Response to Bullhorn

1. Are all the different styles of evangelism equally helpful in all situations?
No. There have been at least three styles in our videos: a) Bullhorn/Damnation; b) Door Knocking; and c) Friendship. While all seem to have a place, and Jesus seemed to practice them all to some extent, it seems that the Door Knocking (or 5 minute street corner conversation, a la Todd Friel) style is self-centered, if you're talking about reaching people completely outside the church. The evangelist is looking for immediate gratification, another notch on the belt, or as Matt put it, Minute Rice. It's very rules-based, quick and easy. Interestingly, Jesus mostly used this approach on leaders in the church! It seems that what our culture needs more today is a serious departure from the "quick fix." Broken people need a radical investment of time from Jesus people; a lengthy, potentially messy and complex investment in becoming friends. Deep-rooted faith requires deep-rooted friendship.

2. How do we know which style to use when?
There may be some answers in knowledge that farmers have. They spend a lot of time preparing a field, and they pick the crop to sow based on the soil and climate conditions. Seeds thrown on the side of the highway may take root, or they may not. Perhaps some of the young men Todd spoke to on the street will take the conversation another step someday.

3. Should everybody be able to knock on doors?
Perhaps not. God gives us different spiritual gifts, but all Jesus-people are called to share what we know. So a teacher may share differently than a musician. Building the Kingdom is a family business, and we need all the members of the family. Do you suppose Rob Bell and Todd Friel feel like they are members of the same family?

4. Who names your sin?
Who do you know, love, and trust enough to hear them when they call you away from sin and toward God? For whom do you serve this role?

5. What's God's role in salvation, and how much are we responsible for?
Wow, big question. Check back later in the week!