It’s funny now how many of these type videos are coming out now that Rob Bell has opened that door through his amazing creativity and ability to share such powerful messages in 10 minutes of film. Not sure I would justify this WOTM video as a spoof on a NOOMA but I certainly see the comparison. 

I’m not convinced there is a right or wrong way to evangelize. I personally think each approach is relevant for certain people. Some people who are hurting from a bad church experience in their past (or other reason) need more of a “Dr. Love” approach while others may need a more direct and in-your-face “Dr. Reason” approach. I think sometimes too much debate happens in Christian circles about which WAY is better versus allowing God in to let Him be the guide. It certainly is a sensitive issue and we know that anyone can manipulate scripture to support whichever side they choose. I for one am not fond of the “Dr. Reason” approach but I do know several people who needed that direct conviction at some point to realize their relationship with God.

I really didn’t see a direct stab at Rob Bell in this WOTM video but more so a stab at what they may classify as the “Emerging Church.” I’d honestly say their “Dr. Love” could also be a “Dr. Positive” and be a reference to Joel Osteen in the same regard. I just wish we could spent less inward focus worrying and arguing about which way is right, who is right, etc. etc… and spend more outward focused on working together to unify our differences and create better and more disciples for Christ. Constructive debate and challenging is always good but if we spend our ministry time more focused on lost souls than worrying about proving we’re right compared to another pastor or mission (who may be called by God in a totally different way than ourselves), then we all might get more done for God.

If recent Ted Haggard evens have taught us anything… it might be of far less importance how we evangelize but rather much more important as to how we live our lives as a reflection of our faith.

1.  Is this a good approach to evangelism?

Is this evangelism or evangelism training?  What do you think?

2.  Do they make their point to discredit Rob Bell?  Which approach do you like better?  Is one approach crazy or unbiblical as WOTM accuses?

Way of the Master has used this on the street teaching style since it began.  What if it only looks like a slam because of the content?  What if we’re coming in with some Rob Bell defense filters already in us?

3.  This was clearly as spoof of the Nooma video.  Is it good to use this type of approach to promote your views with other Christians?  Wouldn’t it be better to come up with your own creative approach rather than spoof other’s approach?

Is it “clearly” a spoof?  Or is it “clearly” to those of us who like Rob Bell?  All things are creative just as there is nothing new under the sun.  If you want, you could critique Bell for “stealing” Jesus’ style of teaching in the world he ministered in, using natural props and such.

But why?  What would be the point of critiquing another Christian’s attempt to share the Gospel?  I mean, if their heart was to proclaim Christ and they did their best to be biblical, wouldn’t criticizing them be… well… blasphemy?

Overgeneralizing, over-assuming, and mis-understanding what Rob is sayiing… great place to start…

Shaking my head....why do we shoot ourselves in the foot time after time with such POOR examples of the message of Christ?

Rob Bell got it so right, and these people got it so wrong.

oops, I meant “lordship salvation” at the head of my post

The whole thing is a mess!  To base theological positions on words pictures/metaphors and misquotes of complicated passages of scripture is simply juvenile.  One’s view of the “2nd Coming” deeply impacts this evangelization as well: if Jesus could very well show up any minute, there’s an intesnity (blind man and cliff) that those who see His return as distant to not share.  Likewise, people who hold to a more mysterious view of the afterlife - that is to say, even if someone has failed to say the sinners prayer, they MAY actually make it into heaven - are less intense in sharing their faith.

As someone wisely pointed out, the whole Dr. Love/Positive role playing cannot possibly be authentically reproduced for a video because it (i.e. conversion via relationship) requires one thing a pre-tribulation/literalist doesn’t have: time!

Just a thought...this actually omis the first part of the video that is a bit more overt in its attack on Christians who would be similar to Rob Bell.  Here’s the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZIZesl2My0

Right!  No one should bash other Christians trying to do ministry.

He’s an idiot, isn’t he?

I guess here’s the deal.  Yeah, they may be great 10 minute flicks, but why charge $1/minute?

I get this video and I would agree.  Sometimes we do too many ministry things because it feels good...Jesus (I think most will agree) didn’t always do things that felt good, but they had a great result.

Would the “Bullhorn” guy have great results?  I don’t know...he might not see the results, but what if he actually got someone thinking and planted a seed.  So should we discredit his method and do this publicly?  I don’t think so. 

One last question to ponder.  Are you doing enough to reach the lost?

In Christ always,
Mr. C. H. Pierre

Someone should contact John the Baptist, the Apolstle Paul and Stepen to let them know they didnt have to be killed for the faith.  If only they had studied under Rob Bell…