Gospel Connections in Suburbia

Joe Thorn:

I do not have the gift of evangelism, though I do share the gospel. Once a person decides the evangescript is not the best way to approach evangelism in their community the question then becomes, “How can I take a natural conversation about common things and connect it to the gospel without it coming off like an abrupt topic change?”

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I have very similar feelings to what Joe writes. I certainly don't have the gift of evangelism, but rather I do it (not as much as I should) out of obedience. One thing I would add to Joe's thoughts is the importance of having a context that you impose on yourself for hanging out with unbelievers. Just showing up is 80% of the battle. When I lived in Nashville as a struggling musician, I had to wait tables to help pay the bills. During that time I did more evangelism than I ever have in my whole life, simply because I was with unbelievers all day long and built real relationships with them.

Since I work in a church now, I don't get a chance to hang out with unbelievers on a regular basis, thus my wife and I attempt to be intentional with our neighbors. How about playing with the kids in the front yard instead of the backyard that is closed off with fences? How about inviting someone over for dinner at least once a month? How about having open house parties around Christmas and the 4th of July just to build relationships? These are just some simple ideas that we have thought about as a family to see evangelism happen in our lives.

Another thing that I do personally is attend a local jazz jam session on Tuesday nights here in Albuquerque. I have written a bit about this here: What My Piano Practicing Has To Do With Evangelism.

How are you intentional with evangelism in your life?