The Way of the Master is not an evangelism program, but a Biblical concept, that will not go away. In fact, it’s not new at all, but has been used in the Church for the past 2000 years or so, with the exception of the last century. From a letter by Pastor Matt Johnson
Methods and programs….we’ve all seen our share of them in the church….whether it’s FAITH, CWT or EE…alot of us have learned these methods…memorized the various tools and shared our faith. I used CWT when I first became a believer and I led alot of people to faith….and then never saw them again….none of them. Then one day it hit me…..”Go make disciples…..teaching them everything I have commanded you…” I wasn’t making disciples, I was simply selling Jesus and hoping for converts.
Last week I wrote a post titled “Modern Evangelism is unfair to thoe who hear” and in the comments secition I was asked about the success of Ray Comfort and others like him. First let me say, I don’t know Ray Comfort…and anything I say about “Way of the Master” (WOTM) isn’t personally aimed at him or Kirk Cameron. I’ve looked at their website, watched some of the videos (as much as I could stand) and here are a few thoughts on WOTM.
- Did Jesus really do this? Did he really walk around and pick random people on the street and offer them $20 to listen to his pitch? He didn’t have a canned method or cheat card in his pocket. He shared with people that he interacted with…but in continually different ways. Sometimes he shared the whole gospel…sometimes bits of truth. Sometimes he called for repentance…sometimes he simply left them hanging. Why?…because he knew where people were and how to push their buttons (in a good way). He had the advantage of knowing their hearts….since we don’t… this is why relationships are so vital. Only in the context of the relationship can we see where God is working and join with him in that work.
- If you call it “the Way of the Master” it had better work everywhere. The beauty of the way Jesus shared is that it’s applicable everywhere, inner city, US, Africa, China. The WOTM cannot work in most of the world. In my Muslim context it would have me beaten, arrested, or kicked out within moments and then there would be no witness. In Europe, they’re past this…it smacks of the old church they’re trying so hard to get away from.
- It doesn’t fulfill the Great Commission. We were sent out to make disciples, not converts. Most of these methods including WOTM leaves a new convert on their own….to find a church and try to figure out how to be discipled. We were given the task of connecting with people, make them disciples and teach them all that he has commanded us, not use cheap gimmicks to get them to convert.
- It smacks of sales pitch…and it cheapens Jesus. When I looked at the website and some of his videos they remind me of those bad infomercials offering fast money through real-estate. It reduces the Gospel to a sales pitch, and Jesus to a product. There may be still be some segments of society that respond to this but for most of the emerging West, including Western Europe and the US, people hate this kind of stuff. I avoid people passing out stuff, even as a Christian I think “If they cared they would want to get to know me, not just argue with me.” I wonder if people reject the message or if many are simply rejecting the messenger and the method?
- Numbers doesn’t always mean biblical success. I’ve heard the argument “What about the number of converts?” Do we really want to go there…defining success by numbers. There are countless cults growing daily….we could each point out several bad pastors that draw large crowds. Success is fulfilling what Jesus told us to do. Make disciples, not converts.
I do believe that we called to proclaim. Scripture not only says “Come and taste” but it also says to “Go and tell”. But I believe that modern methods, with sales pitches, cheap gimmicks and camera crews isn’t the way to reach a world that desperately needs to hear the truth…we can do better than this.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
“What about the number of converts?” In my mission field, the people are timid enough that they can be easily badgered into praying with street evangelists, but it’s just to be polite. After it’s over, they would spread word throughout the village about this non-acceptable evangelism, and you would be blackballed out of the village.
We’ve had so many want to come here on short-term missions to witness like Kirk and other similar methods, and we try to explain that the numbers from that method here are false positives and actually would get us ostracised. Though it wouldn’t be akin to torture, arrest, or death, it would completely remove all interaction and credibility that we have worked hard to establish over time and, as you said, to build relationships with people.
People can smell agendas quickly, and I think such efforts, though they are meant to be noble, are indicative of arms-distance ministry. It says, “I don’t want to get too close, go through all the messy relationship stuff, be asked too many religious questions over time that I may not even understand myself. I don’t have a lot of time for you. I just want my effort to equal an immediate, positive result.”
C, I agree with you. Working and serving in a western-European context with European friends I know that people are made disciples by coming into contact with another Jesus disciple. It is through the interaction of our lives and words as we preach into their lives that they are woo’ed towards the savior. I have walked around thousands of tract distributors…I’ve never had the slightest inkling to want what they’re “advertising.”
Grady, I wonder if people resort to these quick methods because relational ministry is time consuming and hard, or they are being pressured to score big on the numbers?
Kevin,
Great questions. I think they do so for both reasons. It’s fun to brag on the numbers and it’s way quicker and less messy than relational ministry. And when people reject…they can blame it on Satan.
Grady,
Let me tell you a true story, that I know you are pretty familiar with. As a believer, I knew immediately that I could talk fairly well, and because I enjoyed reading, it lead to me being one who leaned towards the apologetic/evangelism camp. I was first introduced to WOTM about 4 years ago and was very excited. I eventually purchased the tracks and two summers ago, I would go out all Sunday morning (hey if they weren’t in church then that means they most likely were not Christian especially in Dallas where we boast 3 of the top 10 churches) and share with at least 10 people.
I noticed one thing brother. Not ONCE did I ever influence anyone for Jesus. Not once of the 100’s of people did anyone decide to fellowship with me, and only a few times did someone allow me to follow up with them, because they knew and had experienced this before, as a matter of fact someone pulled one of the money tracts from his wallet.
So I think there are three things that wired me.
1. I didn’t want the mess of long-term relationships especially with the “type” of people I was witnessing to.
2. I wanted more numbers so I would talk to more people, instead of asking Jesus to give me an open door and teach how to invest in someone He could specially earmark for me/us.
3. I felt personal pride in the fact that I was out there “fulfilling the Great Commission” while the rest of the Christians were playing video games and watching television.
The problem is I was just thinking of getting back at it, because I am currently not invested in anyone, instead of praying and asking God to give me wisdom and open with in my new neighborhood. This is really good stuff and any advice would be a blessing as I resonate with much of what you said in the two post.
True, true. I’ve also found that there is an aversion to ministry outside of the 10/40 window (as you alluded to) because ministry is tough when doing it relationally. The reality is, ministry is tough whether in India or Ireland because real ministry takes a long time. God has to move the heart and the Spirit has to do it’s work. People however have the idea that if they can post some solid numbers they’re making disciples. Preaching can be done in under an hour, discipleship takes a life-time.
Your questions are very good, and relevant.
I am in this process of asking “how to” proclaim the gospel for many years now… there is definitively something wrong with the way we preach the gospel…
I am now starting to wonder if it is not our gospel itself that is either wrong, incomplete or frankly unbiblical (i am talking about evangelical/protestant gospel)
We should remember that this gospel is basically an answer to a former catholic monk (Luther). And what came after him is only variations on the same song…
The catholic doctrine condition the mind of the believer to have basically 2 unfullfilled needs: first a need for forgiveness, free redemption and a guilty conscience cleaned, because an honest catholic soul, like Luther, will always see that despite all his works, he cannot earn God’s favour. Second, the catholic beliver fear nothing more than hell. The protestant gospel is therefore an answer to these two needs.
The protestant/evangelical gospel is basically a answer to the anguish caused by the catholic teachings. This gospel is from the Scriptures but with catholic glasses.
So now in our post-christianity society, in order to preach this gospel, we must first explain “preliminary” knowledge that people no longer have (or so much less) like sin and God’s jugement… it is like if we need people to fear judgement to come to the gospel…
When Paul was preaching to the pagans, I am not sure it was so much about demonstrating that unbelievers need christianism…
I cannot agree more with Kevin Mullins… thank you
Preaching can be done in under an hour, discipleship takes a life-time. –Kevin Mullins
Great quote, profound truth.
Boom! Roasted.
Hear, hear. These methods also leave those who did not pray a prayer at the end of some sales pitch, but met Jesus and became disciples overtime through rubbing elbows with people who have made Jesus the center of their lives feel second class… not good. I found the book, The Celtic Way of Evangelism very helpful. Thanks for the post.
a good article by Keith Giles about that matter here: http://subversive1.blogspot.com/2009/08/gospel-for-here-or-to-go-5-of-6.html
Thanks Grady for this post! Also, kudos to Chris and The Celtic Way of Evangelism. Some will say that it is a little light on the history, but I find it to be a concise read that provides insight into a couple different paradigms for fulfilling the Great Commission. I had planned to post on this in the future…may just bump that up now
Any time something is labeled as God’s one true way, we are being a bit arrogant at best. For example, Growing Kids God’s Way has proven helpful for my wife and me, but the claim of the title is a bit overbearing. We know some that have been put off by this. Jesus took different approaches to evangelism and life based on different contexts. The true way of the Master is Spirit-filled. At times it brings freedom at other times it brings condemnation. The Master is love, just, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. while programs and methods are not.
BTW – I like the new blog look. It makes your content more accessible.
I think all of you are being too hard on WOTM. This isn’t the only way Comfort witnesses. In his book, Hell’s Best Kept Secret, he has a chapter titled “Take the world to lunch”. In it, he talks about the importance of building relationships with those you witness to. And you know what? He practices what he preaches. Sure, the people in those videos come and go and the thing of giving out money is a cheesy bait and switch tactic, but those are just a small amount of people he witnesses to. He does follow up on many of them.
You do know how he got so popular, right? And no, it’s not because of Cameron. WOTM was popular before him. It’s because he helped shallowly trained Christians make the connection between law/sin/grace and evangelism. It blew me away to know that I can explain these things to ANY lost person in such a simple, straight forward, and straight from the bible way. Would bait and switch tactics work in a Muslim country? No. They don’t even really work here. Would explaining the role of the law, sin and grace work in a Muslim country? Of course it would! And WOTM does a better job than any method out there- I don’t care who is teaching it (reformed or not).
Comfort also doesn’t try to “close the deal”. When he has to do an altar call at a church he speaks at, he does it with no mood music or lighting and he calls people to make it public right then and there. Do you think that nets big numbers?
TWOTM refers to the rabbinic style of evangelism in which the evangelist asks questions to help lead the person to the heart of the matter. Which Comfort does very well.
I’m no apologist for this guy- I hate his tracts and his bait/switch methods- but I do think you need to be a bit more balanced in your critque of him. Comfort is friends with many of our reformed brothers.
Lionel,
Thanks for your transparency and honesty. Those are the same reasons I used to avoid relational ministry and do methods. May God bless you as you seek to connect with those around you.
Falco,
Thanks for commenting. I wasn’t being critical of Comfort…but I was being critical of his method. The issue I have is that the videos are what people watch and they study THIS method. There’s no focus on follow-up or discipleship in his method. If he believes in relational evangelism then why does he push this sales pitch, bait and switch method?
Grady, I don’t know why he focuses on that stuff in the videos. Maybe that’s what sells (honestly). But, I do know his books are different- they DO focus on follow-up, relationship building, and solid theology- for the most part. And he’s actually a pretty good preacher.
Just make sure your (and everyone else here) critique of him is balanced.
DeFalco,
Again, my critique isn’t of him but of his method, WOTM. My question of him would be…if you believe in relational ministry than why are you peddling this bait and switch, gimmick approach on everyone? Maybe it is the money…if so…
This ministry was key for me to even understand that I came through the back gate of Christianity.
“People have a desire for righteousness as much as a 4 year old has for the word BATH.”
At that time I had a 4 year old.
Do you know how I got him to take a bath. {Toys}
I was in church for 8 years already and had come because of what the Church and what I “thought” God offered. {Toys, bubbles, and fun}.
Yes, I knew the cross.
Yes, I thought I knew He saved me from my sin.
But I had no clue He saved me from MY sin, the wrath to come, and the day of judgement and set apart to share this with others.
Now, the peace I know in Christ Jesus…drives me to share with people– some will be relationships some won’t.
Do you believe that every preacher or evangelist is able to connect personally with everyone they come across.
I don’t know the stories you have, I sure you have share your life with others to disciple, mentor and train up, but I don’t know how you can condemn someone who has been able to see the Gospel shared when Paul Himself said:
Phil 1:15-20
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Is there a perfect way to tithe, pray, feed the hungry, share the Gospel?
I am do the best I can and with the help of the Lord, I will take what I learn from His Word and Go.
I thank you for taking the time to read this.
God Bless You.
AD, thanks for the comment. Please reread my original post and my responses to a few others. My critique is of his method, not him. And BTW, does the end justify the means in evangelism? I could offer people in my community a free iPod to become a Christian and many would “convert”….and maybe a few would be authentic….does the end justify the means?
…offer people a free iPod to become a Christian?
Giving a tract or taking the time to share your testimony and including law/sin/grace is VERY different than what you have just written.
Have you observed ANYONE giving out $20 to become a Christian?
Or to entice someone to “hear” the Gospel.
Then to encourage someone to “obey” the Gospel.
There life depends on it.
Do you believe that people who are not born again (having sinned against God and His law) will be eternally damned?
Plant the seed of the Gospel…Share the Love of Christ that is within you as a Christian…
Feed them.
Clothe them.
Visit them.
Pray for them.
Don’t quit…share the gospel with someone today.
We in America forget
9/11 has come and gone
It is a memory.
Don’t forget why Jesus Christ died on the Cross.
For all who have sinned…and fall short of God’s Glory.
That’s me brother.
Hear, hear. These methods also leave those who did not pray a prayer at the end of some sales pitch, but met Jesus and became disciples overtime through rubbing elbows with people who have made Jesus the center of their lives feel second class… not good. I found the book, The Celtic Way of Evangelism very helpful. Thanks for the post.
I woudl have to say yes… if incentives are used, and it genuinely brings one persont Christ it would be worth it… one soul saved IS worth offering somethign to get them in the door.