How does a leader determine what evangelistic or outreach methods
to employ? How does one develop a comprehensive strategy, aligned to God but
adapting to the context, while mobilizing the whole body? It begins with God, for
evangelism is always first and foremost a work of God.
Imagine joining our Lord at the right hand of the throne of
God to watch him work through his people as he seeks to save the lost. Suppose
you could see his work throughout the centuries and in all different cultures.
Are there common methods? Would there be consistent patterns? Are there ways
that God always works? The number of distinct methods would be far too numerous
to count. Nor would it be that helpful to list, as some worked well at one time
and place, but others in a different context. Yet in the midst of them all,
there would be a pattern—three consistent relational connections through which
God has always worked. These are what we call the relational modes of
evangelism.
A mode is by definition a customary or preferred way of
doing something (such as an “MO” or “mode of operation” in business). When we
speak of the modes of evangelism, we are speaking of the primary relational
contexts in which God always works through the body of Christ. Knowing these
modes enables us to align ourselves with God’s work in any context. Together
they provide the framework for a comprehensive strategy of evangelism that
adapts to the audience and mobilizes the whole body.
Each mode is distinctive. Each has its effectiveness and
presents unique opportunities. Each is limited by itself. But when working
together, the three
create a powerful synergy. They create evangelistic momentum.
Together they provide the contours of an evangelistic movement.
Excerpt from Keith Davy, Evangelism Design, CruPress.
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