“How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life was possible and not tell them that.”
Penn Jillette, provocative talk show host and atheist, was pondering that question recently after a businessman gave him a Bible. Even though he has no belief in God, Penn was puzzled by the lack of interest that Christians seem to have in sharing their faith. In his video here Penn said,
“I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If I believed a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe it, there is a certain point I tackle you. And this is more important than that.”
Dave Stone shared this story at the Synergy Conference yesterday in the south suburbs of Chicago. Dave is the Sr. Pastor at Southeast Christian in Louisville, a church of over 17,000. He shared these other notable thoughts regarding Evangelism:
- If you don’t get a tear in your eye when you think of your community, you’ll never reach them.
- Evangelism must be a lifestyle, not simply an activity.
- Carry 3×5 cards in your pocket with the names of people where you bank, eat, or go often. People must feel appreciated before they hear you.
- Do little things to earn the right to be heard.
- Like…give them your cell phone number and permission to call anytime.
- Many people don’t know they are lost until they are found.
Wow…I am really convicted by that. It is amazing how God can use the words of an unbeliever to enlighten our eyes to the need of evangelism in our daily lives.
I was kind of surprised by how touched he seemed to be by the man’s kindness towards him. It makes me wonder what experiences he’s had with other Christians.
It gave me more courage to speak to strangers about the Lord. I don’t need to be really “heady” and smart…just full of love and concern for where they could be headed.
Thanks for sharing this Ed. It reminded me again of the power of love when it is Christ’s character flowing through us.
Wow…I won’t say much more than that. =o) I didn’t think he was scary looking though dad, come on. =o) That’s the kind of guy I would like to chat with, he respects others who show respect for him as a person, regardless of whether he agrees with them or not. We should all be able to share what we believe is true with respect and love for one another.
Ann
Bek,
It seems you caught the deeper point.
It seems Penn was saying….if we can treat others as legitimate and show them Christ’s love…eye to eye…we free the spirit to touch them in deep ways. And he did seem touched didn’t he?
Thanks for sharing again…its been awhile and I missed you.
Ann,
That sounds like you….never scared of anyone.
It was a great lesson on anchoring all we do in love.
This shows me that God will meet and connect with a person, right where they are in life.
God will use someone that the other person can relate to, in order to connect with them and draw them, and proselytize.
IF you listen to Penn, he is basically saying, he connected with the big guy, because he was big like him, he showed love, and he was bold enough to speak the truth to Penn.
The world is waiting for Christians to stop being afraid of being criticized, and tackle the world for Jesus.
That is why God is using ex-gang bangers, prostitutes, pimps, bikers, millionaires, movie stars, ect. to reach the lost in those areas of life.
Some people just wont recieve the truth from the guy in the suit or the lady in the dress knocking on there door and leaving a track in their hand. And some don’t feel worthy or ready to step into a church building.
I’m glad the big guy met Penn on his turf and wasn’t afraid of being criticized for being at Penn’s show.
We are going to start hearing about conversions happening in places we haven’t thought of before.
Thanks for sharing Ed
Tyrone,
You always bring a broader perspective to the posts which stretches my thinking. That’s a good thing. Jesus used those kinds of people in His Kingdom effort as well.
I appreciate it along with your passion for the Kingdom. I hope you always feel welcome and valued here.
This really challenges me, too. “How much do you have to hate someone, if you really believe, not to tell them?”
We’ve been talking a lot in our church about learning how to “Go and Be” the church in the world, rather than simply inviting people to “Come and See” what we do in our meetings. This big guy really did that. Penn is probably never going to accept an invitation to come to that guy’s church, but because he went to Penn, and looked him in the eye and was kind and sincere, he made a difference. I don’t think Penn would have responded to ‘preaching.’ The big guy didn’t talk about himself or his knowledge or even Jesus, directly. He talked about Penn. And Penn saw that he was a “good man.” It may take a hundred or more such conversations for Penn to realize that the kindness and goodness he sees is Jesus. (John 13:35 again!) But God is pursuing him, and he’s already sharing the story, even though he doesn’t yet believe. He knows it’s good news, but believes it isn’t true. What a great reminder to us to be people who demonstrate the love of Christ where people are, on their terms.
Dan,
Don’t you think when they look in our eyes it’s clear if love is the driver…ie were good/selfless people. And love is of God….everyone wants to experience love…ie God…even guys like Penn it seems.
The tough part for us Christians is to ensure love is the driver down in the deeper corners of our heart. That’s my struggle any way.
Wow! This is an amazing clip. Thanks for sharing.
What I find most significant, and you mentioned in the bullet points above, is that this business man earned the right to speak to Penn.
By attending Penn’s show, learning Penn’s language, and relating to Penn where Penn was at, the business man was able to approach Penn respectfully. On the contrary, someone who had protested the event or bashed Penn for his atheism would have never had to opportunity to be heard.
It’s not enough to pass out tracts on the street or picket against those we disagree with. This only turns people away. These types of important conversations can never happen when we go on the offensive and attack others. If we want to share our beliefs with others in a form that is actually understandable it has to be done on a personal level, only after we’ve done the work to know them and love them.
The church has floundered in it’s evangelism efforts for many years because we have pour billions of dollars into impersonal methods such as TV and radio broadcasts, tracts, street preaching, and various other “bullhorns” that blast our message loud and clear.
When God sent the Gospel to earth it wasn’t just a loud blast from heaven, in the person of Christ. A human who could relate and love those he contacted. The exchange of truth can only come in personal conversations between people, not in shotgun blasts of propositional or summary statements of “truth.” Truth must be lived.
Bryce,
Thanks for your great points. We’ve heard these all before but we seem to struggle to apply them. Why is that?
We know people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care…yea I know an old thought but still a great one. We have to build trust first. Do you think people don’t get or or just don’t want to take the time to build the trust?
Ed