
Fourth, true dialogue is a mark of sensitivity. Christian evangelism falls into disrepute when it degenerates into stereotypes. It is impossible to evangelize by fixed formulae. To force a conversation along predetermined lines in order to reach a predetermined destination is to show oneself grievously lacking in sensitivity both to the actual needs of our friend and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Such insensitivity is therefore a failure in both faith and love. Dialogue, however, to quote from Canon Max Warren "is in its very essence an attempt at mutual 'listening,' listening in order to understand. Understanding is its reward" (from unpublished paper entitled "Presence and Proclamation," read at a European Consultation on Mission Studies in April 1968). It is at this point which was picked up in the Lausanne Covenant, which contains two references to dialogue. On the one hand it says firmly that we "reject as derogatory to Christ and the gospel every kind of syncretism and dialogue which implies that Christ speaks equally through all religions and ideologies (para. 3). But on the other it says with equal firmness that "that kind of dialogue whose purpose is to listen sensitively in order to understand" is actually "indispensable to evangelism" (para. 4). The principle was stated centuries ago in the book of Proverbs: "If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame" (Proverbs 18:13)
John Stott, Christian Mission in the Modern World, pp. 110-111
Glad you're rethinking WotM bro, their intentions are good, but I think they end up doing a ton of damage with their rigidity and scripted approach to evangelism.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBrother, I don't know if you've seen this, but in the Q&A at the end of this Bible Study http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1231081927197 Tim Conway addresses Way of the Master and its problems. Some very good points.
ReplyDeleteJake.
ReplyDeleteYeah...I have been thinking a lot lately about effective evangelism that is faithful to the Scriptures...WOTM has me worried on some of these points that I will probably give more thought on in a blog post.
Kevin.
Thanks for the comment. I know that you were/are devoted to WOTM...correct?
I will definitely listen to your provided link and would love to discuss further with you.
Thanks for the comments guys.
Seth.