Ethics and Witnessing

[surfs]

When does witnessing or outreach cross the line into deception? What about a Christian inviting friends to an evangelistic meeting--service or music --but not telling them it is that type of event? What about a Christian inviting a friend/acquaintance to supper, but not telling him he will not be the only one there and all others there will be Christian? What about a church advertising through posters a free community barbacue, but not stating anywhere the event is sponsored by a church? We are told our light is to shine before men--Matt 5:16--are these approaches going against this by first hiding the Christian nature of the event from non-Christians? Where does it say we are to follow the Machevelian approach--the end justfies the means? Even Paul in 1Cor 9:22 in talking about using all means to reach out is referring to personally becoming like others--adapting to different situations--, not hiding the nature of the gospel approach.When once invited to a non-Christians birthday party off campus that I knew would be a scene of much drinking I went to express my greetings to the birthday person ,had pop and did not stay for a long period of time.That is different than the practices outlined in the first 3 questions.Has anyone reading this struggled with this issue in witnessing?

 

[English_Guy]

I do not see it so much now, but there was a tendency to witness with 'come to Jesus & have no problems' which of course is neither biblical nor true.

Of course, when the new Christian then has a problem ......

(Jesus said 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16:33 NIV)

 

[tansy]

I think it better to let people know that something is a Christian event, with some idea of what will be going on. I don't think it's good to lure someone in under false pretences

 

[Aibrean]

I am upfront. Deception is not an acceptable witnessing practice.

 

[totallyfrozen]

I think the lack of "truth in advertising" with inviting non-Christians to Christian events as well as any other forms of deception are counter productive. Are we trying to trick people into learning about the God who commands us NOT to lie? counter-productive.