How do we evangelise when the reputation of the Church is in disarray and the Bible’s message is dismissed as irrelevant?

The secularist philosophy has failed at a crucial point.

It has been telling us that, with the rise of modern culture, religion will fade away. Yet, on the world scene this is obviously not the case. On the contrary, the number of Christian adherents continues to grow dramatically.

Decline does seem true in Europe, but the strength of religion in the US shows how wrong it is to think that modern culture cannot co-exist with religious beliefs. Even in Australia, which is overtly far less religious, there is evidence of a much wider interest in religion than thought possible 20 years ago. This is not translated, however, into Christian adherents and church attendance.

One of the key issues for us as we attempt to evangelise is to ask what are the barriers to belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ and how we may attempt to remove those barriers so our contemporaries may believe. Of course, in the final analysis only God can give faith. But in a preliminary way let me suggest three areas for investigation.

The first area is the Christians themselves. For many, Christianity is unattractive because the church is unattractive. We have to confess that there is sufficient truth in this for deep concern.

Warfare between different churches in earlier history, and more recent matters such as sexual abuse, have given Christianity a poor reputation. On the other hand, the way church schools flourish indicates there is a significant reservoir of respect for the moral code for which we stand and the desire of many in the community to identify themselves with it.

Our reputation cannot be improved by public relations efforts.  The best thing is for genuine repentance and integrity to be accompanied by the godly lives of congregations and individuals. It is when unbelievers meet Christians personally, and recognise God’s work in our lives, that perceptions will change.

The second barrier is the nature of the gospel itself. Long ago many community gatekeepers decided that the gospel was untrue and irrelevant.  My guess is the prevailing relativistic mood of society puts aside the true question, and simply regards the gospel as irrelevant. It does not seem to have any ‘cash value’ in the present.

Once again, the way in which Christians live must constitute part of the response to this issue. On the other hand, we also have to analyse the impact of Christ.
We need to be able to indicate persuasively the way in which the gospel throws light on, and assists in everyday life. For example, the gospel has much to say about addictions, their source and significance, and our capacity to break them. Pastors must develop doctrinal and ethical teaching to help Christians express their faith in contemporary and telling ways.

The third barrier is the most fundamental – the spiritual one.  Readers of the Bible are not surprised when the gospel fails to receive a warm acceptance. Jesus’ parable of the sower is a constant reminder that the human heart frequently rejects the word of God. Indeed, this is part of our addiction, in this case, to sin.
The only method we have of sharing the gospel is through the word of God accompanied by prayer. It is the Spirit of God alone who can prepare and open human hearts to the truth of God’s word.

Peter F. Jensen
Archbishop of Sydney
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The Mission has begun!

At a recent meeting of the Mission Task Force I put the question, “Has the Mission started?”

I was delighted with the answers that emerged. Seven or eight of the members reported positive actions and even successful outcomes.

In different places around the Diocese, churches have begun to think Mission, with positive results. New congregations have begun. Better still, in one or two places, struggling churches have been revitalised by the arrival of congregations which have been looking for a new home.

On two occasions in the last month I have shared in large parish gatherings as they have formally accepted the Mission and heard of plans for its implementation. These have been exciting times!

But the stimulus provided by the Mission goes much further than that. There is a real, significant movement detectable. All sorts of parishes and Christian groups are using the Mission as an opportunity to reflect upon their goals and their current practice.

Congregations are seeing the Mission video and beginning to ask themselves what they would have to do in order to reach out into their own community. All sorts of practical issues are being discussed, often centering around the question, “What stops us inviting people to our church?”

In other words, congregations and parishes are aligning themselves to the Mission and using it as a tool for effective and fruitful change.

There is, of course, far to go as yet and I draw your attention to the first policy once more: the need for spiritual renewal through the Word of God, godly living and prayer. Unless we continually grapple with this challenge, the Mission will have minimal and short-term effects.