Soul Winning

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Soul Winning 01/22/19 (Tue) 23:56:51 168343 No.948

Give me your input.

My pastor has told me NOT to knock on doors to win souls. I'm the outreach leader. He says it is hurtful to our image because every neighborhood here forbids soliciting (he knows it's still legal). 10 years ago when he moved in as pastor our church had a negative association, and the very fact that we used to knock on doors was allegedly one of the motivators.

His idea of evangelism is entirely relational. He'd like us to be friendly neighbors, work the gospel into conversations, but basically stop there. He's also said that smiling can be sharing the gospel (it can't).

I strongly disagree with his directions. I don't intend to go against his wishes representing the church. Can I stay at this church? My worry is that I'm going to have to conclude that this church is not acceptable because it doesn't do evangelism, despite my pleadings otherwise.

Is this an issue to break fellowship over?

01/23/19 (Wed) 00:21:20 1eebb6 No.950

>>948

>He'd like us to be friendly neighbors, work the gospel into conversations

That's not necessarily a bad idea. It's basically what 1 Peter 3:8-17 is talking about. In all honesty, evangelistic method must be on a case-by-case basis, there are many people who might revile the gospel brought directly, yet be brought to sincere conversion by this method of evangelism-through-friendship. At the same time, the direct approach cannot just be ignored.

>He's also said that smiling can be sharing the gospel

I'm sure he doesn't mean that literally.

>it doesn't do evangelism

There are many ways to share the gospel, brother.

>Is this an issue to break fellowship over?

Absolutely not. The great comission was a command given to Christians, not churches. The church is for saints to worship, not to attract heathens. If a Christian fails to spread the faith, they can't blame their church, they were the ones who didn't speak up.

01/23/19 (Wed) 00:32:31 168343 No.951

>>950

>I'm sure he doesn't mean that literally.

He does, in line with the francis of assisi misquote. I asked him very directly and told him I don't think that qualifies as "preaching the gospel"

>If a Christian fails to spread the faith, they can't blame their church, they were the ones who didn't speak up.

That's my situation. I am being directly told not to knock on doors with the gospel representing the church.

01/23/19 (Wed) 02:36:30 05bb02 No.953

In my experience, knocking on doors has very limited success compared to street preaching or just being a good example around others. Most of the time I don't even realize God is giving me a chance to witness until some starts asking me where I went to school or what my evening plans are, why I don't drink or smoke or swear, why I'm not depressed/ tired. Be that cheerfulness they don't understand, strangers have told me they can see I'm a Christian before I even say a word to them. Use every chance to tell everyone about the gospel during your workday, with friends, family, the fields are white with harvest now more than ever, brother.

01/23/19 (Wed) 13:34:17 17a6bf No.954

>>951

>I am being directly told not to knock on doors with the gospel representing the church.

Why not just not represent the church? Do your thing, but only mention the church if they convert, like an offhand 'hey if you need a church I recommend this one'

01/23/19 (Wed) 17:41:22 a7c26b No.958

>>954

Thats less effective, and anyway I'm supposed to be leading our church's outreach