“Random Evangelism” is a phrase I have heard often in my 30 plus years of ministry. I have heard it again a couple of times lately. But I wish it would go away. Why? Because there is no such thing of “random evangelism,” at least for a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled witness.
The phrase “random evangelism” is used to describe the process of approaching strangers for the purpose of witness. But the word “random” means “lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance.”
Since “evangelism is first and foremost a work of God” (a phrase I commonly use when teaching our Evangelism Model), it cannot be random unless God is not in it. The phrase “random evangelism” is a very man-centric view of evangelism and leaves one with an entirely wrong impression (or worse, the wrong mindset).
I doubt this phrase is used broadly in Christian circles. But there is a certain ministry, of whom I am very fond, who has this ingrained in their language. My counsel is, “Stop it!”
I don’t mean stop the practice of engaging strangers for the purpose of witness. The Sovereign God, Lord of the Harvest, still delights to work through such conversations when they are guided by his Spirit, motivated by love and practiced with genuine sensitivity and situational appropriateness. My counsel is to stop calling this “random.”
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