Campus CrossWalk Magazine: 2008 Spring Issue -- No Strings Attached

EVANGELISM STRINGS:

Though it is subtle, many evangelism strategies on campus have strings attached to them:

: “Let me put on this huge concert and don’t forget about the church(es) that made all this possible.”; “Let me give you this free hamburger and don’t forget this little flyer telling you all about us so you will come be a part of us.”; “Let me invite to our building for this cool event and please fill out this form so we have a record of your attendance.”

I understand that all these so-called “strings” are innocent attempts to keep us connected with these “potential converts.” But, the more time I spend in the gospels at Jesus’ feet, the more uncomfortable I am becoming with these “strings” we use. I see Jesus going out to people just being available, serving them in ways he can, showing them what life with Jesus involves, and pointing them to the Father in everything. It is as if their paths just crossed and Jesus was present. Jesus didn’t feel compelled to get all their information so he could do follow-up work. I don’t see the strings; and so, I’ve got to ask some Jesus questions.

QUESTIONS:

What would happen if I just made myself available to students without any strings? What if I was just interested in meeting basic needs and nothing else? What if I never saw these people again? Is that really considered evangelism? What would happen if I was only interested in being Jesus, whatever that meant in the situation? Why do I still feel compelled to tell people who I am with, what church I go to, or even ask them to give me their information so I can get a hold of them later on—with emails or calls or facebook. What would it look like to not have any strings?

Consider this journey:

PRAYER:

Show me ways, God, that I can make myself available to students on campus without any strings. Please use me to bring students closer to you and not just closer to my group or my church. I’m not interested in big right now; I want small. I want others to begin seeing you through my stringless actions. You are the one they need, not me. Help me become available for your glory.

A CONVERSATION WITH JESUS:

: Jesus: Why don’t you just sit on campus?; Disciple: Yeah…but what should I do?; Jesus: Just be available for anyone I choose to send your way.; Disciple: Where should I sit?; Jesus: Don’t worry about that now…I will show you where to go.; Disciple: But how will people know that I am there? What makes me different that any other person just sitting there on campus?; Jesus: Make a sign that says, “Need Prayers? I will pray for you.” They will see you. Don’t worry about it because you will be there for a while.; Disciple: Should I put “Kats for Christ” or “Huntsville Church of Christ” or something like that so they will know what group I am with in case they wanted to get involved?; Jesus: Don’t worry about that. Just follow me on campus and point them to me.; Disciple: What if people want to know what group I am with?; Jesus: Just point them to me.; Disciple: How do I get a hold of them later to follow-up on their prayer?; Jesus: I know these people better than you do. They need me, not you. Just trust me that I will not abandon them. I might use you later, but don’t worry about that. I’ll send them your way again if I need you.; Disciple: What else do you want me to do?; Jesus: Dear child, please don’t get in a hurry. Be attentive, watch, listen, pray, have conversations, and be available. I will guide you.

Jesus is waiting for an opportunity to use you. How are you going to be completely available…without any strings?

Chris Blair is the campus minister at Huntsville Church of Christ serving Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. His wife, Tanya, and two children, Kayla (2½) and Tyler (5 months) are an integral part of his ministry. Education: BA, Accounting, University of North Texas 2001; MDiv, Ministry, Abilene Christian University 2004.