Evangelism and Mainline Churches
In an article from an Oregon Newspaper today, a researcher points out the well-known numerical decline in mainline churches. One possibility suggested for the decline: “Mainline Churches, many of which tend to be more liberal, are suffering from a fear of evangelism.”
The article goes on to review some evangelism activities in mainline denominational churches. I’m not sure I would describe all the activities described as evangelism, but at least it raises the point. The article doesn’t really address any of the theological issues surrounding evangelism.
Let me ask you this:
Would you describe some of the programs mentioned as evangelistic?
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Pastor Chris,
I Read the article in the Bend newspaper.
I believe people are looking for a easy, non-confronting way of sharing the Gospel. A way that no body will be offended. The only problem with this approach is what happens when you bring up sin? The Gospel cannot be properly presented without it. So there you have a problem.
Blessings to ya,
Richard
I agree. There is a line in the article that stresses how mainline churches are afraid of “conversion”
Quote:
“Many mainline Protestants are embarrassed, even angry, about evangelism - turned off, in part, because of the emphasis evangelical, conservative churches put on conversion as the only way to salvation.”
I have found in the denomination I work in that
1). People are uncomfortable talking about their faith journey.
2). People have a bad taste for unfortunately stereotyped evangelical and fundamentalist gospel presentations.
So the question is how to bring the people along in both talking about their own faith, and presenting the gospel clearly (which includes sin, among other things).
I think some churches are trying.
I also agree that some churches are trying to be so non-offensive that they ignore sin and repentance.
Pastor Chris
Hello Pastor Chris –
I found the article to be rather bland. The below paragraph did strike a nerve.
“For Cribbs, pastor of Christian Fellowship Congregational Church in the Emerald Hills area of San Diego, evangelism is about encouraging people on their own spiritual path. Using it to proselytize is not only wrong, he says, it’s sinful. ‘I believe it is a great mistake to think that I have the answer for the world.’”
WOW. Very scary! Why not direct people to follow the path the leads to the nearest cliff?
And, actually the word “proselytize” doesn’t apply to the Christians relating to non-believers. One dictionary source defines proselytize as “To induce someone to convert to one’s religious faith.” As Christ-followers we know that the only person who is able to proselytize is the Holy Spirit.
I say . . . Lord, rain your Spirit on us!
In Christ,
– Gary