How does a church grow? Generally, it grows through Word of Mouth. Right now, at New Creation, most of our growth is coming either through the preschool or through our website. As Lutherans, many of us are uncomfortable sharing the Word of God and talking about our beliefs. Not being a lifelong Lutheran, I know this only from what I read and what I have been told about Lutherans. However, this is also true for me.

    But my point is not really about church growth. Growth is a side-effect, a positive result, but not the point. Evangelism is the point. What is evangelism? Evangelism is the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs. It is our call.

 “…Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all!” – Psalm 96:2-3

“You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.” - II Timothy 3:5

    In today’s society, many have a skewed view of Christianity. Many have developed a loathing, disgust, and hatred of Christianity and Christians. Many develop their opinion based on what they see in the fringe, similar to how some view all Muslims as terrorists. That opinion is not based on overwhelming fact, but only sound bites coming from the extremes. At New Creation, our beliefs are not what people see in the media. We share a very different story of love, tolerance, understanding, hope, and healing. We must get the word out; we must let people know that there are other types of Christians.

    How do we do such things when we are so uncomfortable with talking about it? When many think of evangelism, they think of walking neighborhoods, going door-to-door. They think of annoying, self-righteous, co-workers. I think of the Cheech and Chong sketch Streets of New York Or Los Angeles Or San Francisco Or… “Have you heard the word of God today? ...Ya know, before I was all messed up on drugs but since I found the Lord, now I’m all messed up on the Lord…Have you talked to Jesus lately…He would like to hear from you sir?”

     These approaches often put people off. You also find that you invest an awful lot of time in people that are not open to hearing. You also have to be especially careful in professional relationships and in the workplace. I have found a much safer, less scary approach to evangelism. It is much more subtle. I rely on curiosity and observing.

    In my professional relationships and in the workplace I try to be a good example to others:

• I work hard
• I behave ethically
• I try to treat people fairly
• I try to be nice to everyone (this is a hard one)

    By doing these things, it helps develop relationships. People start to ask questions. I share little pieces at a time. People get curious and ask more and more. This doesn’t often result in someone coming to our church, but it has. It does often result in theological discussions in a safe and appropriate way. It allows me to share my beliefs with others, whom I’d probably never have the opportunity otherwise.

     I also try to observe how others respond and adjust what I say and how much I say by their response. A great example of this occurred only last week. I attended a reunion of former co-workers. When I was asked “What are you up to lately?” my response was usually “I’ve been doing a lot of non-profit work lately.” A couple people said “Oh” and changed the subject or wondered off.  Some people said “Oh yeah, what kind of non-profit?” To them I responded “Churches” Again, a few people lost interest at that point. In neither of these cases did I try to push it. However, several people stuck it out and continued to ask things like “Wow really?” “What kind of church?” “What do you do there?” “Tell me more about your church?” Many of these conversations continued into ideas and beliefs.

    Did I convert anyone? Will any of them show up at New Creation? Probably not. However, some of these conversations led to further connecting on LinkedIn and Facebook. For some, I planted a seed. For others, I piqued their curiosity. For these people, I left the door open for further conversation.

    It’s true; I used to be afraid to admit that I went to church. I used to avoid religious conversations at all costs. I’ve finally found a way that feels safer for me and, hopefully, the other person. I think of this as Ninja Evangelism. It’s not for everyone, but it works for me.

    Whether you are more comfortable as a ninja, a clown, a radio talk show host, an insurance salesman, find your style and get the Word out.

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:37-38