Ch. 5 of “a.k.a. Lost” is titled: COUNT CONVERSATIONS, NOT CONVERSIONS. Henderson says, “Conversation is important because it’s how we connect with each other.” If we’re wanting to help people into a relationship with Jesus, it’s got to be about more than just giving them information.
Henderson says on p.53: “…we change minds about life not simply because of correct information but because we trust our conversation partners. To the degree that we are included in their community or social context and treated as insiders, we open up to their ideas.”
He says on p. 57: “Paying attention (to others’ conversation) means we join with Jesus and feel the price he paid to restrain the urge to tell people everything he knew.”
He quotes George Hunter in using Celtic Christianity as a role-model: “Celtic Christianity viewed human nature not as being radically tainted by sin and evil, intrinsically corrupt and degenerate,” Hunter writes, “but as imprinted with the image of God, full of potential and opportunity, longing for completion and perfection. (St.) Patrick started with the assumption that people would be receptive and he treated them that way.”
I have a lot of thoughts on this chapter, but I keep coming back to – is our right-ness as important as our relationships? I have mostly thought it was my job to share the “truth” with people. You know, like God had imparted this wisdom to me; he had made me this special way… and my “role” was to tell people things they maybe didn’t know or realize. I have practiced this much in my life… and damaged many a relationship in the process. Some people say I have the spiritual gift of Prophet, but I’m wondering if I’ve just been too keen on sharing information and not realized the importance of the relationships.
Another thought regarding the p.53 quote on “trusting our conversation partners.” I believe that the single greatest evangelism tool is integrity. Not meaning that our integrity keeps us from doing certain things or going certain places – such as “I’m a person of integrity so I never watch R-rated movies.” But I think it is being able to “keep” our integrity in the midst of those things. For some, it will mean not watching R-rated movies. But it might mean not watching the movie AND having the integrity to not belittle someone who does watch it. Or it might mean getting to the point where you can put yourself in a compromising situation and not feel the pull of temptation. Which, I don’t think you can do without much struggle and sacrifice and… integrity.
Perhaps integrity is something we’re “given.” You know, like, when I was a freshman in high school, I had to play scout team runningback and kick-off and punt returner for the varsity. I got KILLED time and again. And I felt like a failure because I never gained any yards or did anything worthwhile (I thought). But at the start of my sophomore year I was named the Special Teams captain of the varsity team – in part because of how I handled myself my freshman year. Even though I never did anything great, I showed up every day and didn’t complain and didn’t quit. Hmm… maybe there is much to be said for someone who is just “there” for people. Who show up everyday, listen to their crap, don’t complain, and don’t quit. Do you suppose that is what ministry is all about? Being dependable; earning the trust of others; being a friend???
I believe the truth is what sets people free. Am I the one who has the truth, or is it just my role to walk alongside people in that direction… allowing the Holy Spirit to bring it to them/us? I dunno… as with so many things, this could be a cop-out, or it could be the missing link. I’m just thinking out loud.
Peace.
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