"Evangelism –Fortress or Salt" The President's Blog for August 21, 2009

Evangelism –Fortress or Salt
Last week I sought to establish that there is much to be achieved in evangelism should we take another look at what we do weekly and/or daily. However, for today’s update, I attempt to zero in on two important approaches to evangelism namely: “salt” and “fortress” ministries.

Defining Salt and Fortress City Ministries
Fortress Model of Ministry
According to Jon Paulien, in Matthew 5:14, the figure of a fortress city is employed to illustrate “a community that is visible, attractive, and yet carefully protected. In this model the city draws people into itself; its presence is an attracting factor. It doesn’t try to change the world around it; it calls people out of the world.”
Salt Ministry
Based on Matthew 5: 13, Jesus likens His followers to the “salt of the earth.” Salt is used to illustrate “a community that goes out and mingles with others in a desire to do them good. Just as salt performs its task by blending into a dish of food, so the church, as salt, infiltrates the world and changes it.” Put another way, the Apostle Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, that he became like others in order to win them.

Both Are Needed!
For the gospel to be carried, it is important that both of these models be employed in reaching people. However, as we are faced with a secular society --one that is not as inclined to embrace church or certain aspects of “the message,” ways need to be found to reach moderns and post moderns. Certainly, the salt model presents an avenue for reaching such persons. Again, I reference the statement by Ellen White who noted that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’.”--The Ministry of Healing, p. 143. This mingling calls for relationships with others in order to reach them. How is this made possible?

Felt Needs
People are reachable through ways and areas that are considered needs. It may not surprise you that there are numerous books on the best selling list related to self-help. People are seeking help for home repairs, marriage, parenting and handling of funds. If we as Adventists were to look at what we are doing (refer to the various ministries in last week’s update), we will discover that we are engaged in or have programs catering to most concerns. The key is to be intentional and focus on achieving the goal of fulfilling these needs. Thereby, we would gain access to persons who otherwise would put up resistance. Church Growth experts tell us that notwithstanding our goal to evangelize, it is important that patience be exercised. People need to know that we who are reaching out can be trusted and that we are genuinely interested in them. So kindness and an ongoing relationship are critical. Unfortunately, there are risks in “Salt Ministry.”
Studies show (for example “Everlasting Gospel,” by Jon Paulien) that it is possible to become too close that one may compromise. Ed Dickerson, in his work Grounds for Belief, relates a story of a lady “who came on to him.” Of course, he did not yield, but instead held to principle thus keeping the discussion on a high principled level. Not every one of us can handle “Salt Ministry;” and in this regard, we must be true to ourselves and always depend on the Holy Spirit. Clearly defined boundaries must be established, or we are likely to fall and bring reproach upon the church and ourselves.
With the implementation of the concept of small group ministries in our union, we are presented with a golden opportunity to reach people outside of the “fortress” with the gospel of Christ. Additionally, with the focus on Follow the Bible initiative, we are accorded the privilege of re-awakening or awakening an appreciation for the Word of God which has the capacity to satisfy needs.

Thought to Ponder:
For me, it is not which model is more important but what will God have me to do? And am I obedient and dependent upon Him? He calls us to faithfulness and not to success.

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