Evangelism is spreading the good news, which we proclaim to both believers and non-believers.
The sociologist Rodney Stark found in his research that Christianity throughout the centuries grew through gradual individual conversions via the social networks of family, friends and colleagues. This may give us some ideas in what kind of communication supports effective evangelism.
To a large part, personal stories will convey how Christians feel that their faith enriches their lives. Personal invitations and the telling of these stories may get people interested in coming along and seeing for themselves. Later on both metaphor and image can help growing a seed, however, stories and mystery may attract people in initially. Some people may be repelled by mystery others are attracted by it. Mystery takes us into a space beyond ourselves into the unexplainable.
It is interesting to notice that Anglicanism rests on three legs; Scripture, reason and tradition – mystery is not a very strong component. Traditionally, the (eastern) orthodox churches are much stronger on mysticism.
Overall, I think what has the biggest influence in Evangelism is how we behave, how we treat people: Others then assume that ``this is how Christians are”. So our whole being tells a story and if people are interested to become part of that story they will explore our faith.
