Short Story #1. Years ago in my engineering days, I walked into Lifeway Bookstore. I saw they had a copy of Eusebius’ Church History. I brought the book up to the checkout counter, and the cashier said, “Oh, I’m SO glad you bought that. My manager wanted to discontinue selling that book because Baptists don’t …
Continue reading Christian Missions Should Embrace Its History
Many Christians downplay the practice of public confession. Christians tend to emphasize confession as personal and private. Even among those churches that practice the rite or sacrament of confession (penance), they accomplish it in a private chamber between an individual and a priest. The one who confesses need tell no one else, while the one …
Continue reading Can Confession Serve as a Missional Outreach?
Suppose you wanted to build a house. You were given all the raw materials, but (for some reason) you were only able to use one tool. Which tool would you choose? You could choose a saw. It is good to have things cut properly to size. Perhaps you could use the handle like a hammer …
Continue reading The “Toolbox” and “Bigger Hammer” Theories in Evangelism
Consider this actual case (with nearly all important details removed... you will understand why). A Muslim teen was led to convert to Christianity. This is not news. Some Christians act like this is a rare thing. But dialogue between Christians and Muslims has led to many questioning their faith on both sides lately. Here is …
Continue reading Is the Convert More Important, or Their Testimony?
Supose you were trying to get a person to stop smoking (tobacco products). How would you do it? Method 1. Come up with a message and use it consistently. For example, one could tell everyone about the health risks of smoking. Method 2. Discover what each person values, and tailor the message to that person. …
Continue reading Christian Missions to Five Theological Worlds”