Challenges and ideas for faith at work

Jim Farrer July 19, 2022

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We come to this topic with both apostolic boldness and humility.

Boldness

According to Asbury Professor George G. Hunter III in Should We Change Our Game Plan? (p. 125), "More is now known about how the faith spreads and how churches grow than we have ever known before."

Humility

An honest appraisal of contemporary Christianity would reveal that a substantial percentage of committed and Bible-believing Christians have few resources to fall back on when the opportunity arises to share or defend the faith (I Peter 3:14).

Aren't we ignorant of the Bible, awkward apprentices of the Lord, uninspired in witness, asleep at the watchtower of justice and lies, caught up in the cancerous web of culture, apathetic in intercessory prayer, incompetent in dialoging in the spiritual supermarket and ill-equipped to wrestle against the spiritual forces that stalk vulnerable Christians and others?

Difficult times

Princeton University Professor of Jurisprudence Robert P. George notes that the media label most Christians as out-of-date, insensitive, uncompassionate, bigoted, hateful and on the "wrong side of history." George concludes that the costs of discipleship amidst secular culture may be painful to bear.

Science vs. religion

Much contention arises over this divide. Genesis 1:3 reads: "Then God said, 'Let there be light.'" How shockingly profound. Light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum of radiation which consists of visible, fluorescent, ultra violet and infrared light. Also included are Xrays and gamma rays, radio, TV, and microwaves, and yet researchers still have much to discover.

Big Bang – What are the chances?

InEvidence of God in an Expanding Universe, John Monsma, ed., pp.23-24, university professors concluded that:

1. The chances that carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur might come together to form a protein is about 10¹⁶⁰.

2. The time needed for a protein molecule to form on its own is 10²⁴³billion years.

3. To produce a single molecule of protein, the amount of matter needed would be greater than the amount of matter in the universe.

4. The number of ways a protein molecule can be formed is 10⁴⁸. If it configures incorrectly, the result is a poison.

Their calculations may not be precise. In any case, the spark of life itself must also be injected into the universe.

Willing to listen

According to Lifeway Research surveys including one of 15,000 adults, between 79 and 89 percent of "younger unchurched adults are willing to listen to someone tell them what they believe about Christianity."

Studies also indicate that "nones and dones" want someone to listen to them. Can we enhance our listening skills?

Simple advice

1. Maintain a presence with a person over a period of time.

2. Use the stress charts to find when a person is more receptive (e.g. a transition, a joy in life, a loss or sorrow).

3. Use natural entrances for talking about God. A remark about a sunset might ask: "Do you think God has fun painting the sky?"

4. We do seek the Great Giver over the gifts/benefits (Matthew 6:33). However, attending church more than once a week increases a person's longevity statistically by eight years (National Health Interview Survey).

5. Since people are rejecting shallow religion, be authentic.

6. Eighty-two percent of Americans seek to be more spiritual. Therefore, investigate exceptional resources of the Biblical faith and the power of prayer in Jesus' name/authority.

Important questions for seekers

1. How do the great world religions differ from one another?

2. Isn't Christianity unique and wonderful? The Biblical God offers the free gift of abundant and eternal life to those willing to receive it (Ephesians 2:9-10; John 1:12).

3. If you are searching for meaning, authentic self-hood and deep-seated shalom and joy, why not go to the Most High God (Genesis 14:18f) rather than the small spirits?

4. Do you consider yourself open-minded?

5. Can you tell me about your spiritual journey?

6. Didn't Jesus accept this statement? "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).

7. The Rev. Dr. Sam Shoemaker, early mentor of AA founders, asked inquirers: "Can you surrender as much of yourself as you can, to as much of Christ as you now understand?"

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Jim Farrer is the founder of Vital Signs Church Consulting and a member of the Society for Church Consulting. A broadly-trained church consultant, Jim is also a veteran of ministry positions in Canada and the U.S., he has trained leaders from 18 denominations and led seminars and coaching sessions nationwide. His articles have been published in the Journal of Evangelism and Missions and the Great Commission Research Journal. You can reach him by e-mailing revup1@yahoo.com or calling 814 629-5211. Learn More »

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