8 Comments

  1. Praise GOD!
    Phil 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
    This article is awesome! So last night i kicked of a new gaming ministry! I’m streaming game play both video games and table top RPGs with the hope of expanding to maybe miniatures also. I was feeling a bit out on the edge and after reading your article I don’t feel as “out-there” as I did. Thanks be to God!
    I really appreciated all the steps. Step 1 spoke to my heart. I have been wrestling with going “full hoorah” in “preaching” the gospel and kind of felt like a fraud if I wasn’t speaking scripture right away.
    Thanks be to God for the writing and release of this article.
    Keep up the great work Stephen Taylor.
    In Christ’s love,
    Steve Guziec

    • I’m really glad it’s useful to you! Step 1 is so important but is often overlooked because we feel we need to constantly be telling people the Good News, but forget that it naturally comes across in how we act and in us doing things for the community. It is massively important but not the first step in this relational world we live in.
      It’s awesome that you’re streaming stuff! You’ll have to let me know where I can find you so I can follow you.

  2. Thank you for a useful article. Moving from 1 to 2 is the hardest part – one we want to rush but takes so very long.

    Most of my official ministry is levelled at step 1. I use and teach something called the Gray Matrix when getting people to think about their target group (usually in a media context.) It’s a tool to chart where people are in their relationship to your message (the gospel) – how open they are and how much they ‘know’. (If you’re interested loo at this page: https://thegraymatrix.org/)

    I encourage people to think seriously about plotting (defining) their audience using this tool because we so often use concepts and language for a group entirely different from the one we’re engaging with. This is due in large part because it’s second-nature language to us and is what our supporters/stakeholders understand. (And they pray for us and give us money!)

    But the ministry isn’t for us or them – it’s for the people – who have a different language, worldview and mindset.

    To move them from where they are to where we want them to be takes skill and faith – and we must always start from where they are.

    • Oooh I’ll have a look at that Gray Matrix it sounds interesting. Its definitely the case that we’re aiming to reach new people. Through modelling what christians actually look and act like, which ks often completely at odds to what their mental image is, it breaks those barriers down and they start to ask questions which then leads to them wanting to find out more.

      I’d also say that the terminology where we want them to be is slightly loaded. The aim of the stage 1 event is to give to the community, it’s a bonus if the community then want to know more about our Lord, but it isn’t the aim. Once we get to stage 2 that’s when that terminology can be used more.

  3. I use the terminology to suggest that there’s an attempt to make them more open to our message. This starts with gaining their trust. And this is built through breaking down the stereotypes they have of Christians and Christianity. I wouldn’t ever use the terminology with them. I agree, step one has no overtly Christian content unless raised by them. To the observer we are becoming like them – with the long-term goal of them becoming-like Jesus. But this is a looong way off. Concentrate on their likes, dislikes, dreams, fears, hopes, doubts, questions, epiphanies, and so on. Start from where they are and spend time there. Then move on. But as you point out, that’s steps two onwards.

    I’d like to consider how step one can be dug into a bit more. What should we consider when trying to getting to know them?
    Here are some considerations to start with:
    What interests them?
    What occupies their casual conversation?
    Where do they spend their time and money?
    What competing activities will vie for their attention?
    What worldview do they have?
    What pressures in life are they dealing with?
    What do they put their trust (faith) in – self? Career? Family? Happyness? Why?

    These questions and a whole lot more can assist us in staring meaningful conversations around the table or at the coffee station.

    Then when we show real empathy and concern for them, as well as sharing common enjoyment and hopes, etc, they will no doubt open up a bit. Once that happens, and they’re bold enough to ask us questions, or we gently prompt low-key discussions, we can start to move towards changing their attitude. Then, and only then, can we start to change their understanding.

    ((I hope I’m being clear in this and not coming across as ‘superior’. I just want to add some ideas to spark discussion and increase effective witness.))

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