Readers Digest Version

Essentially, here's my paper in a nut-shell.

-Intro
-Field Situation
-Pre-Evangelism steps
     -Explanation of two subheads, Emotional and Physical Tactics
     - Importance of spiritual "check up" i.e. self-evangelism

-Essential Evangelism Steps
1. Initial Conversation
2. Involvement by Action
3. Conversion

-Reiterate
-Closing

All sections include analysis and scholar input, of course.

Not bad my friends

I finally feel good about my paper. I have established concrete steps and ideas that exemplify my own beliefs, as well as scholars in the field. I feel accomplished and relieved that this battle is at least partially won (we'll see how the grade is, haha) How do you feel now that it's all said and done? Cheesy, I know, but I am glad that I have this to add to my portfolio. I have never written a paper that even comes clothes to this depth and length, and I have to say that it's not as bad as I thought it would be. And yes, I see you Dr. Simmons, nodding your head saying "I told you so". Hope everyone has a fantastic break! I know I will spend it in a coma.

Another look at Scared Space

In class we talked a great deal about sacred space. In my paper I am dedicating a small part to what spaces/places are acceptable to evangelize. Is the call from the telemarketer at 5 a hassel because that is "family time" or just because telemarketers are annoying? The advertisers say you prefer that time, and know that you will be home, just so you know. 


SO, if you were going to be converted, were would be the ideal place you would see it happening? Verbal tactics aside, do you see yourself running into an evangelists arms on the beach in slow motion? Or possibly in front of your college's student union on your way to class? That might be too personal, we're just trying to get to class, buddy. 


I think the best time is the best time. Educated evangelists drop the G bomb when it's a right, and not offensive, or invasive, or awkward. The best time, in my opinion, is when a person knows you well enough to value what you have to say, in a context that is conversational, and a location that is comfortable.

Build it and they will come?

During our last class we talked about church architecture. I can't help but wonder, how much of the design is planned out specifically to attract new people, and keep the current members coming back for more? Are the intentions of the church to glorify God, or make a nice picture on a wedding day?

I think there is a fine line between glorifying and trying to be flashy, and that line is often crossed. But, you have to consider the intentions. Yes, building a church for vein reasons is not the best idea. But, who wants to attend church in a dump, right? It's hard to keep the bills paid on love. I think one of the biggest selling points in evangelizing a new christian is the beauty of the church. People are attracted to beauty, ethical or not, and to keep the numbers up, churches have to shape up.

I Like to Hear What You Have To Say.

I really enjoy our classroom discussions. I feel as though my sense of humor slips in all too often and it offends some people so I'm working on editing that. It's a nervous habit I have sometimes that can get me into trouble. However, I do feel like some of the emotion should be taken out of our discussions. We're all just trying to figure out what we ourselves believe, and a lot of that should be a reflection of the opinions we hear from our peers, including those we do not agree with. Taking an opposing view personally isn't really how discussions should go. If the person stating their opposing view turns it into a personal attack then that is understandable, but a general "I think this instead.." should only heat up the discussion--not hinder it. I know sometimes I think people are only talking to me when they say things that I disagree with but that's something I need to get over. Thank God we live in a place where we can all have differing opinions, right?

Peer Edits Smeer Smedits

Reagan, Andie, and I have been playing ring around the rosy with papers and I haven't gotten one yet, so I'm just going to talk about something else.


You know that one friend that always refers to "them"? The same them that has an opinion on everything? You know what "they" say?

Well I have one of those who knows a very odd "them".

Anyway, I live down the street from a very interesting looking church that has an even more interesting design. The name of it is "The Assembly of Divine Reality" and the front of it has a menorah and the star of David.

So, we're driving to my house and my friend looks at me and says, "you know what they say about that church?" I pretended not to hear, once again, remembering how stranger her "they" is. She asked again. "No, I do not know what they say", I replied. "They say that if you walk by that church, the people inside will snatch you up and not let you leave until you convert" she said as easily as one would talk about the weather.

Besides the problem with my friend, where do people come up with the rumors they spread about each other's churches? What fuels such random hatred? This story may be an isolated incident of ignorance to the extreme, but we hear things about religions/ denominations all the time that aren't true. I have looked up some information about the church (not finding much) but certainly nothing about stealing unsuspecting passerby's. I realize her claim is on the outrageous side,  but what about the other people my friend tells? What about the people who walk on the other side of the street their entire lives so they don't get "snatched up"? 

Evangelism can be generally defined as the recruitment process of one group, generally of religious affiliation, to an individual that is typically not currently enlisted. The tactics used by these groups have both traditional roots, as well as new-age ideas. These two general categories encompass a never ending list of practices that all religions use to evangelize including; look-a-likes, scare tactics, “save them with kindness”, intra-targeting and many more.  In his article, “Discipleship vs. Evangelism”, Andrew Wommack says “Jesus’ attitude toward evangelism is much different that that of most Christians. Jesus is more concerned with the quality of ministry than the quantity.” However, how do Christian evangelists and other religion’s effectively reach and communicate to their potential new members?
    While religions may vary in beliefs, a common thread can be found in evangelism. The key in many cases includes relating to the “non-believer”. The same tactics can be seen in educational advertising books. Seek out the target audience, in this case, non-believers, and tell them who they are, who the church is, and why they cannot live another day without joining. A major problem all churches face is overcoming the preconceived notions already prevalent in the minds of the non-believers.
    These notions are often unable to penetrate. Some people are just as set in their ways as those who try to change them, and are interested in a discussion instead of a baptism. However, in many cases an educated discussion can lead to replacing a previously negative attitude towards the church an evangelist represents with a positive one. In many cases, replacing this attitude is half the battle. At this point, usually there is a huge fork in the road. This paper will discuss the following paths that can be chosen from this point on;  new age evangelism, traditional tactics, and ways they are intertwined among the world’s leading religions.

I included the intro to remind everyone about what was going on. I've re written these first few pages so many times, and nothing seems to really sit right. I guess we'll see today. Hmm.