Some people look at their local church and are saddened by the changes they have seen take place... and some of those feelings are for good reasons. However, it is also important to remember that in many ways we must always be changing and evolving to in order to better minister to the culture that we live in. There really is no disputing this truth. If I used a curriculum that we written in the 1930s, there is a very large chance that the content will be effective simply because it was written by a people writing to others living in the 1930s. While the core truth and beliefs may not change, the method in which that truth is taught and conveyed must evolve and change if we are to effectively relate to a 21st century people.
The reason why evangelism must look different in the year 2011 than in did 10, 20, or 50 years ago is because people and culture change. For example, it was much easier to go 'door to door' 50 years ago because in the year 1961, the pastor/priest and the American Church was not nearly the laughing stock that it has become today. With constant news reports of sexual abuse, child abuse, money fraud, affairs, etc, how can we not expect the image of the church to change? How can we expect people to not question the Christian faith when they turn on the television and watch Benny Hinn hitting people with his jacket as he fills them with the Holy Spirit? With that said, the average household is skeptical at best when it comes to the American Church. Therefore, evangelism must look different than it did even just 10 years ago. Before we begin telling people about our faith, we ought to embody it with a servant heart. We must engage in the slow work of building relationships and allowing our faith story to flow out of that relationship. Because whenever someone is truly seeking to know and love Christ more each day, it is impossible for others not to see Christ in them.
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