.
Reality:
Most people, by personality, are not logical thinkers and are not likely to change their beliefs because of elegant argu. mentation or apologetics. Of course, some outsiders are wired this way, and thoughtful responses are particularly important for articulating Christianity’s remarkable ability to address all aspects of life. Culture is shaped by ideas and worldviews, so do not underestimate the proper role of good thinking, logic, and intellectual engagement. However, most people do not become Christians because of the overwhelming evidence. And since Mosaics and Busters are more likely to possess a nonlinear, fluid way of processing life, they are increasingly comfortable with subtlety, nuance, ambiguity, and contradiction. So even if you are able to weave a compelling logical argument, young people will nod, smile, and ignore you.
When we asked outsiders what the most important factor is in their faith, they said it is something that “feels right to them per-sonally” (69 percent of outsiders said this was an important facet of their spirituality). Before you start lamenting this reliance on feelings, you should realize that 67 percent of Christians between the ages of sixteen and twenty-nine said this was important as well. Among young people, whether we like it or not, their sense of individualism, their loyalty to peers, and their emotional and experiential outlook on life guide their spiritual pursuits.
Myth:
Everyone has an equal chance of becoming a Christ follower.
Reality:
Based on extensive research on this topic, our data points out clearly that the faith trajectory of the vast majority of Americans is mapped out before they become adults, often before they even reach adolescence. In fact, for every one hundred people who are not born again by the time they reach age eighteen, only six of those individuals will commit their lives to Christ for the first time as an adult. Of course, we have to always assume the best about people’s spiritual potential. God can do anything in anyone’s life at any time, and he often does. But consider how likely it would be for you as an adult to be persuaded to convert to another religion right now. You have to admit, it would take a lot to change your views so dramatically.
Think of the implications of this. First, it underscores that Christians should prioritize the faith development of children, a unique time in human development when the vast majority of us “pick” a faith. Second, it implies that we must work hard to strengthen the often-tenuous faith of teenagers, because this is when their faith is gelling (more on this in a moment). Finally, it reminds us why respect for other people’s faith is so crucial. We are not likely to change another adult’s spiritual trajectory by a comment here or a small dose of Jesus there. If we really want to help outsiders see the unique freedom available through Christ, a simplistic get-saved message is an insult to their intelligence. We may think people just need a quick spiritual transaction, but this kind of overhaul does not happen without a person’s permission and the activity of the Holy Spirit.
Myth:
We just need to help outsiders find a connection with God.
Reality:
While it’s true that God’s presence is life changing, most outsiders admit they are reluctant to have anything to do with this type of experience. Nearly half of young outsiders (42 percent) said they are skeptical and distrustful of faith and religion. Part of that skepticism is fierce independence. They don’t want to be whipped up into a state of emotionalism and reliance on faith.
Only one-quarter of outsiders said they are looking for a faith that helps them connect with God. By comparison, this was the top motivation of young Christians, which confirms that this is a huge area of dissonance between those of us on the inside and those outside the church. We have experienced the presence of a living God, but outsiders are wary of feeling brainwashed or manipulated.
