| Original Message |
John Price (no login)
Posted Dec 3, 2003 6:22 AM
It is good to see that you are alive and well over there, Johan.
As we've discussed in person, my belief is that the best form of evangelism (your definition of which I find much to my liking) is a demonstration of the value of Quaker testimonies and distinctives in our everyday lives.
Of course, one must interest people in the Quaker faith long enough for them to experience that demonstration, so it becomes necessary to point out and explain those testimonies and distinctives first. I find that people's curiosity is piqued when they find out that an ordinary and pragmatic person such as I appear to be is somehow a Quaker. When I start explaining that apparent inconsistency and the myths surrounding Quakers I find that people quickly begin to understand that the real Quaker beliefs are almost intuitively held by many people.
Many times I speak to new Quakers and those who are merely curious about Quakers and I hear the same observations: "I am so glad I finally found the Quaker church because Quakers seem to believe what I have believed all my life." This leads me to the conclusion that although many Quaker groups are declining in numbers there is a strong need for Quaker theology in the general community. It would appear that we are one of the world's best kept secrets.
The toughest question in my mind is how to balance evangelism with inherent Quaker silence. I have heard people say that we need to change to attract more members. I think that is missing the point of being Quakers. Our aim should be to follow the leadings of God, not simply to increase the number of occupied seats in our meetings, especially if we have to compromise our values to do so.
In any event I am thoroughly convinced that as Quakers we need more outreach. What form that outreach should take is not something I have settled in my own heart. Surely it should not be what I see on TV on Sunday mornings.
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John Price |
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