Christians and non-Christians agree on one thing, writes John Kramp. Both dislike evangelism. That's because many modern evangelism methods, the author contends, begin with in-your-face plans rather than in-your-shoes empathy. Enter Out of Their Faces and into Their Shoes, a study into what Kramp calls lostology.
Lostology is the study of what it is to be without Christ and how understanding that can help Christians become better participants in telling their world about the Savior. It requires that we step outside the church walls and get involved in the world. We should avoid becoming of the world but we need to do a better job of getting in it and being its salt and light, Kramp contends.
Much of Kramp's experience comes from his own involvement in starting a church in Portland, Oregon. Having spent most of his life tucked away in church culture, he had to learn how to relate to those who grew up without the shelter church provides.
For the first time, he writes in the introduction, "I had the chance to really talk with non-Christian people, to listen to them, to try to understand their perspectives on life. We talked about life, love, hope and success. I shared my story. They shared theirs. These people marked my life."
The first thing to remember, according to Kramp, is that not all non-Christians are miserable and hopeless, waiting to be rescued from their pain. Many are temporarily happy in their lostness (and in their ignorance of being lost). Beyond that, he adds, it's important not to confuse your part with God's part.
I am convinced that there is nothing I can do to convict people of sin or to convince them they are lost. I continue to talk to them about Christ and explain what the Bible says about how to have a relationship with Jesus. But beyond that, I don't push. It is not that I don't care about people and long for them to trust Christ. I have just learned that I cannot do God's work.
If you've been wondering how to better understand and reach out to those around you without offending, studying Out of Their Faces and into Their Shoes is a good place to start.
Renewal Radio with Dr. Gene Getz Encouraging Hearts - Renewing Minds
