All across America, on city streets, college campuses, in public parks, and a multitude of other places, evangelism can be encountered. However, as our society becomes increasingly supportive of people progressing and liberating their beliefs, the integrity of Christian evangelism has begun to degrade. America has now become a breeding ground for non-biblical evangelism, veering away from the examples set by the apostles, prophets, and Christ himself, as messengers of the good news. 

THE CURRENT STATE OF EVANGELISM

Considering this, we must evaluate whether or not the true spirit of Christian evangelism has been preserved in America today. In an article written by Jason Blankenship, Evangelism Initiatives Team Leader of the California Southern Baptists Convention, he highlights the statistics behind the current state of evangelism. 

“Barna Research published findings that revealed a sharp decline in spiritual conversations among Americans—including Christians—over the past 25 years,” said Blankenship. What this data illustrates is that fewer Christians are willing to share their faith with others. This has been a leading cause of the decline in evangelism. 

There are various reasons why evangelism is declining. For starters, Christians in America have developed a lack of urgency in sharing the Gospel. Many Christians believe that, since Christianity has existed in America for so long, everyone has heard the Gospel and therefore there is no need to evangelize. But just because Christianity is prominent in our nation, does not mean that it is being accurately and authentically represented, meaning evangelism is still necessary.

DESENSITIZED TO GUILT AND SIN

Another reason why people are less likely to evangelize is hesitancy to bring up sin. Dr. Greg Ganssle, Professor in the Graduate Philosophy Program at Talbot, addresses this matter.

“People have lost their sense of guilt and sin,” said Ganssle, “These concepts have less traction than they used to. Partly this is due to a moral relativism, and partly it is due to a related hesitancy to call any action or attitude wrong. If we cannot admit we are wrong to one another, it is hard to admit it to God.”

We live in a hyper-individualistic society that encourages people to live however they want, without concern for the repercussions that follow this self-serving, desire-driven lifestyle. When people, whether Christians or not, live in such a way, they gradually become less concerned about guilt and sin. In many cases, these individuals believe that guilt and sin are just constructs used by Christians to fear-monger and force people out of their preferred lifestyles. Individuals who see guilt and sin used in such a way, often believe that Christians who call out sin see themselves as superior. 

Many Christians capitulate to these ideas and avoid topics of sin and hell, allowing people to become desensitized to guilt and sin. When individuals lose their sense of conscience, it can lead to a lost sense of urgency to repent. They might think ‘why should I change my beliefs if they aren’t producing any consequences?’ As Christians, it is our duty to respond to this question, and do as 1 Peter 3:15 says: “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (ESV). 

We bear hope in Christ, because of his life, death, and resurrection. It was our guilt and sin that nailed Jesus upon the cross, and it is this fact that compels us to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness and the transformation of our hearts. As evangelizing Christians, we must proclaim this element of the gospel. If we fail to do so, we risk facilitating people’s misunderstanding of the Christian faith.

“Explaining the gospel in terms of the need for forgiveness will likely have less of an appeal to secular people. We need to explain it along the lines of other themes such as hope or relationship with God. Of course, sin is still a central theme that disrupts our hope and relationships,” said Ganssle. 

HOPELESSNESS

Christians might also be hesitant to evangelize because they feel it is hopeless to try to rectify poor images of Christianity. Dr. Darin Lenz, a Biola professor and History Department Chair, describes how the Christian church has been misrepresented by numerous public figures, which has tarnished the image of Christians, evangelists in particular.

“There are a number of very famous ministers and celebrity pastors who have failed,” said Lenz. “Those failures, whether it’s financial or a lot of it’s sexual… I think that does a lot to hinder people, and especially if it’s someone that you know had, in some cases, decades of leadership in the church.” 

FEAR OF REJECTION

Christians also have a natural fear of rejection. When opportunities arise for Christians to evangelize to others, the fear of being rejected can prevent them from sharing the Gospel. Dr. Erik Thoennes, a professor of Theology at Biola, attests to this matter.

“Especially with social media, we can care so much about being popular and being liked…that the possibility that someone will reject us because of our stand for Christ, is too much for a lot of us,” said Thoennes.

Our culture has fostered an environment where social acceptance and affirmation lie at the center of one’s personal beliefs and lifestyle. People are constantly seeking approval from others. Many believers hesitate to evangelize because they know that once they do, their Christian identity will be made known. They presume that once their faith is known, they will automatically be discounted due to poor stereotypes and media portrayals of Christians. 

“Many Christians fear being associated with…terrible people, Bible thumpers, or overzealous evangelists,” said Thoennes. Believers that fear such associations can allow that to hinder their efforts in evangelizing.

I myself have hesitated in evangelizing to others out of a fear that I will be associated with such stereotypes. Having lived in predominantly secular communities and attending public schools most of my life, I have encountered and befriended many non-Christians. It can be daunting sharing the gospel with these individuals, as I am aware of how Christians are often wrongfully portrayed. When given the opportunity to share my faith with others, I fear that I might automatically be seen as a judgemental or hateful person. To be perceived in such a way can be frightening, as it means that people—including my friends—might reject me. 

However, while it is valid for us believers to fear the rejection of others, we must not hold back in our faith. Romans 1:16 elucidates how we must unashamedly proclaim the truth we live by, even if our culture does not adequately permit it. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (NIV). Even through fear, we must share the gospel because it is the power of salvation.