“Flasher evangelism.” That’s what Bowen calls those abrupt spiritual conversations with a stranger on the street that mark certain evangelistic methods. (See his book “Evangelism for Normal People.”) Relying on a Margaret Atwood short story, Bowen exposes the way others often perceive our attempts at evangelism as “disgusting,” if not abusive because of our attempts to suddenly access a deep level of personal intimacy with someone we’ve never met. Admittedly, I’ve gone there before.
Category Archives: good news
Church as Sanctuary
I came across this article about Reformed Church of Highland Park and their commitment to creating sanctuary for several Indonesians while they seek refuge in the United States on grounds of religious persecution in Indonesia. Church’s like this one in Highland Park are setting an example of how we might walk with those caught up in systems and structures that have had a tendency to overlook the plight of orphans, widows, immigrants, and others who are often oppressed. The North American church would benefit from more attention on expressions of an embodied apologetic like this one, where the Church makes room for others even to the point of having the space, rhythms, and priorities of our lives altered by those we are serving.
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Muddied Prayers 