Churches are not only gathering places for Christians but also important landmarks in many cities. Some of them have become famous tourist attractions. How should the church share the gospel with non-Christian visitors?
In recent years, a number of Chinese people keen to celebrate Christmas have gone to church on Christmas Eve and wanted to feel the festival atmosphere. As youth idol dramas gain popularity, the church turned into a symbol of fashion and love. A percentage of non-Christian newly-weds choose to shoot wedding photos in the church. Out of their love for art and culture, some photographers and intellectuals are also regular church visitors. In a word, a non-Christian group who has admiration, curiosity, and appreciation for the Christian faith also come to the church. However, many of them have doubts about Christianity. Then how to reach these people?
There are two ways to evangelize: directly and indirectly.
A church can set up a special team to evangelize to non-Christian visitors. The team members may receive training on basic theology and Christian history and culture. For people who want to know about Christianity, they can tell the truth of the gospel in a direct way, like talking about core doctrines such as creation, the fall, salvation, and sanctification. Other people can be told information such as the history of a church and Christian culture. Through this indirect way can they learn about the faith gradually.
If a church finds it difficult to build a relevant team, try evangelism through writing. Make a bulletin board on the Christian faith in your church. Brochures with content regarding the gospel, history, and culture can be available for free to spread the gospel.
A church with good financial conditions can also play or make faith-related videos for the public.
(The author is a Christian from Fujian, the southeastern province of China.)
-Translated by Karen Luo
