"When you begin to think outside the box, you often become some other "leaders" lousy follower. That usually costs something" (Andy Rayner)

"Our guardian angels are bored." (Mike Foster)

It's where I feel I'm at these days. “In the second half of life, it is good just to be a part of the general dance. We do not have to stand out, make defining moves, or be better than anyone else on the dance floor. Life is more participatory than assertive, and there is no need for strong or further self-definition” (Falling Upward. Richard Rohr.120).

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Christian Evangelism Approaches People With a Scripted Agenda?

It not about listening, being, or knowing them.  It is about an agenda of what we plan to say, and our envisioned end result. This causes us Christians to treat others as objects. We should be prepared to give an answer to anyone as to why we believe what we do. However, is there a place for people in our lives who simply do not want to hear about God, Jesus, or church anymore? Or do we cut them off and move on to greener pastures? Are you seeing where this leads us relationally?

It's difficult to listen when our purpose for interaction is to have something to say.
It's difficult to maintain a relationship if our objective is hinged on the expectation someone must listen to our speech. What if they don't wish to? Can we still enjoy each others as friends?
"What I came to discover is how much the world craves a listening ear. The biggest problem I have with evangelizing is that you enter into a relationship with a prescribed intention, and that stands in the way of listening well. You can't listen well when you are carrying an agenda. You can't listen well when you are looking for ways to fortify your own position."
(Cindy Brandt: How I KissedEvangelism Goodbye)

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