Evangelistic Methods
Dear Pastors
Since Billy Graham died there has been quite a bit of discussion about the methods Billy used in evangelism. Personally, I found the whole critiquing very sad for three reasons.
Why would a Christian do a critique of Billy’s ministry and methods ONE week after he died. Not only is he unable to reply but it is simply not respectful.
Billy preached to 215 million people in 185 countries and conservative estimates are that 2.2 million came to faith in Christ. The people who are critiquing his methods have no such record, not even close.
These well intentioned folks who are writing and/or speaking their critiques don’t know a lot about Billy and the BGEA. Billy was the humblest of people who stressed on many occasions that no method is sacrosanct including the ones he chose to use. He summed it up superbly with this quote:- As a ministry “we are anchored to the rock and geared to the times”. In other words stay true to the gospel message but modes of delivery should reflect the times and context of the day and place.
What is it in us kiwi’s that we feel this need to critique success like we seem to do so often? Is it insecurity (tall poopy syndrome)? Is it jealousy? Is it a sub conscious balm for our own lack of success?
Can I propose this to you? For the last 20 years we have been trying different ways and means to reach not-yet-convinced people (unchurched, lost, non-Christians). Everything from alternative church models (think emergent, missional, micro, house churches etc), to new courses and programmes, to media based ministries, to new style of events to various ‘moves of the Spirit’ etc etc. Most of them have had only a small measure of success in NZ. In fact truth be known there has been nothing as successful since 1959 when Billy Graham first came to NZ. Conversion growth in the NZ church is the lowest it’s been since 1959. I think that compels us to be very careful what we say publicly and very thoughtful about the current state of affairs.
I am the first to acknowledge that reaching lost people in 2018 is very challenging, without a doubt the most challenging that I have ever experienced. And yes I do think the evangelical church has lost confidence in the power of the gospel which in and of itself is a sad irony. And yes “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work”. John 9:4. Billy Graham would regularly say that crusades won’t get the job done but one on one witnessing will. Perhaps that is our greatest challenge of all? It definitely is mine.
Blessings
Alan
PS: I do want to acknowledge the charismatic movement of the late 60’s and 70’s and Alpha as two significant contributors to evangelistic growth in NZ since 1959.
Raising Resilient Kids. For those who live in or close to Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Palmerston North this short seminar might be of interest to you. For full information and registration facility please go to www.leadershipworx.org.nz/events
Carey Nieuwhof Pastors Seminars in Hamilton, Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin in May. Why not register today?
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
