Plans to start a revival?

[GGstar]

At my university, most of my friends are atheist, but my church runs an Alpha Course... what's the best way you guys can think of to try and invite people to come along without scaring them off as soon as the 'G' word is mentioned?

Cheers!

 

[ToHoldNothing]

Well, you could try what my college Catechumenate did which drew me in for ONE meeting before I realized it was basically just God centered: lying. They said it was discussing all beliefs and such and I thought they'd be inclusive, but I should've figured out what catechumenate meant

 

[GGstar]

Well, you could try what my college Catechumenate did which drew me in for ONE meeting before I realized it was basically just God centered: lying. They said it was discussing all beliefs and such and I thought they'd be inclusive, but I should've figured out what catechumenate meant

See I disagree with that, it's most definitely a Christian thing so I'd have to tell them that much. Our Atheist Society does open forums for all faiths sometimes, but as welcome as people of other faiths are to attend our alpha course, it is with the intention of finding out more about Christianity in particular.

 

[ToHoldNothing]

If you communicate that it's educational instead of evangelical in nature, that could help

 

[branchofthevine]

A close friend of mine said this "Life is all about relationships". get close to them and be there for them. In a sense "Love them where they are at" no matter where they are at, and pray for them, and for a door to open, and sure Jesus will hear that prayer and send the Holy Spirit to open a way.

 

[GGstar]

A close friend of mine said this "Life is all about relationships". get close to them and be there for them. In a sense "Love them where they are at" no matter where they are at, and pray for them, and for a door to open, and sure Jesus will hear that prayer and send the Holy Spirit to open a way.

That's a very good way of thinking about it, evangelism through action? I'll definitely keep on praying that Jesus will make a way into their hearts

 

[ToHoldNothing]

Why not try to show them through action primarily? Prayer seems to me more of a personal communication/communion between you and god, whereas your actions show Jesus in your ethical behavior. Though people aren't necessarily ever going to be convinced simply because of ethics, since good ethics can come from any religion through general observation over time.

 

[GGstar]

Why not try to show them through action primarily? Prayer seems to me more of a personal communication/communion between you and god, whereas your actions show Jesus in your ethical behavior. Though people aren't necessarily ever going to be convinced simply because of ethics, since good ethics can come from any religion through general observation over time.

That's what I'm doing at the moment, but as I'm helping to run this Alpha course I'd really like them to come, and I can't really ask them just through actions!

 

[tcwoods91]

Show Christ through how you live. I'm not talking about just ethics, I'm talking about your love for them and the Holy Spirit moving in your life. One of the greatest problems in American Christianity is that we aren't much different from the world. Be the light that Jesus has called you to be and always seek to know God more. That is how revival starts. When we are constantly seeking to be more Christ-like God does amazing things not only in our lives, but in the lives of the people around us. People will see the joy that you have in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, and will be curious. Sure many will think you're crazy (many thought Jesus was crazy) but you'll find that some will want what you have. May God move through you to transform lives and further His kingdom! Thank you for your heart for revival!