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Discussion Board Forum 3
After reading Incarnational Apologetics by David Wheeler, I feel this approach to evangelism is right where I believe I stand when it comes to ministering to lost souls. Incarnational Apologetics demonstrates Christ’s life and love toward all people in our regular relationships. But it also allows us to evangelize/ make disciples to those who are lost by fulfilling a need as Christ would do. It also allows us to demonstrate “informational apologetics” by using “incarnational apologetics”[1]. Example, if I were trying to reach someone who was lost, I would listen to them and search for a way/ or need that they may have and as I approach their need, this would be an open opportunity to glorify Christ in reference to the fulfilled need. After which, I can begin to share my faith and let them know and help them to understand the very things God has allowed me to do for them, and that it was not of my own power but of God Divine Love, and how Christ can enter into their life, change their life, and use them to share their faith in another person’s life.
When we believe in this type of evangelism and live our lives based on this type of evangelism and discipleship. It changes us and allows us to interact with others especially those who are lost. It allows us to build relationships with those who are in need of a Savior. Some people are reluctant to approach people in evangelism because they are afraid that they do not know what to say (informational), but sometimes it is alright to do for others and inform them that Christ can and will do the same and more if they would only trust Him. I do not believe I have any barriers when it come to this type of evangelism, because this is the only way I know.
After listening to the Lindsey interview, if she was my neighbor the first thing I would do is pray for her and her family. Next, every opportunity that I had I would present myself as a good neighbor, looking for ways to be incarnational and intentional. I would plant spiritual seeds by sharing bits of my faith every time I made contact with my neighbor. And through prayer and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, wait for the opportunity to become informational. But as my neighbor, she would see me living upright, and I would show the love that Christ would have me to show. I would not be too quick to try and change her mind or convince her of Christ right off. I would eventually intentionally share Christ with her but not too much at one time, as this may scare her away or cause an argumentative situation. The most that I would do is show love toward my neighbor. And as time passes I would find a common ground which is referred to as informational, and share my faith.
Bibliography
Wheeler, David, The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics, Caner, Ergun, and Ed Hindson (eds.)
“Incarnational Apologetics”, Eugene, OR, Harvest House Publishers, 2008
