The problem with evangelism is we think Jesus came to make christians...when in fact he came to show us how to be fully human, and to live life abundantly. And the reality is, as christians we don't have a monopoly on God. The idea that we some how have God on a short leash and drag him along with us...is just wrong. We forget there is something divine in everyone. Every human is made in the image of God. Albeit, some images are dirty, tarnished, banged up and dented...it's there if we have the patience and humility to look. And in the mystery of the sacred texts it says that like gravity, and the forces of sub atomic and inter galactic particles, He holds it altogether.
In a sense through out the goings and coming of our day, we swim in the profound mystery of the divine.
It means nothing more than being open to the opportunity to talk to people. It can feel some what dangerous, but it can be exhilarating, and life-giving living beyond our comfortable borders to the divine mystery in others. It's being open to the " everyday " experience of life that suddenly opens revealing glimpses of the holy.
Because the reality, we have to can this " them " and " us ", God is in them just as much as us. Evangelism as a " hit and run " phenomenon doesn't work. Usually it leaves a casualty laying in one of life's intersections. Listening is an art, It is like watching ripples on the surface of water. Looking for that right moment when you can humbly slip into a trough without the other person really being aware. I can't emphasize that enough, we, including me are not good listeners. Listening, is really a far more active process in a conversation than talking. It's amazing listening, turning your whole focus to person in front of you...to become a receptor to their image of God.
It means a lot more about listening than talking. Its a posture that is grace-filled, humble, compassionate, empathetic, hospitable...non-judgemental. It's usually when we reflect the profound redemptive scandalous love of Jesus, we begin to see it in others.
In listening to their story it becomes like to people standing side be side in the dark mystery of a starlit night. They might say something in the conversation that glimmers with the divine...it could be a struggle, a tragedy, a joyous occasion, hurt, pain, sorrow, questions. It's there we can point like stars coming out to the divine and share stories.
Here again, it's much like gardening. The art of listening and conversation is like planting seeds. Sure we can cultivate and nurture the conversation. But it really is the Spirit, that mysteriously blows around, and in the midst of all life...that truly makes the Divine known as real.
I also think christianity for the most part has done a poor job as Jesus PR man. Most people if you start with Jesus, they will turn and run and never look back. Most people automatically equate Jesus as a christian. I think your better starting with God, the divine, spirituality...most people will engage that mystery. Weave your conversation around that mystery. There are a lot of people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Now, there is a huge trough in the ripples of conversation that you can slip Jesus into...a person who was definitely spiritual but not religious. A person far more concerned about " us " becoming fully human rather than religiously christian.
So don't preoccupy yourself, or become anxious about " evangelism "...just simply start more conversations, try and develop relationships. Engage the mystery of divine in everyone...look hard, and listen deeply. Let God be God...let him reveal himself mysteriously.
