I just finished another book, this one call The Coffeehouse Gospel from Relevant Books. This was a small book and I moved through it pretty quickly. I have wanted to read it for some time and it has called my name for months sitting on my bookshelf so I finally read it and I’m glad I did.
I have never felt comfortable with canned evangelism even though I’ve seen it work in some cases and have felt like I don’t do enough to talk about my faith with people I come in contact with who are non-believers. I could never bring myself to be so abrasive and ask a person “do you know where you are going if you were to die today”. I try not to but along with the world I tend to lump those people (though often well meaning) in to the group with Mormons and televangelists. Their hearts are in the right place but their means are in the wrong ball park, in my humble opinion.
I really like this book. It takes a different spin on talking with people about faith and God. Its all about listening to others and sliding in how faith works in your life and where it has taken you. Its about being real people and fessing up and stop pretending we are perfect little angels. Listening to their story, building friendship and relationships with people and as they open up, you open up and talk about it. Its no canned speech. Because God is working in you and He permeates from you (Acts 4:13) the gospel just comes out. God’s redemption isn’t recited memory verses its how He has redeemed you. Grace isn’t just a name for a girl (thanks Bono) its something you received and want to offer to others.
No more programs, no more door to door evangelism with canned speeches from EE, just your story shared with people you engage in conversation where ever you are (ie. coffeehouse, grocery store, gas station. Atleast for me.
Up next, Blue Like Jazz (I know I’m behind)
