SOME STATISTICS
Most churches confirm that even when there is dramatic growth, it is normally growth involving Christians moving from one church to another, very few are the product of new disciples being led to the Lord for the first time.

 

EVANGELISTIC METHODS
Looking at this passage in Acts there are two places that Paul focussed his evangelistic efforts. The one was reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue, the other was in the market place. In today’s world people do not come to the church when they are in trouble. For this and other reasons the church should go out with the gospel rather than be inward looking; finding ways to connect with unbelievers in the areas of natural contact, building bridges where possible. This seems to be the N.T. method, at least here where Paul encounters the people at Mars Hill in Athens.

One of the things that are striking is the way the Apostle uses the opportunity afforded by the name of one of their gods viz. UNKNOWN. Instead of rebuking them he commends them for being religious and then proceeds to tell them of the true God. Notice also that he does not refer to the O.T. but rather uses their own poets to connect with his group. He moves to the doctrine of creation and develops this theme as this would be a common starting point.

There are three reactions Paul encounters: Some sneered; others procrastinated, (we will hear you again on this subject), and some believed. Being rejected is simply a part of the reality of sharing the gospel. We should not be afraid of it or perhaps we should say we should be prepared for it.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Read through the passage and note how the Apostle handles the situation. Use these observations to find ways we could use as connecting points in our culture.
• Brian Douglas used the example of tattoos as a talking point. Instead of condemning the practise, which closes the discussion, use it in a positive way. Another example is the book The secret which can be used in the same way.
• Think of other ways and examples that will encourage the group to open dialogue with unbelievers.