ENTERING THE WORLD OF THE UNCHURCHED

Acts 17 16—34
I have been talking of late about the world of the unchurched and how we can enter into their world. If we are going to invite folks from outside faith to cross the threshold into faith community we need to know of which they come. There are many ways to do this but they may be summarized in two ways.

We can begin to enter the world of the unchurched from a distance.
We can do that by reading what they read, watching what they watch, and attending the things that they attend. We keep current with the concerns, interests, and trends that take the “world” by storm. We keep up to date with those things that affect the lives of those we are seeking to draw into the circle of God’s love.

Ask yourself how you learn about the world outside the church. This should be intentional and purposeful because many of us who have been Christians for a long time find we have little contact or even knowledge of the unchurched world around us. In the past week, what books, newspapers, or magazines did you read? Were they all Christian based? If so, try to expand your reading to include news from the world around you. Do you watch TV? Do you go to the movies? Do you listen to music? Without compromising your values you need to take in and understand the values that are shaping this generation. We really need to know the fears that threaten this generation, the hopes that move this generation, and the many problems that unsettle this generation. All these things are reflected on the tube, the screen, and in the lyrics.

We can also enter their world personally.
My wife likes to shop as do many spouses. I personally detest shopping but I often go to be with her. While she is perusing the stores I people watch. I do so also in restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Wherever people gather, and as often possible, I strike up conversations. I try to ask questions that prompt people to talk about themselves. Then I try to just listen. What a goldmine of information this can be. Think about this for yourself.

What can a stroll through a mall teach you about today’s culture? What can you learn about people from bserving their behavior at a restaurant? Missionaries know that the first thing they need when entering a new culture is “cultural informants” who can teach them what they need to know. Who would those people be for you? Who could best inform you about the other cultures in our area?

Here’s another purposeful intentional act to increase your influence in the unchurched world. Make friends with people who are not Christian. Enter their world, earn their trust, and enjoy them. Find out what they care about and think about ways to get to know him/her better.

You might even join non-Christian organizations. Serve on the school board, work in a soup kitchen or join a non-church-related social group. It is only by first understanding someone’s world and then by entering their personal world that we earn the right share the love of Jesus and help lead another to faith.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Cor 9:22)