Is Anybody Listening?

On Monday, I ran into a friend at the gym and we started having a discussion about evangelism & discipleship. He was responsible for a large youth gathering in Peoria, but is now -- to his credit -- asking things like -- "is this the most effective way to reach lost people today?"

I confess that I don't really know the answer. Obviously relationships are crucial, so I tend to downplay things like podcasts/vodcasts/websites/blogs, etc., as an evangelistic or discipleship tools, but how do you communicate to people beyond the scope of the Christian world?

I'm interested to hear your thoughts!

What would reach your lost friends? What would they listen to? What does being an 'evangelist' mean today (we all know how effective Billy Graham was, but does it still work today?)

I have a couple thoughts, but I want to let the conversation happen first. (by the way, my friend will be watching too...we really want to hear what you're thinking -- all of you, not just you "pastor-types.")

At the gym I work out at there are signs everywhere promoting a new class called Body Attack. The signs are well-made. The title is catchy and makes me a little bit curious. I clearly need some kind of full-body assault against the extra weight I carry.

But there is no chance of me actually going to this class.

Why? Because I don't know anyone else going...and I'm not too sure about going to an "excercise class." It doesn't feel very manly.

Let me make the analogy clear. I'm motivated, I'm interested, I'm aware, but I'm not even willing to "check it out."

If you think that good advertising, great graphics, a slick website, a nice sign out front, etc., will cause people to come to your church, or your ministry, you're wrong -- even if they are "seekers," and they are motivated, interested and semi-aware of what goes on in your building.

In fact, I would probably argue that until they know someone that is being impacted by what you're doing. They probably won't come.