Our responsibility, equivalent to that given to the apostles, is to preach the gospel and to make disciples. How one outworks such a command is, of course, the question. I think “marketing” to the unsaved is a dangerous line to walk, because the purpose of the church is to teach sound doctrine, and to continue to equip believers—not to keep them on a steady diet of milk.

Our influence should dictate our evangelism. If we have business colleagues because of where we work and what we do, those are the people with whom we share the gospel. If we have moms that we see in a moms’ group, those are the people with whom we share the gospel.

I think those of us who are reclusive (myself included!) are responsible for finding a medium to honor the command given to us. It is a command, and thus mandatory of a Christian, so to ignore it for reasons of “an introspective personality” is to disobey God.

Setting goals is an awesome step. What they are—that’s another story. I think praying for the wisdom to know when, where, and to whom to preach the gospel is paramount. We also, as reclusive intellectuals, need to bear in mind that ALL unbelievers look at the gospel as pure foolishness and GET OVER the fear of being laughed at when we share it. We will be laughed at, challenged, ridiculed, spat at (verbally or literally) and the like. If we are NOT being challenged in our delivery of the gospel to unbelievers, we may want to examine what we’re delivering—the bible is clear that it will be foolish and offensive.

As for forcing someone into a corner to hear what we have to say? I don’t think this is wisdom at all. This—to me—borders on casting pearls before swine. GOD is the one who draws people to Himself—not us. So if they’re looking to escape the conversation or to shut it down, we should be cautious not to waste our time (don’t be a pushover, either—this takes wisdom). Honestly, in my understanding of theology, if the person is going to be saved—well, they’re going to be saved. We can’t “mess it up” just because we don’t get them cornered or force a tract into their hand and “clockwork orange” them into reading it.

I like the idea of connection points. Since my wife and I are moving to a new area, we will need to have “connection goals” just so we can start to learn the new community, find new friends, and determine what sort of groups/activities in which we would like to participate in our new home. It is imperative that we actually put our foot out there and get some face-time with individuals, or we are the only ones to blame for having no social life. The same applies to sharing the gospel.

Some final thoughts:

1. I don’t believe in “faking” a person into hearing the gospel (e.g., inviting them to a social dinner, and premeditating to slip it in). If it comes up, it comes up. If not, don’t force it. That said, my life needs to be lived out so that it is, in one way or another, evident that I am a Christian. If the topic doesn’t come up because the person in question never even imagined I was a Christian—well, I might want to examine my lifestyle.

2. I firmly believe that conversion occurs (or does not occur) *in spite* of us. God *chooses* to use us to be his gospel’s vehicle. If we choose to obey, we will have the privilege of participating. If not—our loss. But He’s still sovereign and he’ll still “get his man” so to speak.

3. Spurgeon says, “If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies…” I like this because it shows the passion he had for unbelievers. But you’ll also note that he was not handing out tracts on his off-time. He worked within his gifts and influence to accomplish this.

Thanks for letting me share!
Frank

I whole heartedly concur. If cold call evangelism is the model then we need to set up call centers at our Church and call people during dinner.

Personally, I do not believe we are called to change the world; instead we are called to change our world. Frank’s point is well taken in that our sphere of influence is our family, friends, co-workers, and to a lesser degree, our acquaintances. If our life is an open book, or as the Apostle Paul referred to in 2nd Cor, “an epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men”, then a cold call is not necessary. Instead people see our lives and know about Jesus simply because they see Him in us. If the way I live my life, the way I dress or the way I talk does not reflect Jesus within me, I have already failed before I even say a word.

On the other hand, if my Self is dead and He possess my mind, heart, soul, and body, Jesus will walk this earth in me and the people around me will read that story. He will draw the hungry and He will give me wisdom to say the words needing to be said. We can trust God for everything, even evangelism. All we have to do is die and surrender totally to Him.