Christians who want to see the world hear the message of salvation in Jesus are constantly seeking methods to include new people in our church meetings. There are so many possibilities because the reasons for and pathways taken by people as they join churches are almost infinite.
Generally though, the means by which people enter congregational life have fallen into one of two camps.
On the one hand they join because the church as an institution is positioned in their mind as perhaps a harbour for morals, an anchor of rootedness in a shifting, uncertain world, offers a purpose for existence, a solution in times of hardship, or is the carrier of truth. So parents send their children to Sunday School for any or all of these reasons and older people test the waters of church life for similar reasons.
On the other hand, people join because others with whom they have relationship and respect have invited them to join.
In recent years, because of changes in society the focus among Sydney evangelicals has been along the line of relationships. Mobility has meant the local parish church on the corner of my suburb need not be my church.
I do not want to dismiss the first reason why people join church, but I do want to suggest a way that, under God, we can make the most of relationships in drawing people into our fellowships.
We are all aware that we have the most numerous and strongest relationships with unbelievers before we come to faith, and over time our relationships focus more on other Christians. It is also usually the case that when people join our congregational life, we spend lots of time ensuring they have understood the Faith and committed to Christ. After some time, we ask them to share in our evangelistic efforts - when their relationships with unbelievers are on the wane.
What I want to suggest is that whenever someone joins us desiring to know God that we ask very early on "Is there anyone you know, who you would like us to help you with in their getting to know God better?"
That question is a real mouthful, but it supposes that everyone has friends who they want to have know Jesus. It puts up front that the Christian life is concerned with the souls of others, and seeks to aid them when they are best placed in relationships. It implies "while you might have the evangelistic contacts, we are working together in this ministry".
I have even asked this question of people who are not yet Christians, but who are keen for others to begin on the path they have begun walking. I have never had anyone object to this question.
I cannot see why we should wait before asking people to share in evangelism with us, but asking the question may mean that we will conduct various types of evangelistic ministries shaped not by our customs but by the people we are brought into contact with.
