Mystic Way of Evangelism

When I first glanced at Mystic Way of Evangelism, The: A Contemplative Vision for Christian Outreach, I wasn't sure about it. It took me awhile to get through it, even though it is relatively short, and I'm glad I did.

Elaine A. Heath uses a conceptual framework of a threefold contemplative path that Christian mystics use to develop their relationship with God. The path includes purgation, illumination, and union. The argument for her book is that today's church must make some significant changes if it is to succeed in evangelism. The contemplative path is the means by which she suggest the church makes its changes.

Now, if you already need a dictionary, you will need it when you read this book. Heath is clearly a scholar and in this short book you will come away feeling much smarter. There were a lot of nuggets I mined, but one thought this book brought to mind was the following.

Many may not realize I served as a minister by profession for 5 years right out of college. It wasn't until now, that I realized that ministry, in that setting, prepared me for business and the business I am now in equips me and frees me to minister. It shouldn't be that way, at least not the first part of that statement.

Ministers, preachers, pastors, bishops, etc... need to read this book. No, if you have any desire to see the church change it's evangelistic philosophies, you should read this book.

10 observations on interviews

Whether it is television, radio, or eaves dropping on a conversation in the coffee shop, I really appreciate those people who have a gift for conducting an interview.

There is an art to being able to ask people questions. Those who do it well usually go unnoticed by most people. Those who do it poorly really stand out.

Here's a few things that have stood out to me from people who conduct interviews that I enjoy listening to.

1. Their questions help even the most inexperienced interviewee's story come to life.
2. They understood the format and the environment they were in.
3. They did their research.
4. They don't use buzz words.
5. They adapt and transition well, because they listen and react sincerely.
   
6. They respect privacy.
7. They have a destination in mind for the interview.
8. They make the interviewee look and feel important.
9. They only talk about themselves when it makes the interviewee look good.
10. They don't pick a fight.

Even though I won't elaborate on all of them I would like to say something about the relationship between #1 and #10, particularly as it relates to the media. If you're questions elicit a negative and defensive reaction then you probably failed at asking a good question in the first place. When you ask a question that leads to an argumentative response, the interview may be entertaining, but as an observer I tend to discredit everything that is said from that point forward knowing people often respond inaccurately when angry.