A Tale of Two Evangelistic Campaigns

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A Tale of Two Evangelistic Campaigns

Same place, same people very different outcomes. All in the name of evangelism (the preaching of the gospel) and the winning of souls. To be clear, and I’ve said it before, I am not in favor of any evangelism definition that equates it with the winning of souls. You can check out the links at the end of this article to see my reasoning.

In a small town nestled in the Andean mountain range of Ecuador there were two evangelistic campaigns. I was at both of them. At one I was a participant, but not involved with the administration and direction of it. In the other, I was deeply involved in the planning and organizing along with many others.

The first campaign was everything that would most likely come to mind when thinking about these sorts of events. There were big speakers, a podium, microphones, productions, preaching, emotional pleas. The sponsor of this event, another church, had gotten permission from the school administrator to put on this campaign. It was centrally located in the town and there’s no doubt that many heard all of the fanfare. It was a good show. But, as evangelistic campaigns go, very unsuccessful. In fact, the whole deal upset quite a few folks in the town.

The second campaign was in the same place. But this time, instead of speakers and podiums there were paint and brushes. We brought a group to the school to give it much-needed paint job. Many people showed up for the event and worked alongside us. Meals were made, small discussions groups formed naturally, people laughed, shared stories, and got to know one another. As we served them in their crucial need, they began to serve us. Of course there was a bit of hesitation in the light of the previous campaign, but our work there was clearly one of love and there were no strings attached. We did not intend, we attended. Let’s just say that now, in that town, there are many who have come to know Christ and are growing in Him.

In comparing these two campaigns, it might be easy to decide which you like better, but perhaps not so easy to determine which was more biblical or “christian.” What I do know, is that there are some evangelism shifts to be considered:

Moving from putting on shows – to – showing people that they’re loved.

Moving from getting people to raise their hands in a service – to – having a hands on approach in service.

Moving from the collection of people – to – compassion for people.

Moving from instructing people – to – investing ourselves in their lives.

Moving from calling people to the altar – to – leaving our gifts at the altar.

Moving from getting people to go to an event – to – going to the people and being eventful.

Moving from Acts 17 – to – Luke 10