Friendly Christians and Post-Modernism

Roger, at the A-Team, reviews Dan Kimball's They Like Jesus but Not the Church. He states,

When preparing for overseas mission trips, Christians often go through some sort of training to learn about the cultures, languages, and religions of the people to whom they’ll be evangelizing. They understand that these differences present barriers for these people to hear and understand the gospel message. Yet in America, Christians often assume that there are no such barriers. In They Like Jesus by Not the Church Dan Kimball examines the church through the eyes of non-Christians in today’s emerging generations. He attempts to show that there are barriers and misunderstandings we must address if we are to effectively present the gospel message today.

Through the first few chapters, Kimball sets up the situation by showing that our culture’s perceptions of Christianity have changed. For example, instead of being view as trusted spiritual leaders, pastors today are often referred to as “creepy.” Kimball argues that for many of us, we haven’t realized the changes because we’re trapped in Christian bubbles. The trend is that the longer we are Christians, the fewer non-Christian friends we have. What we fail to perceive is that while the church, and Christians in general, is not viewed favorable, most people do have a favorable impression of Jesus. Many of their impressions of Jesus’ life and teachings may be inaccurate, but they do provide a place ripe for fruitful conversation.

As much as I criticize the post-modern pitfalls of the emerging church, I have to say that I agree with Kimball on this point. By insulating ourselves from the secular culture around us, we fail to make any true impact. However, I don't think it's so much that non-Christians should like us as much as that they should see the love of Christ in us.

A recent guest speaker, at my sister's church, spoke along similar lines with regards to methods of evangelism. Tom Richardson spoke on Five Common Barriers to Sharing Your Faith, Ten Ways to Transition a Conversation Towards Christ, and Spirit-led Witnessing. The gist of his messages was, get to genuinely know the non-Christians you come into contact with. If we are truly about living for Christ, then how diligent must we be about letting people know of his love? Richardson cautions that the interest must be sincere, and it must be genuine. Indeed, Greg Koukl has stated that people are important, not because they are Gospel fodder, but because they are made in God's Image.

Yet, what are we to make of the varied personality types found within the human psyche? Much of Richardson's style seems to be built around an extroverted, quick-talking, smiling from ear to ear persona. Koukl's style is much more subdued, with his goal to not necessarily convert someone, but to "leave a stone in their shoe", allowing for further, continued conversation.

Truth be told, I am not a very friendly (i.e., social) person, whether with Christians or non-Christians. I'm not fast-on-my-feet when it comes to conversation, and my interests are typically contrary to the "norm" of most groups. I'd fall flat on my face if I tried Richardson's model. Kimball's might fare a bit better, but Koukl's model seems the best fit for my personality.

Yes, I know that we all need to step out of our comfort zones. But it's just that they're so... comfortable.

Comments

[Brian]

Rusty,

I understand about getting out of our comfort zones, but maybe each of us gifted to better relate to a specific kind of personality. Not saying we purposely avoid those who make us uncomfortable, but we trust God to put those in our path who need to be there. Which for me, hopefully, is not the loud, used-car salesman type. :)

Just kind of thinking out loud here. I know you've probably already thought through these things.

[Rusty]

Brian,

Thanks for you comments.

To be sure, this is a complex issue. I agree with you regarding our distinct personality traits enabling us to better relate to others of like kind.

My frustration stems from living as an introvert in an evangelical world which seems to be dominated by extroverted methodologies. We're told we need to ask our neighbors to join us at church - yet, I hardly know my neighbors. My wife's sister and brother-in-law, on the other hand, probably know everyone on their block! We're told that we need to "close the deal", when witnessing to someone about Christ - yet, are we more concerned with getting them to say the "sinner's prayer" than we are with having them know just what it is they are entering into? Would we see less "backsliding" if people really understood what it means to be a Christian in the first place?

A caveat, though... despite differing personality styles, I do agree that we, as Christians, must be sharing our faith in one way or another. And, as stated in the post, we must interact with non-Christians if they are to truly see the love of Christ (assuming, of course, that we're modeling the love of Christ).

[Brian]

I sympathize with you Rusty. You might be interested in this :

http://introvertedchurch.blogspot.com/

[Bonnie]

Rusty, you give yourself too little credit ;-).

I agree about personality styles. And mine causes me to ask, why should we try to mimic someone else's style when we've been given one of our own with which to serve God, as Brian suggested?