Young Christians face some of the most difficult mission fields; the school yard, university common room or office. Followers of Jesus in these places are increasingly aware of the widening worldview gap between themselves and their peers. Cultural and political issues are at the forefront of many conversations. Sometimes this can be overwhelming, it seems easier to avoid the confrontation. Yet, as Christ’s ambassadors we are called to engage.
Empathy in Evangelism
In order to “do the work of an evangelist’’ (2 Tim 4:5), we need to care about what our peers care about. This is at the heart of what Paul is championing in 2 Corinthians 9:20 when he claims, ‘’I have become all things to all people’’. In order to represent Christ well, we must understand the culture we live in and seek to engage with it with all the wisdom and grace the Bible calls for. This is indeed what Christ himself did as he answered the questions of Pharisees, gentiles, tax-collectors and fishermen—he personalised the message.
What are the Hot-Topics?
What objections do your peers have about the Bible or Christianity? In order to be a worthy evangelist, you need two answers to this question. Firstly, understand what the surface level issues are. Depending on your context, the current list possibly looks something like this:
- LGBT issues
- Gender equality
- Science vs religion
- Sexual abuse within the Church
- Abortion
- The separation of Church and state
What objections do your peers have about the Bible or Christianity? In order to be a worthy evangelist, you need two answers to this question.
As an evangelist, you have three tasks ahead of you when considering topics like these.
The first is research. Do not insult your peers with ignorance. Show that you care by investing time and energy into understanding these issues. Use correct terminology and read widely.
The second is compassion. Not only seek to understand the technicalities of the issue but seek to understand the heart of it. Why do your peers feel so strongly about this topic?
The third task is to break down walls and find common ground. Agree on as much as possible without compromising the truth. Find elements of their arguments which you can wholeheartedly support (for example, the need for good anti-discrimination laws to protect vulnerable people).
At the Heart
While addressing the actual topics of concern is important, engaging with issues your peers care about runs deeper than that. Investigate the more foundational concerns which sit underneath the topical ones. An opinion is always supported by a worldview and understanding someone else’s worldview is key to good evangelism. This is where you seek the second, deeper, answer to the objections your peers have about the Bible or Christianity. Often, a worldview that informs the perspective of a young person in the Western world is one that values freedom, relativity and individuality. Getting to grips with this helps you not only to better address their arguments but also to present the Gospel more affectively. For example, in a conversation about LGBT rights and the church, an understanding of worldview can be crucial. Once you understand that your friend is passionate about marriage equality because they have a fundamental belief in autonomy which does not leave room for a Creator God and his creation order, you are in a much better position to engage. From this point you can bring the conversation back to scripture and away from politics.
Where are You?
In a generation which values experience over fact, your testimony can be your greatest weapon. When engaging with controversial topics, be prepared to admit your own struggles in that area – whether intellectually, emotionally or spiritually. Point to Jesus’ gracious work in your own heart as the reason you hold to biblical truths.
Where is Jesus?
‘’For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.’’ (1 Cor 2:2)
As an evangelist, your job is not to convince people on how to vote or what to think. Your job is to faithfully present the good news of ‘’Jesus Christ and him crucified’’. Remember this, as you engage with your peers on cultural issues. Always be looking to point them to Christ. When talking about contentious issues, be ever ready to point people to the reality of sin but the victory of Jesus. As you speak, aim to lose the argument but win a soul.
Do Not Fear
As children on God, we are equipped for everything we need to do the work of an evangelist. Even in the toughest cultural climates, the Holy Spirit promises to guard and guide you. Luke 12:11-12 says this, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say”.
You do not need to know everything to engage well—you just have to be willing to try and understand. Your real task is to represent Christ and His people with humility and grace, so that some may enter his Kingdom.
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