“I will be visiting a close relative in the next couple of weeks. My relative is not a Christian. I would love to give them a pamphlet or small book which explains the gospel. Does the CRC have something like this? What would you suggest?”
That’s the question I was asked recently. I’m wondering how you would answer that question. What would you suggest?
Here are a couple of ideas that came to my mind. Alpha has really good, tried and tested evangelism tools. Why Jesus is a short pamphlet written by Nicky Gumbel. Nicky Gumbel, the author of the Alpha course, is gifted at speaking respectfully and clearly about the gospel to spiritually and culturally diverse audiences. Alpha’s strategy works because people have access to clear teaching in a relational setting. Each Alpha group starts with dinner which is followed by a teaching time, then small group discussion. The message of the gospel is served up in a warm, safe environment. The Why Jesus pamphlet has the same personality as the Alpha course. It could be a very effective tool to be shared with someone you care about.
Another tool that I am familiar with is One Verse Evangelism from the Navigators. One Verse Evangelism is not a pamphlet but a conversation tool. One Verse Evangelism outlines Romans 6:23 using questions and a picture. You can’t leave it on their coffee table but you can use this tool to start a conversation around the table about the gospel.
Someone else suggested The Jesus Film. Great idea! You can find the Jesus video in long or short firms in just about any language. Why Jesus, One Verse Evangelism and The Jesus Film have been around for quite a while. I wonder... if we were to design an evangelism tool today, what would it be like? How would it be the same or different from evangelism tool of the past? What would it need to include? What media(s) would we use?
My husband is currently researching the topic of the Gospel and Kingdom for a class he is taking. I’m sure this will prompt more questions! Let’s keep talking. What tools have you found helpful in sharing the gospel with your friends?
