From Expert to Novice

Somehow we clearly communicated that evangelism is for the experts only (please – let’s drop the word “outreach” – it is a false, non-biblical word that is entirely confusing – it now means advertising as much as anything – I implore you – words do make a difference – the culture around us isn’t one bit afraid of the “E” word any longer! – ask any salesman)The Effective Early 3.5 Church saw evangelism as something – maybe the only thing – anyone could do.“Just tell what Jesus has done for you.”  That’s a rough paraphrase of what Jesus told the Gadarene demoniac.One feasible theory is that that man was primarily responsible for the launch of the many churches, including the seven in Rev. 2 and 3, in the crescent area of the Gadarene area.  It’s tough to beat his story after all.  “I have a ‘legion’ (that’s 10,000 if taken literally) demons.  Jesus showed up.  Now I’m close to normal.  You too can change.”That’s evangelism at its finest.