4. That one must share the gospel in order to effectively and faithfully evangelize others should be a given (Rom 10:14-15 – “good news” = the gospel – see v16). However, what is not so easily discerned, is that oftentimes (most of the time?) there are other things also necessary to being effective and faithful missionaries for Jesus – especially concerning America today. Fortunately for us, they are the same things that were frequently required in the first century as well. That being said, the following represents what else was necessary/required to be an effective and faithful missionary[1]. As missionaries (sharing the gospel):

4.1.  We must also be DELIBERATE.

We must view our relationships w/unbelievers as those God has placed in our lives for the purpose of sharing the gospel. In this respect then, our agenda w/them is deliberate unto this end – to evangelize them (1Co 9:23; Eph 5:11-18; Col 4:5; Phi 1:27-30). What this means also, is that we are taking the time to create relationships w/unbelievers (e.g. Luk 5:27-32).

4.2. WE must also be ADAPTIVE.

When we share the gospel, it should be adapted (i.e. customized in its presentation not essential content) to the person or situation we are dealing with (Col 4:6 – “seasoned w/salt” = aware of their views and adapting what you say so that it directly addresses where they are currently at).

4.3. We must also be CONVICTING.

When sharing the gospel, we must never leave out the other thing necessary to their conversion: repentance. (IOW): We must also discuss that person’s need to repent of sin (i.e. confess and forsake their sins/sinful behavior – Pro 28:13) and the coming judgment of Christ (Mar 1:14-15; Luk 3:7-8; Act 17:30-31; Act 2:38, 41). The reason discussing these subjects is so important is b/c this is what the Holy Spirit uses to convict them – i.e. to prepare their hearts for genuinely receiving the good news of the gospel (Joh 16:8).

4.4. We must also be CULTURAL.

To be cultural means that we are relating to (integrating and infiltrating) their given culture, rather than isolating ourselves (or children) from it. (1Co 9:19-23 w/11:1).

4.5. We must also be a close FRIEND.

The majority of those who come to Christ, are not the result of “drive-by” evangelism (e.g. street preachers, door-to-door solicitors), but the witness of a close friend. Becoming a close friend to the lost, should therefore also be what we as Christians are committed to in our endeavor to be faithful and effective missionaries.

4.6. We must also be REASONABLE.

Though God’s Word and ways may (at times) seem weird – or even scary, they are instead incredibly reasonable to how He has made us. Therefore, one of the most important tasks in sharing the gospel is demonstrating its reasonableness (e.g. Mat 21:33-43; Phi 4:1; e.g. gospel demands gain and maintain w/marriage).

4.7. We must also be RESPECTABLE.

From the standpoint of missions, it is not enough to simply infiltrate our culture through the process of integration w/our culture. We must also be able to influence them. This however will not happen unless they respect us[2]. Hence why we are called to be respectable/dignified and honorable not just before God but by our culture (1Ti 3:2, 8, 11; Rom 12:17; 2Co 8:21). From the perspective of the culture this means where there is no conflict w/His Word, God is calling us to adopt those qualities, careers, lifestyles, etc. the culture views as respectable. Likewise, we are to do the same in jettisoning those things the culture does not find respectable (1Co 9:19, 22). From the perspective of God, being respectable also means honoring/respecting Him above all else through faithful obedience to His Word (Psa 101:6; Isa 66:2; 1Sa 2:30). People are drawn to those Christians (and churches) who demonstrate strong respect and obedience to God and repelled by those don’t (Act 5:1-14; 1Jo 2:10; Jud 1:18-19). If our discernment is lacking in this area, the God-ordained place to look is the leaders in the church (Heb 13:7) as well as pop culture – what kind of people does it make fun of? This includes discerning between what the culture sees as acceptable versus respectable. Ignoring or neglecting to pursue what is respectable in our culture is not only contrary to our missionary identity (as “all things to all people…”) but also the gospel (Luk 4:18-19 = following Jesus promotes freedom from impoverished living; e.g. visible tattoos as “ghetto” – enslavement to poverty. In America today, visible tattoos are not seen as respectable and therefore drastically lessen the number of career and advancement opportunities available to that person. As such, rather than promoting freedom from poverty – they become a tool unto enslavement; an aspect of the ghetto that is contrary to the gospel. Therefore, though this may be where/what God saves us from, this is not what we are to be proud of or pursue. Instead, we are to regard such things as symbols of our former ignorance and shame; as unwanted vestiges of a kingdom we no longer find our identity/citizenship in – 1Co 6:19-21; Col 1:13 w/Phi 3:19-20). Christianity has in large, lost touch w/this truth and as a result is losing ground to those false religions where respectability is pursued (e.g. Mormonism – fasting growing religion on the planet).

4.8. We must also pursue BEAUTY[3].

In ancient times, beauty was considered a part of what was called the sacred “triumvirate” or “eternal verities” or “transcendentals” – those attributes most virtuous to God and man[4]. This was true even for the Church. As a result, the majority of her existence has been marked by the pursuit of beauty in all things. As such, the Church before the 19^th century, produced some of the most beautiful architecture, music, sculptures and paintings the world has ever known. The Church has also been responsible for establishing the economic system most conducive to creative thinking, innovation and expression – the intellectual tools of better living and beautification (i.e. Capitalism)[5]. And again, all of this was because of the Church’s view and pursuit of beauty.  What however is most intriguing about the Church’s view and pursuit of beauty during this time, was its connection to the gospel. All of her efforts in this way, were ultimately for the purpose of winning people to Christ. In other words, the Church of the prior centuries understood that the pursuit of beauty was key to faithful and effective evangelism. Today, in a weird “twist of fate”, the Church has neglected or rejected such wisdom and the world (and false religion) have become its new owners. Is it any wonder then, why we are said to be living in a post-Christian world? Or that so many are flocking to those religions where beauty is still pursued? If then, we are to be faithful and effective, this (too) is what we must get back to pursuing.

4.8.1. Why is the pursuit of beauty so key to evangelism?

4.8.1.1. b/c it best reflects the gospel.

What makes the gospel “good news” is the fact that God – through His work in redeeming/saving/restoring us is also in the process of redeeming/saving/restoring the rest of the created order to its original place of beauty (Gen 1:31 – “good” = beautiful; also Gen 2:8 – “Eden” = paradise; Rom 8:18-23 w/1Co 15:43 w/2Co 5:17 w/Rev 21:5, 22:1-3). This is why God’s house was (and still is!) to be marked by beauty (Exo 28:2, 40; Hag 1:1-10, 2:1-9; Psa 50:2, 96:6 w/Psa 27:4; Rev 19:7-8; also 1Co 14:40). Imagine then, the message that is sent to others when we neglect the pursuit of beauty. Our churches and lives become poor (or distorted) mirrors of the gospel. (IOW): We send a confusing and very unconvincing message (consider: Rom 10:15 – “how beautiful are the feet of him who preach good news” = same word for beautiful as used in Mat 23:27 and Act 3:2, 10; see the original context in Isa 52:1-7).

4.8.1.2. b/c it is the natural desire of all people.

From the way we select our spouse to the how we pick a car, house or place to go on vacation, beauty plays a significant role. And that b/c it is a part of the way God designed us. In the words of St. Basil, “By nature, men desire beauty”. Scientific studies have shown that beauty even plays a role in how we determine what is safe. If something is beautiful, we tend to view it as also safe. Scripture also attests to this (e.g. Eze 26:20) This of course, also makes us vulnerable to deception (Gen 3:6; Pro 6:23-26; 2Co 11:14). The point however remains true: beauty is what we naturally desire or seek. With that in mind, should beauty not therefore be a part of our evangelistic strategy? Doesn’t this also fit into what Paul is getting at in 1Co 9:23 – “I do it all for the sake of the gospel”? Clearly this was the mindset of Isaiah when prophesying of the New Covenant kingdom to come. Its righteousness and beauty would cause the nations (or peoples) to naturally be drawn into marriage w/her (Isa 62:1-5 w/Eph 5:25-27).

4.8.1.3. b/c it is a stronger motivator than truth.

Affirming our natural desire, confirms also its power of attraction. (IOW): beauty is motivation. We are motivated to have those things which we deem to be beautiful. And (I believe) this motivation is stronger even than the motivation we possess for truth.  Others throughout the Church’s history have believed the same. The 17^th century Calvinist thinker Blaise Pascal writes in his book, “The Art of Persuasion”, “Every man is almost always led to believe not through proof, but through that which is attractive”. Does this mean truth does not matter? No, but w/o the demonstration of beauty in such truth – or that such truth leads to beauty, it is not enough to motivate people in its direction. For example, how many wb motivated to receive the good news (of abundant life thru Jesus Christ) from a person, whose family, finances, career and home are a mess? Regardless of whether what we say is truth (or not), w/o beauty, there is no motivation to accept what we say. Where however beauty exists, people are motivated to listen! Again consider the Mormon church. Though they possess a false and damning gospel (i.e. a lie), b/c of their pursuit of beauty (e.g. Mormon temple, choir, their emphasis on pursuing beauty in their homes, etc.), people are attracted to their religion. They are winning people through the strong motivator of respectability and beauty (i.e. thru their good theology – not their bad gospel). This truth (beauty as a stronger motivator than truth by itself) is understood and applied throughout the Scriptures. Hence why God doesn’t simply tell people to follow Him (or obey Him) w/o the promise of that which people find beautiful/attractive (Exo 19:5 w/Eze 16:7-14; Exo 3:8 – “good land” = same word as Gen 1:31 for good – meaning beautiful).

4.8.2. What does the pursuit of beauty mean?

4.8.2.1. Not vanity (superficial beauty) but according to the biblical understanding.

4.8.2.2. In all things (relationally: marriage/children/work/church-life; aesthetically: personal appearance/homes/kid’s rooms/office/etc) we demonstrate a pursuit of beauty thru attempting to make them beautiful (Form Fitting Function).

4.8.2.3. Rewarding/supporting beauty where we find it (e.g. not always looking for the discount if you can afford things at regular price).

[1] For those under the faulty impression that what we do doesn’t matter since God is sovereign in salvation consider that Paul did not view it that way. He saw himself/his actions as key to others’ salvation (1Co 9:19-21 – “that I might win more of them…that I might save some”; see also 2Ti 2:10).

[2] Influence is so closely associated w/respect that it is actually a part of its definition: to be regarded as worthy of influence.

[3] What is meant by beauty is not the superficial or subjective understanding, but rather according to its biblical definition or components: order (existing in its proper place), symmetry (agreeing w/its proper place), consistency (remaining in its proper place) and wholeness (promoting goodness and glory thru its design). In this sense, beauty is result of form fitting function (Gen 1:31; 1Pe 3:4).

[4] They are: Truth, Beauty and Goodness (or Justice).

[5] For more on the subject of Christianity and the establishment of capitalism see Michael Novak’s article, “How Christianity Created Capitalism” at http://www.acton.org/pub/religion-liberty/volume-10-number-3/how-christianity-created-capitalism.

“No one can say: ‘Since I’m not called to be a missionary, I do not have to evangelize my friends and neighbors.’ There is no difference, in spiritual terms, between a missionary witnessing in his home town and a missionary witnessing in Katmandu, Nepal. We are all called to go—even if it is only to the next room, or the next block.” – Thomas Hale (On Being A Missionary). 

1. Though Jesus’ Great Commission was given specifically to the church’s leaders (Mat 28:16 – “the eleven disciples”), since they are the only ones possessing the authority to grant salvation (Mat 28:18-19 – “all authority…make disciples…baptizing them” – 1Pe 3:21; Joh 20:21-23 w/Mat 16:18-19); it is clear that the congregation understood they too had an important role. They were to be the church’s evangelists (e.g. Act 11:19-21; 1Th 1:8; Rom 1:8; Phm 1:6).

2. In this respect then, every Christian is a missionary – i.e. those sent out of the church for the purpose of sharing the gospel[1] (or evangel) so others might receive salvation through Jesus’ blood in His church (Act 20:28)[2].

3. This role of missionary is the primary gift given by Christ to His people (Eph 4:7-11- “evangelists” = missionaries. It is worth noting the order Paul places each role. Most likely, it is evolutionary. B/C the apostles’ duties included those of “shepherd-teachers” – i.e. pastors, the church needed “evangelists” -i.e. missionaries, before it did them). Evangelism is not only important to the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth (Eph 4:11 w/12), it is imperative to our salvation (Mat 6:9-10 w/12; also Mat 10:5-6, 14-16 – the setting for what Jesus says next in vv21-38 – taking up our cross incl. sharing the gospel w/others and being persecuted/hated b/c of it. If we do not endure it, Christ will reject us as His disciples).

4. That one must share the gospel in order to effectively and faithfully evangelize others should be a given (Rom 10:14-15 – “good news” = the gospel – see v16). However, what is not so easily discerned, is that oftentimes (most of the time?) there are other things also necessary to being effective and faithful missionaries for Jesus – especially concerning America today. Fortunately for us, they are the same things that were frequently required in the first century as well. As such, the examples and instruction in the Bible (most esp. the NT) remains relevant to our evangelistic efforts in modern times. The only possible difference, would be in emphasis (to be discussed). That being said, the following represents what (I believe) to not only be what those in the NT held in common, but what else was necessary/required to be an effective and faithful missionary[3]. As missionaries (sharing the gospel):

4.1.  We must also be DELIBERATE.

We must view our relationships w/unbelievers as those God has placed in our lives for the purpose of sharing the gospel. In this respect then, our agenda w/them is deliberate unto this end – to evangelize them. This becomes our top priority w/ such individuals (1Co 9:23; Eph 5:11-18; Col 4:5; Phi 1:27-30). What this means also, is that we are taking the time to create relationships w/unbelievers. As Christians, it is very easy (and most of the time more pleasant) to spend our time w/our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. But God has called us also to this: to loving the world – just as He has loved the world. Though Jesus spent time w/His disciples, He equally made time to build relationships w/unbelievers in the hopes of converting them (e.g. Luk 5:27-32).

 4.2. WE must also be ADAPTIVE.

When we share the gospel, it should be adapted (i.e. customized) to the person or situation we are dealing with. We see this in the various different ways the gospel is presented throughout the NT. Based on the audience or circumstances the message changes. Not in its essential content, but in the way in which it is presented (e.g. Act 13:16-41 compared to Act 17:22-31). Adapting our message therefore requires we listen/learn where they are coming from; we ask questions regarding their religious past – as well as how they are perceiving what we are telling them. It involves using outside resources to better understand their current view and correcting their current view where wrong (Col 4:6 – “seasoned w/salt” = aware of their views and adapting what you say so that it directly addresses where they are currently at; e.g. Act 17:18 w/22-31; 2Co 10:3-5; 1Th 5:21).  In the words of Nancy Pearcey, “the first rule of effective communication is ‘know your audience.’ To get the message across to people, you must address their assumptions, questions, objections, hopes, fears, and aspirations. The gospel is not simple to those whose background prevents them from understanding it. Today’s global secular culture has erected a maze of mental barriers against even considering the biblical message. This explains why the great theologian J. Gresham Machen could write, ‘False ideas are the greatest obstacle to the reception of the gospel.’ We demonstrate love for others when we study their worldview to get inside their thinking and find ways to connect God’s truth with their innermost concerns and questions.”

 4.3. We must also be CONVICTING.

When sharing the gospel, we must never leave out the other thing necessary to their conversion: repentance. (IOW): We must also discuss that person’s need to repent of sin (i.e. confess and forsake their sins/sinful behavior – Pro 28:13) and be ready for the coming judgment of Christ (Mar 1:14-15; Luk 3:7-8; Act 17:30-31; Act 2:38, 41). The reason discussing these subjects is so important is b/c this is what the Holy Spirit uses to convict them – i.e. to prepare their hearts for genuinely receiving the good news of the gospel (Joh 16:8).

4.4. We must also be CULTURAL.

To be cultural means that we are relating to their given culture, rather than running from it. And the only way this happens, is by making sure that we (and our children) are in its environment, epicenters and economy; that we and our families are daily interacting and are a part of those places where the majority of secular society lives in a given region. To be more specific, that we are a part of its cities – living there, working there, building relationships there. Why is this so important? Because as missiologist George Peters states, “If man is to be reached, he must be reached within his own culture.” (IOW): No one is going to listen to the person whose vernacular, dress-style, hairstyle, hobbies, habits, interests and general behavior are completely out of touch w/the current culture[4]. The old term for such people was “idiot” from the word idiosyncrasy: behavior that is considered odd or different from the culture in which you live; a cultural outcast; a dork. Connection w/people requires connection w/their culture. This doesn’t mean stooping to their sin – or the sinful things in a given culture. It does however mean, learning from and conforming to those amoral aspects the particular culture we are a part of finds appealing or interesting – as well as acceptable. Not b/c they are necessarily things we like or are interested in, but b/c we are on mission, and it is no longer about us. It instead about advancing God’s kingdom through winning people to Christ. And to do that requires integration and infiltration of the culture where we are doing our evangelistic work (1Co 9:19-23 w/11:1).

 4.5. We must also be a close FRIEND.

Today, the number of people the average person knows is greater than ever before in history. At the same time, however, what also is breaking records, is how few close friends the average person tends to possess. Though they know a lot of people, few – if any of those people, exist as anything more than superficial acquaintances (e.g. Fb “friends”). As such, the influence or power for change one individual is able to exercise in relation to others has also become extremely limited. And that because when we are not building the kind of deep relationships that make someone a close friend, rarely, will we become the kind of people they welcome to speak into their lives. This is why then the majority of those who come to Christ, are not the result of “drive-by” evangelism (e.g. street preachers, door-to-door solicitors), but the witness of a close friend[5]. Becoming a close friend to the lost, should therefore also be what we as Christians are committed to in our endeavor to be faithful and effective missionaries. What this looks like is: 1) showing/communicating affection for them (1Th 2:8 – “being affectionately desirous of you…you had become very dear to us”) 2) sharing your life w/them (1Th 2:8 – “We were ready to share w/you not only the gospel but also own ourselves”; e.g. having them in your home, talking about your hopes, dreams, experiences, personal history, love for Christ and conversion to Christianity, the love, goodness and mercy of God to you – Mar 5:18-19), 3) showing genuine interest in their lives and listening to them (e.g. 2Co 6:11-13; Rom 12:15; 1Co 9:19, 22 – “I have made myself a servant to all…become all things to all people” = this requires getting to know the person), 4) spending money on them (Luk 16:1-9 – notice Jesus teaches that our use of money in this way also reveals who we truly serve in this life – and ultimately whether or not we wb saved – vv10-13; e.g. taking them out to eat – a way to a person’s heart is thru their stomach – Phi 3:19).

4.6. We must also be REASONABLE.

God not only created all that exists, He made sure that it was all connected. As such, what He requires of us is very much in sync with our spiritual hardwiring as His image-bearers. In other words, though God’s Word and ways may (at times) seem weird – or even scary, they are instead incredibly reasonable to how He has made us. Therefore, one of the most important tasks in learning the Bible, is demonstrating this particular aspect. This then becomes our goal in evangelism as well. In sharing God’s Word and gospel, we must also demonstrate how what God demands (or does) is reasonable. Jesus did this through the use of parables (e.g. Mat 21:33-43). Paul says it is to be what exemplifies our interaction w/others (Phi 4:1; e.g. gospel demands of faith and faithfulness w/marriage; church discipline w/discipline of children; Christian separation w/someone who slanders your spouse; commitment to the church w/commitment to your spouse).

4.7. We must also be RESPECTABLE.

From the standpoint of missions, it is not enough to simply infiltrate our culture through the process of integration w/our culture. We must also be able to influence them. This however will not happen unless they respect us[6]. Hence why Paul calls the leaders and mature among the Body of Christ (i.e. those most likely to influence others) to be “respectable” or “dignified” (1Ti 3:2, 8, 11). Another word used to communicate this particular attribute is honorable. Paul says this is to be our behavior not only among Christians but w/outsiders as well (2Co 8:21; etiquette – the code of respectable behavior adopted by a society/culture; e.g. personal hygiene: showering, wearing cologne/perfume, deodorant, chewing gum/using breath-mints). As such, what this means is that where there is no conflict w/His Word, God is calling us to adopt those qualities, careers, lifestyles, etc. the culture views as respectable. Likewise, we are to do the same in jettisoning those things the culture does not find respectable. No doubt this was also what Paul has in mind when he speaks of becoming “a servant to all” and “all things to all people” for the sake of bringing people to Christ (1Co 9:19, 22). Consistent w/this goal, Paul also instructs older Christians to: 1) give up immature thinking and behaviors/hobbies (1Co 13:11, 20; e.g. contra: mid-life crisis and the 40 yr. old raggedy Anne), 2) gain good reputations in their communities/workplace, competency in caring for themselves/their families, honest and sufficient income from their labors (1Th 4:11-12 – notice the things Paul urges them to aspire to are not only for the purpose of independence – but also respectability and influence w/the lost – “so that you may walk properly before outsiders”). From the perspective of God, being respectable means honoring/respecting Him above all else through faithful obedience to His Word (Isa 66:2; 1Sa 2:30). This (too) however is something that affects our witness to others. (IOW): People are drawn to those Christians (and churches) who demonstrate strong respect and obedience to God and are repelled by those don’t (Act 5:1-14; 1Jo 2:10; Jud 1:18-19). Understand then, that like our cultural connection, respectability is not optional! We (as Christians) do not have the right to choose lifestyles, careers, dress-styles or hobbies based on the simple fact that we find them appealing. Because of our identity (and call) as missionaries to our culture – and b/c we no longer own our lives (we are the purchased property of Christ – 1Co 6:19-20), we must also make sure that our choices (in these categories) are deemed by both God and the culture as respectable. And again, get rid of those things they do not. Where to look if our discernment is lacking in this area (Heb 13:7; pop culture – what kind of people does it make fun of? Rom 12:16).

[1] As a formal confession, the gospel is “the good news of abundant life (God’s forgiveness, justification, present blessings, and the hope of eternal life) in Jesus Christ (God’s Son Whose sacrificial death has secured abundant life) if we submit to Him as Lord before Savior in the relationship of Covenant through His Church.” As we shall see however, what we share with others will oftentimes be different in its presentation.

[2] This understanding of what it means to be a missionary does not take away from those functioning abroad. In those cases, however what is also often required is ordination since in such cases, the planting of a church is also necessary.

[3] For those under the faulty impression that what we do doesn’t matter since God is sovereign in salvation consider that Paul did not view it that way. He saw himself/his actions as key to others’ salvation (1Co 9:19-21 – “that I might win more of them…that I might save some”; see also 2Ti 2:10).

[4] Some have attempted to posit John the Baptist as an example of someone God used evangelistically – yet was “out of touch” w/his culture (due to his dress). It is however just the opposite. John’s appearance identified him as the prophesied Elijah to come. Through his dress, John was making a powerful cultural connection.

[5] According to the research of Thom Rainer (High Expectations), it is the difference between 1.1% and 48%.

[6] Influence is so closely associated w/respect that it is actually a part of its definition: to be regarded as worthy of influence.

“No one can say: ‘Since I’m not called to be a missionary, I do not have to evangelize my friends and neighbors.’ There is no difference, in spiritual terms, between a missionary witnessing in his home town and a missionary witnessing in Katmandu, Nepal. We are all called to go—even if it is only to the next room, or the next block.” – Thomas Hale (On Being A Missionary).

1. Though Jesus’ Great Commission was given specifically to the church’s leaders (Mat 28:16 – “the eleven disciples”), since they are the only ones possessing the authority to grant salvation (Mat 28:18-19 – “all authority…make disciples…baptizing them” – 1Pe 3:21; Joh 20:21-23 w/Mat 16:18-19); it is clear that the congregation understood they too had an important role. They were to be the church’s evangelists (e.g. Act 11:19-21; 1Th 1:8; Rom 1:8; Phm 1:6).

2. In this respect then, every Christian is a missionary – i.e. those sent out of the church for the purpose of sharing the gospel[1] (or evangel) so others might receive salvation through Jesus’ blood in His church (Act 20:28)[2].

3. This role of missionary is the primary gift given by Christ to His people (Eph 4:7-11- “evangelists” = missionaries. It is worth noting the order Paul places each role. Most likely, it is evolutionary. B/C the apostles’ duties included those of “shepherd-teachers” – i.e. pastors, the church needed “evangelists” -i.e. missionaries, before it did them). Evangelism is not only important to the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth (Eph 4:11 w/12), it is imperative to our salvation (Mat 6:9-10 w/12; also Mat 10:5-6, 14-16 – the setting for what Jesus says next in vv21-38 – taking up our cross incl. sharing the gospel w/others and being persecuted/hated b/c of it. If we do not endure it, Christ will reject us as His disciples).

4. That one must share the gospel in order to effectively and faithfully evangelize others should be a given (Rom 10:14-15 – “good news” = the gospel – see v16). However, what is not so easily discerned, is that oftentimes (most of the time?) there are other things also necessary to being effective and faithful missionaries for Jesus – especially concerning America today. Fortunately for us, they are the same things that were frequently required in the first century as well. As such, the examples and instruction in the Bible (most esp. the NT) remains relevant to our evangelistic efforts in modern times. The only possible difference, would be in emphasis (to be discussed). That being said, the following represents what (I believe) to not only be what those in the NT held in common, but what else was necessary/required to be an effective and faithful missionary.

As missionaries (sharing the gospel):

4.1.  We must also be DELIBERATE.

We must view our relationships w/unbelievers as those God has placed in our lives for the purpose of sharing the gospel. In this respect then, our agenda w/them is deliberate unto this end – to evangelize them. This becomes our top priority w/ such individuals (1Co 9:23; Eph 5:11-18; Col 4:5; Phi 1:27-30). What this means also, is that we are taking the time to create relationships w/unbelievers. As Christians, it is very easy (and most of the time more pleasant) to spend our time w/our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. But God has called us also to this: to loving the world – just as He has loved the world. Though Jesus spent time w/His disciples, He equally made time to build relationships w/unbelievers in the hopes of converting them (e.g. Luk 5:27-32: notice, Jesus makes it clear that His priorities included not simply hanging w/the righteous – but sinners, for the purpose of evangelism).

4.2. We must also be ADAPTIVE.

When we share the gospel, it should be adapted (i.e. customized) to the person or situation we are dealing with. We see this in the various different ways the gospel is presented throughout the NT. Based on the audience or circumstances the message changes. Not in its essential content, but in the way in which it is presented (e.g. Act 13:16-41 compared to Act 17:22-31; notice that though both are very different, they each contain the essential truth that it is submission to God’s appointed/anointed man – Jesus Christ, that is the key to salvation; also Joh 4:24-26[3]; e.g. person calls the church looking for help to pay their rent = “I have good news, God will help you now and forever if you will submit your life to His son and become a part of His family”). Adapting our message therefore requires we listen/learn where they are coming from; we ask questions regarding their religious past – as well as how they are perceiving what we are telling them. It involves using outside resources to better understand their current view (e.g. you find out that your friend is Roman Catholic. You sb listening to and learning from our study on Roman Catholicism – see the series on Christian Cults), and correcting their current view where wrong (Act 17:18 w/22-31; Joh 4:22; Act 14:8-18; 2Co 10:3-5). All this is necessary to adapting our message to their current grid/foil in such a way that it is understood and (hopefully) received.

Such adaption is what Paul is getting at in (Col 4:6 – “seasoned w/salt” = aware of their views and adapting what you say so that it directly addresses where they are currently at).

“Loving requires knowing the person well. We nurture love for God by studying a biblical worldview to become more deeply acquainted with his truth, his character, his purpose in history and in our lives. And we demonstrate love for others when we study their worldview to get inside their thinking and find ways to connect God’s truth with their innermost concerns and questions.” – Nancy Pearcey (Saving Leonardo: A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, and Meaning)

4.3. We must also be CONVICTING.

Though the end goal in our communication is always the gospel, we must never leave out the other subject important to their conversion: repentance. (IOW): it is NOT just the gospel (or good news) we are to share w/them. We must also discuss/deal w/their sin and the need to repent (i.e. confess and forsake their sins/sinful behavior – Pro 28:13). The reason discussing this subject is so important is b/c this is what the Holy Spirit uses to convict them – i.e. to prepare their hearts for genuinely receiving the good news of the gospel (Joh 16:8). Hence why the evangelistic efforts recorded in the Bible include the subjects of sin (Joh 4:13-19) and/or a call to repentance (e.g. Mar 1:14-15; Mat 4:17; Luk 3:8, 18; Act 17:30). On a related note, where the audience was ignorant/forgetful to what the Bible teaches regarding the outcome for those who refuse to repent, mention is also made about the coming judgment/condemnation of God (e.g. Act 17:31). This too then is necessary today since people are ignorant of Hell. Additionally, this also is a part of what the Holy Spirit uses to convict and convert (again Joh 16:8 – “sin, righteousness and judgment”). We have therefore failed in our attempts at evangelism if we are not talking about these subjects (repentance, sin and judgment/Hell).

4.4. We must also be CULTURAL.

To be cultural means that we are relating to their given culture, rather than running from it. And the only way this happens, is by making sure that we (and our children) are in its environment, epicenters and economy; that we and our families are daily interacting and are a part of those places where the majority of secular society lives in a given region. To be more specific, that we are a part of its cities – living there, working there, building relationships there. For example, our children should be in the public schools. Why is this so important? Because as missiologist George Peters states, “If man is to be reached, he must be reached within his own culture.” (IOW): No one is going to listen to the person whose vernacular, dress-style, hairstyle, hobbies, habits, interests and general behavior are completely out of touch w/the current culture[4]. The old term for such people was “idiot” (from idiosyncrasy = behavior that is considered odd or different from the culture in which you live)[5]. Connection w/people requires connection w/their culture. This doesn’t mean stooping to their sin – or the sinful things in a given culture. It does however mean, learning from and conforming to those amoral aspects the particular culture we are a part of finds appealing or interesting – as well as acceptable. Not b/c they are necessarily things we like or are interested in, but b/c we are on mission, and it is no longer about us. It instead about advancing God’s kingdom through winning people to Christ. And to do that requires integration and infiltration of the culture where we are doing our evangelistic work (1Co 9:19-23 w/11:1). Imagine finding out that a missionary family sent to a foreign city, did not settle near the city – or place their children into its schools, but rather chose instead to build a commune in the country and homeschool their children. What would we think of such people? Could we honestly say they were attempting to integrate and infiltrate that particular culture for Christ? Imagine now also children who are not placed in the public schools -or are removed from the public schools every-time they get beat up or have a hard time “fitting in”. From the perspective of a parent who – b/c they love their child, want them to have the easiest chance of succeeding in this world, isn’t this the worst thing you could do? Schools are some of the absolute best training grounds for learning culture and what the particular society those children will one day be a part of (unless they are going to live in your basement forever), expects if they are to be accepted and connect. Isn’t this why also parents we sometimes have a hard time connecting w/kids? -b/c we don’t know their culture! How much worse it will be for them, if when they are forced to learn it, is in their adult years since by then, they will be ostracized and the barriers to entry (to fitting in) will be much higher. You (parents) will have made things much-much worse. And that not just on a sociological level, spiritual also. Their ability to (again) integrate and infiltrate their culture for Christ; to be successful in their given mission field will be greatly hampered. Consider also the message you (parent) are sending to them thru such chosen isolation (“what matters is you – not others”). This was clearly not the philosophy of Jesus – nor what He expected from His disciples (Mar 10:45 w/Mat 16:21-27). Might such actions also make us guilty of (Mat 18:6)? God did not give you children so that you could protect them, but like the Son of God, they (too) would be sent into the world to save it.

[1] As a formal confession, the gospel is “the good news of abundant life (God’s forgiveness, justification, present blessings, and the hope of eternal life) in Jesus Christ (God’s Son Whose sacrificial death has secured abundant life) if we submit to Him as Lord before Savior in the relationship of Covenant through His Church.” As we shall see however, what we share with others will oftentimes be different in its presentation.

[2] This understanding of what it means to be a missionary does not take away from those functioning abroad. In those cases, however what is also often required is ordination since in such cases, the planting of a church is also necessary.

[3] This proves true as it relates to our gospel confession as well. It is no accident that at its center (or “heart”) is the truth, “Lord before Savior” – i.e. Jesus must be submitted to as Lord if we are to possess salvation – or Him as Savior.

[4] Some have attempted to posit John the Baptist as an example of someone God used evangelistically – yet was “out of touch” w/his culture (due to his dress). It is however just the opposite. John’s appearance identified him as the prophesied Elijah to come. Through his dress, John was therefore making a powerful cultural connection.”

[5] In our current culture this term often becomes a synonym for the word, “moron” which refers to the someone whose actions demonstrate a lack of wisdom or discernment, logical inference, rational reasoning or critical thinking skills.