Here's a summary of the video below, which is a bit of a reaction/rant in response to an evangelism webinar I recently watched.

As I head out onto the lake for some ice fishing on a Saturday afternoon, I'm meeting up with my fishing and hunting partner, Adam. The recent melt has left the lake surface soupy, with 4 feet of ice underneath. The snow has melted and refrozen, creating a tricky surface where you occasionally drop through.

Evangelism Webinar Disappointment

During the drive, I reflect on a recent online course about evangelism I attended. The webinar aimed to address challenges in modern evangelism and improve its effectiveness. As someone deeply interested in winning new people to faith in Christ, I went in with moderate expectations.

Unfortunately, the webinar fell short. With several hundred attendees, the main thesis for more effective evangelism boiled down to simply getting better at inviting people to church. This approach contradicts what we believe is the New Testament call – to go out, not to invite people in.

The Need for Relational Evangelism

While there may be times to invite unbelievers to Christian events or services, true evangelism is about:
1. Building relationships
2. Personal engagement
3. Equipping ourselves to share our faith
4. Being open to the Spirit's guidance for supernatural interventions

Inviting someone to church should be a small part of the overall evangelistic effort.

Challenges in Post-Christendom Canada

In Canada, where I live, we're in a post-Christendom era. Church attendance isn't a given, and evangelical Christians make up less than 7% of the population. This doesn't mean people aren't spiritual or seeking, but it does mean that the Christian faith isn't the default for seekers[1].

A Call for Personal Evangelism

Effective evangelism in this context requires:
- Inviting people into our homes
- Building relationships that allow for shared activities (coffee, ice fishing, etc.)
- Personal training in evangelism
- Passionate intercession for seeker friends
- Being alert to the Spirit's guidance in approaching individuals

The fixation on the "come here" model, while disappointing, has motivated me to emphasize the importance of personal evangelism even more.

Conclusion: Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples

As I approach my buddy's ice fishing spot, I'm reminded of the Great Commission in Matthew 28. It's about going, baptizing, and teaching obedience to Christ's commands. The gospel remains as powerful as ever, but our methodology needs to change. It's no longer about inviting people to come; it's about getting out there ourselves.

Let's be disciples who make disciples by actively engaging with the world around us, praying attentively, and allowing God to work through us in powerful ways.