"Dual action' speaking effectively reaches Christians and non-Christians, argues JODIE MCNEILL

Last month I suggested that we should assume that every crowd contains a mixture of both Christians and non Christians, and that we should therefore address the audience accordingly.

What this means is that instead of speaking "evangelistic' talks to non Christians, and "edification' talks to Christians, we should do talks that aim to achieve both nurture and mission, at the same time.

This would be a difficult task were it not for the fact that God's word naturally addresses all people, whether they are Christians or not. This is because his word is Dual Action"”his tool for both mission and nurture.

What's more, these two actions naturally occur at the same time. It's like anti-dandruff shampoo. When we apply it to our hair it will always both wash the hair and heal the scalp. It's impossible to choose only one of the two actions. Likewise, the Word of God will always have a mission to non Christians and nurture Christians, whether or not we target one group or the other.

This means that when non Christians hear a talk addressed to Christians in a Christian gathering, then they will hear God speak to them as they "overhear' the message to Christians.

Yet, we can be far more inclusive of outsiders by speaking God's word in a way that they realise the talk is addressed to them as well as the Christians. Here is a four-step technique to help you speak God's Dual Action word in an outsider friendly fashion (with examples from Ephesians 2:1-10):

1. Identify the text's original audience. In the same way that we correctly emphasise the genre, it is useful to state whether the text was originally addressed to Christians or non Christians, if it is apparent.

For example, "As you can see, these sentences were first written to "Brothers', that is, Christian people"”those who are friends with God. Is that you?"
2. Indicate the different perspectives for Christians and non Christians. Make it clear to your hearers that each of them is either a Christian or a non Christian, and then tell each group what they should expect as they examine this portion of Scripture.

For example, "If you are a Christian, then today you will hear how God has brought you from spiritual death to life, by grace alone. If you're not yet a Christian, then you'll hear that God sees you as spiritually dead" and that only by believing in him can you come to life and avoid his judgement".

3. Instruct the hearers from the word. Now, just preach the word. However, be careful not to make statements that unintentionally suggest that your non Christian hearers are already saved. For example, it is better to say "In this verse we see that Christians are made alive with Christ", rather than "we are made alive with Christ".

4. Inform the different audiences of their appropriate responses. When making points of application, assume that there are both Christians and non Christians in the crowd, and address them accordingly. Occasionally, it will be appropriate to lead the non Christians in a prayer of commitment.

When we teach God's Dual Action word in this way, our Christian gatherings should naturally be appropriate for non Christians. What's more, every talk will be evangelistic, since both Christians and non Christians will be called to submit to the loving Lordship of Christ as they hear the gospel.

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