<> Ask the Pastor Pastor Walter Snyder Q: Some nonbelievers say that evangelism is the push of Christians to dominate the world. In this modern age where we are encouraged to be religiously tolerant (especially in a multiracial and multi-religious society like Singapore) how are we able to evangelise successfully? I have heard that the way to evangelise differs for individuals. Is that then some form of psychological manipulation (as others would call it) by the Christian on the "targeted victim"? Thanks for replying. I hope that despite a difference in denominations, we can maintain contact. After all what is common between us and many others is the fact that Christ has died and risen for us. A: Dear friend in Christ, what is true for Singapore is also true in all the world, in one way or another. This shouldn't surprise us. Paul speaks of the message of the cross as a "stumbling block." Jesus warned that his disciples would be hated because of the Name and the message they carried. Sadly, many Christians buy into the world's reasoning. They want to get along, not cause offense, not be thought of as "weird." Even worse, some who call themselves Christian fail to see the "exclusivity" of the Gospel: It is Jesus Christ who saves, and no one else. Some so-called "Christians" think that other people's religions and gods are just as valid as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who took on human flesh for the life of the world. Others, caught in the web of self-justification through good works, figure that if their non-Christian friends, neighbors, or coworkers are decent and hardworking, they'll probably earn their heavenly reward in due time. Your letter shows that you are not in any of these camps, yet your concern is evident. "Evangelism" is nothing more or less than proclaiming the Gospel (Good News) of Christ to unbelievers. God's Law (his wrath and judgment concerning sin) is necessary to "preparing the way" for the Gospel, but they are not the Good News. As for individualizing the message, I wouldn't worry about tailoring your presentation to suit your own abilities and the perceptions and needs of your hearers. Paul became "all things to all men" so that some would believe and be saved. There is no need to be manipulative--indeed, that is the domain of the cult and the sect. Be yourself, but be the self who is redeemed and confident in his salvation. As for your presentation, it must vary from person to person. It is not a "psych job" when you customize the message for a specific person or group. Take the example of two sinners: One is a child given to bad displays of temper, the other a convicted thief in prison. Both must be confronted with God's judgment in preparation for God's mercy in Christ. However, you would act and talk much differently with each. Or suppose that two 45 year old men stood in need of salvation. If one were a university professor and the other profoundly retarded, would you not address each differently? Yet the core message will always be the same: "You are a sinner. Your sins are forgiven in Christ." How you prepare and present the message will vary. God willing, the message itself never will. Relativists, universalists, and "go along, get along" types will deride you. Perhaps they'll place barriers in your way in the name of cooperation, mutual understanding, or inclusiveness. But these are manifestations of Satan, who wants you to give up and go away. Leave his children alone, whether they are overtly wicked or merely quietly unbelieving--that's what the Old Evil Foe desires. You, however, know better--for you "know Jesus Christ, and him crucified." You see the lies of the world, and Christ has given you his truth that sets men free. As I said above, Christianity is hated for its exclusivity. Yet it is also the most truly inclusive entity this world knows, for "God would have all men to be saved." The false inclusivity of the world will destroy; the truly inclusive Gospel of Jesus Christ will save. So be yourself, yet be all things to all men. Give the same message, yet, being "instant in season and out," present that message in the manner most becoming and beneficial to the circumstances. God is with all to whom he has entrusted his Word, that each might live and speak that word in spirit and in truth. Even if geography and details of doctrine divide us on this earth, pray that we will be truly one in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas, and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.