10 years ago: Evangelism as hospitality

December 10, 2003, here on slacktivist: Evangelism as hospitality

Christians are commanded to evangelize. This command is presented as an obligation of gratitude — “freely you have received, freely give.” We are not, however, told we must make converts. That seems to be God’s job, not ours.

Evangelism, properly understood, is a form of hospitality. Like all hospitality, it is an obligation, a moral imperative. But it cannot be imposed. Hospitality is an invitation — “welcome,” “make yourself at home,” “take a load off,” “taste and see” — not an imposition.