Monday, October 06, 2008
-
Evangelizing to the Point of Being Hated...
I was listening to one of my favorite morning shows on an alternative rock station. One of the hosts was complaining about a Christian coworker who insisted on evangelizing in the workplace. He said that half the people working there hate her, while the others ignore her. All three hosts agreed that her constant evangelizing was annoying, disruptive, and unprofessional, yet to the one host in particular, the woman has seemed to make an aggressive point in winning him over to the Kingdom.
The more he ignores her, he said, the more she seems to push her religion onto him. One Christian caller to the show said that "this is what we do. We push and push because we want people to have what we have."
I strongly disagree. Firstly, I want people to know I'm a Christian by my actions, not so much by my words. I want them to see I'm a good worker, always cheerful and/or optimistic, respectful and loving to others. We're called to be a light in the world, aren't we? But as part of the world, we need to operate accordingly. My boss doesn't pay me to win people over to Jesus; he isn't a pastor or missionary, but a business man. Likewise this woman who works for a secular radio station.
Secondly, what is wrong with this woman?! Jesus said numerous times that we'll be hated because of his name, so how is continuing to push that name on someone who obviously doesn't want to hear it going to help win him over?!
Were it me, I would give him all the space he wants, be kind and courteous...and then pray for him. That last is the worst thing we can do for someone who doesn't want anything to do with Jesus.
I'm going to offer two Biblical arguments for a situation such as this. The first are the words of Jesus that I alluded to above: "You are the light of the world. ... Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Give your coworkers a good reason to notice you. Don't gossip; don't take excessive smoking breaks; don't waste time playing fantasy football. Do your work with integrity; even if you don't work for a church, remember you work for the Kingdom.
Second argument is from Peter, the quintessential foot-in-mouth evangelist: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
When your coworkers notice something different and ask...then tell them about Jesus!
These are merely my strongly-held opinions, but as a product of an aggressively evangelistic church, I've seen the effect of the wrong approach, and it often is along the lines of this morning show host.
What do you think? Is it appropriate to evangelize to the people around you or at work?
-
recommend
- recs 0
- give stars
- votes 1
-
share
-
email
- sent 0
Comments (25)
I agree with you. The more you push, the more they will turn away. It takes patience, but living as we should will draw people to us and ultimately (hopefully) to Christ.
Great post. Very well developed.
It's pretty intuitive that the Christian who approahes conversationally and as a friend would be more effective than the Christian who approaches as an aggressive used car salesman.
I'm not religious, and I've settled pretty comfortablly into my position. I still like talking to Christians, though. Conservations go nowhere, though, with the Evangelical folks who only firmly and aggresively hammer their points.
In addition to being poor theology, this kind of "evangelism" violates a basic principle of human nature. Ask any salesman how this works. The best kind of marketing is the one that first points out a need I have, and then demonstrates how well the product will meet that need. Assuming I really have that need, and assuming the product really addresses it, I'll buy it. I'm not going to buy something just because some random Joe says "I have this, and I think you need one too." I'll buy it if (and only if) I'm persuaded it will meet my needs. If you can't show me that your product does that, I'm not buying. That's just the way it works, folks.
And heck, I'm already a Christian; I can only imagine how non-believers feel about this. Excuse me while I go bang my head on the table again.
I agree with everything you said.
I am far from perfect, I do some things that others would consider a sin, but its not. They come at me, shoving scriptures down my throat, and I see them act the same way with non-believers...and I feel sick to my stomach.
We are the only religion who does this! I mean yeah Jehovah Witnesses/Mormons do this too, but you don't see Muslims or Jews or Hindus or Buddhists try to convert EVERYBODY to their religion...but yet we believers take Matthew 28:19 and RUN with it, to the point that people hate us.
Now it does say in the book of John that the world hates us because they hate Christ...but the bible also says live peaceably with others...
IDK, I don't get it. But I totally agree with you! Actions speak MUCh louder than words.
I think people would be a lot more receptive to Christ if Christians didn't constantly push it down their throats. I'm Catholic, and I still get people doing this to me.
I completely agree with you. It sounds to me like this woman is placing the responsibility of her coworkers' salvation on her shoulders, instead of relying on God. Thus, she continues to essentially harass them because she feels the burden to convict them, when in fact conviction comes from the Holy Spirit alone. I think there is a time to witness through words, but not at the expense of making Christ and Christians look bad.
I was just remembering how I heard about this people group in Nepal, called the Raute people. They are semi-nomadic and hunt monkeys, selling the meat and also these hand-woven baskets and such for food...their only contact with the outside world is through this trading process. They are very secretive and suspicious of others.
I felt God calling me to go to them, but He wouldn't give me any opportunity to actually go. So I prayed, and I prayed and I prayed. Sometimes I would argue with God, "No one else knows about these people! No one else is going to want to go to them. How in the world are they ever going to hear about Your Son?" I easily forgot that I learned about them through a Christian website...which means that somebody knows and thinks of them enough to share their spiritual needs with others.
A couple years later, I was sent an article by a friend telling how the Gospel had broken through to the Raute people and the majority of tribesmen became believers. They even sleep with their Bibles under their pillows so that they are always close to them. I was amazed...and it was a perfect example of God working beyond my reach and teaching me that He can do work without me as well. :) I just try to focus on my love for Him and pray that others see that and want it too. :)
Work is the wrong place to be telling people about Jesus. You are paid for your job, to do your job.
You can't think you'll be paid by Jesus in Heaven for telling people about him.
If people are interested, they will approach you with few words you have to say.
@Pass_the_Aura@xanga - @huginn@xanga - @Breath - @HeadStrongChica@xanga - @eclipse_the_dawn@xanga - @Erin1022@xanga -
I know responding to you all as a group like this is a bit cold, but I am so happy that you agree with me! Some Christians feel that we ought to be doing what this woman has in this way; they even have scripture to back up their belief. I just wasn't sure if their people-skills are different then my own or whether I had mis-communicated something through my post.
A few of you likened this form of evangelism to a used-car salesman, and the likeness works. I just don't see this type of evangelism effective in this situation. Especially on the job! Christians shouldn't chase someone down as they're trying to get on the elevator just to get a "plug in for Jesus!"
@xapatotheworld - I'm so happy things worked out for the Raute people; God was indeed right when he told Isaiah that "his arm is not so short that it can't save." I'm sure your prayers helped, however...and the fact that you were so ready to go minister...that's amazing. God needs more people like you who are ready to drop everything to tell people about his Son! So what if he has to reign you in once or twice; he sees that you're serious about doing what he did after all tell us to go do ("go into all the world..."). I find that amazing and inspiring. Thank you.
@Miss_Goldenrod - I realized that I forgot to tie that story in with your blog...so it might look slightly askance. You mentioned that you should give them space, show kindness, and pray for them. In Erin1022's comment she says that it sounded like the coworker was taking responsibility for the salvation of the other coworkers in there. It's a really difficult thing to do. To turn to something intangible like prayer and step back and let things go their course...but prayer is the least intangible thing out there. It shouldn't be our last resort, it should be the first thing we put on before going out as servants of Christ. Note: I say this as much to myself as to anyone else...prayer is often my last resort and I've seen how much good is missed out on by not turning to prayer first.
I agree with this post. I try to show through my actions by being a good and respectful worker and not going to happy hour to set myself apart at work. If someone starts talking about Christianity I would join in the conversation. It is best to pray for people's hearts to be soften to receive the Kingdom seed first than just approaching random people at work.
when someone at the beach is drowning any caring person would naturally want to rescue them, it is the lifeguards that are best at the job. (because of their training)-- Christians need training as well. Wisdom is needed, good intentions are not enough.
She's going beyond what she can do-- plant the seed-- But being forceful?? She can't change them. Ulitmately, it is God who works through us. Once she's done her part, it sounds like she needs to back off.
Very good post, but if our worldview does not influence at work then we suck! There is a time to push and a time not to push. "Business" to the world is just another name for greed. Too many Christian's bow down to cursed worldy ideas. And rest assured the business model of the world is GREED. We are new creations in Christ and as such should NEVER act or think like the world. Christians in general (especially in the US) are easly tripped up in their witness because they have too much of the world's pop-culture in their lives. Satan has done a decent job leavening up the lump!
i agree with you 100%
you mentioned it in your blog: Jesus said numerous times that we'll be hated because of his name
i think some people (this woman in particular) take that to mean that if people hate them for evangelizing, then they must be doing their job. you can blame it on Adam or Eve, but as humans, we have the gift of free will. Jesus didn't force himself on anyone throughout his ministry, so it always puzzles me when people feel the need to be aggressive to the point of becoming obnoxious. it's quite counter-productive.
I'VE SEEN TOO MANY WRONG CHRISTIAN EVANGELISATIONS BEFORE. And sadly, it's quite a major reason why so many people reject Christianity. We all know that we LOVEEEE to promote what we think is right and the best, but we should do it in a tactful manner. God gives people the freedom to choose to know/love Him or not. And God has His own plans for the people around you. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't evangelise at all, but rather, show them God's love through your actions. They will acknowledge and appreciate you more.
I don't think so. You are at work to work. If you are on a break or at lunch etc. with a co-worker and it comes up I feel it's fine to share with them your experience, strength and hope but not to push it on them. The best way to lead someone is by example - it's easy to talk the talk but if you walk the walk people will be inspired by you and want to know what you have.
i think Christians should have to pass some type of theology course before they can witness. nothing makes us look worse than getting the basic message wrong.
I have loads of horror stories about me evangelizing at work. First of all, I had no business trying to do so. I have no gifting in that area at all.
Secondly, I had no business evangelizing to folks I hadn't let into my heart. I was evangelizing AT them, not showing Abba's love to them.
Thirdly, I was trying to convince them into the Kingdom instead of following the lead of Holy Spirit. Anyone who can be reasoned in can be reasoned back out.
In all, in evangelizing in my own wisdom and power I made our wonderful Father's name far more odious than it already was to those I worked with. And it only took me about seven years to see it!
I have since determined only to seek Abba's heart for each of those with whom I work so that they might begin to know His love and perhaps be drawn to its Source.
The phrase "I want people to know I'm a Christian by my actions, not so much by my words," is a cop out. Yes, people should know you are Christian by your actions, but you should also be bold. Eleven out of the twelve apostles died because they weren't afraid to talk about Jesus, and Jesus also died for this very reason. Do you think if Jesus had just done the miracles and remained silent, they would have killed Him?
Additionally,
if you are waiting for people to see something different in you to ask
you about Christianity, you might be waiting a while, because there are
plenty of "good people" who aren't Christian and plenty of "Christians"
who aren't good people.
I'm not saying that I completely disagree with you. This women might be doing it wrong, but what if she is a wonderful person in every other aspect. What if she is kind and helpful, and the only thing they hate her for is talking about Jesus. If this is the case, then she is doing nothing wrong. Among the numerous problems in the world, one of them is not that Christians talk about Jesus too much.
To cite a specific story in the Bible, Paul gets arrested because he is talking about Jesus, so what does he do? He talks to the guards about Jesus, and he does it until they come to believe in Christ.
Furthermore, if someone hates you because of the name of Jesus, how do you approach saving them? By hiding from the name? Jesus is the name that saves. If you love the person,
the only loving thing to do is to continue to tell them about Jesus.
There is a right way to do this, but to not do it at all is much worse than not trying at all. That's pretty much giving up on the person and being complacent with the fact they are going to Hell.
And behind all of this, if the women is a Christian, isn't the correct response for us to pray for her, and to also pray for the people at her work. I once worked
at a place that had a "Jesus lady," and when I first got there a
co-worker told me that everyone hated her. As I worked their longer though, I discovered that everyone really loved her (including the person who told me that previously), and that she had helped
several people come to know Christ at the office. In fact, the reason
that the co-worker complained is because the co-worker felt convicted
to change her life, but was not willing to. What if the lady at the
radio station had led one person to Christ at work? We don't know the
entire situation, but if one life has been saved, Hallelujah. Pray for her. Pray for them.
And one last thing, the Bible says that whatever you do, do it for the Lord. That includes working. The job of a Christian is to serve Christ and to follow his teachings (which include the Great Commission). Christ should be our priority always, in every situation, even if we are at work.
Sorry for the formatting by the way, I've deleted this post like twice trying to fix it, and it still does that weird spacing dilly.
People go to work to work. Annoying them will only make them be less productive. The best thing to do is invite people out for drinks or whatever, and take it outside the facility.
I agreed with HeadStrongChica when she wrote:
"We are the only religion who does this! I mean yeah Jehovah Witnesses/Mormons do this too, but you don't see Muslims or Jews or Hindus or Buddhists try to convert EVERYBODY to their religion...but yet we believers take Matthew 28:19 and RUN with it, to the point that people hate us."
I was raised Catholic and in recent years I've kind of moved away from the ways Catholicism is practiced and am in a sense "shopping" for a new outlook on God and religion. I don't want someone to continuously push their ideas and beliefs onto me because it may just make me turn away even more, I'd rather wait til I know God is calling to me to go a certain way. I don't need a salesman to sell the Bible and God to me; I've already bought into it, but to slap a label on a set of beliefs and make it "the one and only way" just doesn't seem fitting to me. I know religion and what you choose to believe in is firmly based on faith alone, but it's so hard to find a faith in something specific when I'm currently faced with so many different options of spirituality, like an all you can eat buffet. People should naturally feel what they are drawn to; if God chooses to convey His message in deeper meaning to me, I think He will know when it is right and guide me in the right direction. For now I will wait patiently.
And if that woman wants to tell everyone about her beliefs, I don't see much wrong with it, but she should probably tone it down a bit. If she believes in the Golden Rule, she should realize that others at her job aren't shoving their ideas in her face and give them the same respect. Nothing is wrong with singing the praises of Jesus, but if her Jewish/Catholic/Muslim/Atheist/etc coworkers are set firmly in their beliefs and don't try to impose them on everyone else, she could take a leaf our of their books.
there are a lot of christians who don't see the world the way you do though. they see every single sentence as an opportunity to slide christ into someones life and it's the people who continually do this who drive more people away. I generally just mock people until they just won't talk to me anymore. ignoring is like fuel for the fire, but no one likes their messiah called an attention seeking suicide-artist.
There are lots of good arguments here. None of them can be 100% correct of course as we are not perfect, only God is perfect. I'm not claiming that my view is anywhere near perfect but here it is.
I'd like to take another angle in the argument by pointing out all the times that athiests try to 'shove their views down my throat'. It seems that because Christianity is the most practiced religion in the world Chrisitans are grouped together in a 'pigeon-hole' together. If one wanted to speak the name of Christ at work then one should be allowed.
If the athiests are allowed to express their views freely in work and not wait until lunch breaks or after work (as has been suggested we do for our views by some people on this forum) then we should be allowed too. The same goes for Muslims, Jews, Mormons and anyone else. We have such good news as Christians, news which many other religions do not have, and it is that we have a saviour in the form of Christ. This is perhaps why we like to tell people about Christ more than other religions like to tell of their views (eg - the Jews are still waiting for a messiah, the Muslims too, Buddhists don't even have the idea of a messiah... I'm generalizing which I know is bad but I'm just trying to express a point.) Also of course the fact that there are simply more of us (Christians) so we are noticed more when we do express our views.
This is not to say that we should 'shove our views down their throats' but that we should develop relationships with people. As Christians we put Christ at the center of our lives, and as humans we naturally like to build relationships. 2 + 2 = lets build relationships with Christ at the center!
Jesus did not have one way of doings things for everyone, He treated each person in each situation as an individual. So we too should seek to treat people as individuals. If the approach of befriending them first works for them then so be it, if the approach of praying for them works then so be it, if the approach of just telling them about Jesus outright works then so be it.