I've been reading the Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III. It is a excellent book telling the story of Patrick and his impact on the country of Ireland for Christ. The communities Patrick formed were very intentional in reaching people with the gospel of Christ but very different than Americans in their approach.
Hunter says that churches in America have a Roman model of communicating the gospel. They basically present the message, ask for a decision, and then bring people into community. The Celtic model is creating community with people, then using the community time to find opportunities for ministry and conversation, with this drawing people toward a point of belief and commitment. It is a much more relational model of the Christians calling. Hunter says this reflects the adage that Christianity is more caught than taught where as our models of church today focus more on the taught.
How do we become the light on the hill where people can connect before they commit?
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