www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Conspiracy of Kindness

Ok folks I've been skimming a lot of evangelization threads so I thought I would throw this topic out there to give you ideas and stir up some discussion.

How many folks have read this book or know about and done any kind of ministry based on it or something like it?

http://www.amazon.com/Conspiracy-Kindness-Refreshing-Approach-Sharing/dp/0892838329



I would add that I once was a member of a Vineyard church that had an outreach program that used this principle and found it the most positive and affective form of evangelism that I had been a part of. But even more impressive, the approach was the way it motivated lay folks to get active and to do so enthusiastically. It really takes away so many of the common fears people have especially the fear of approaching strangers, rejection etc.

I am going to preview this book. Sounds good. Using this approach will not in any way, compromise our faith.

Thanks for the info, I will preview it to see if it could be something useful for or 2010 massive evangelization blitz program.
Stephanos I

I have obviously not yet read the text. I will however state that I am totally in favor of ANYTHING that will help our Byzantine/Eastern folks propound the valuable gifts that our practices and spirituality can give to the unchurched. Our spiritual forebears did not have to deal with the electronic media (TV, radio, etc.) much less the Internet. So, we, their spiritual children must take the 'spirit' of their efforts and translate their spirit into the tools we have for us today.

GO GET 'EM!!!

Christ is Risen from the Dead!!

Dr. John

By the way, my idea how Orthodox/ East Catholicize this approach on this has been to use ethnic festivals as out reaches to the neighborhood and public at large (If enthused church members wanted to sponsor the event they could make it free rather then turning it into a fundraiser the way those events are usually done). Or at the very least make use of some of the unique ethnic character of the jurisdiction. By giving away fresh ethnic delicacies. i.e- free baklava gift bag, free Gyros, piroshkis etc.


Also fellowship dinners and other meals are another great way to use this approach in a way that comes natural to the tradition and culture of the Church or jurisdiction.

I was looking for web sites that can give a good idea of what this approach is like (Outside of a few good reviews on Amazon). I didn't find much luck (plenty of websites, but not ones that describe it very well for people who haven't heard of it before). But I finally did find this, which gives a good description. I think it actually may be lifted directly from the book or one its sequels (been a few years since I've read them).



Servant Evangelism: Opening Closed hearts to God's Love

http://www.goodnewsmag.org/library/articles/sjogren-nd95.htm

Ethnic festivals are one good way, but not exactly the only way. There is the possibility of integrating ethnic festivals with other items in an outreach event. But as far as it goes, the only thing special that can really attract people is our sincerity in opening our doors to newcomers without prejudice.

More importantly, its not in the activities that we attract people. Its more about how we get them involved in it as a whole. Using my RC parish as an example, there was a non-Catholic who was very involved in our Lifeteen ministry and her Catholic Student's group in school; so much so that she was the president of it. Not being Catholic was an impediment to some people who were under her leadership, but she became Catholic because of the faith and trust that the parish priest placed in her, and their constant positive encouragement.