Londono lists five common 'errors' in evangelism
___By Gilbert Montez
___Texas Baptist Communications
___FORT WORTH--The spiritually lost are being reached at a rate that is much too slow when compared to the growth rate of the population, according to Campo Londono, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Horeb in Houston.
___Londono was one of eight seminar speakers at the annual Hispanic Evangelism Conference. His presentation title translated into English was "Avoid Errors in Evangelism."
___"Because the rate at which we are reaching people is much slower than the population is growing, we must be sensitive to mistakes we can and do make when we evangelize," he said. "When we identify our mistakes, we can take steps to correct them."
___Londono defined an error as a wrong way of thinking about evangelism, leading to an error in how believers approach evangelism. He detailed five errors in a Christian's attempt to reach the lost:
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An error in theology. Theologically, he said, many Christians focus more on their own abilities rather than relying on God's power. "Many believe it is our own talents that bring people to God," Londono said. "We must have a theology that is centered on God. If not, then there is no evangelism. God is drawing people to him; we only play a role in that process."
___ A spiritual error. It is important to hear what God is saying, Londono said, and "then join him where he is working. God is always active, always seeking to draw others to him. We should be asking God to show us where he is working. Without joining God where he is working is like trying to push a car with square wheels. It's useless."
___ A strategic error. The mistake in strategy is not fully knowing non-Christians, he said, noting some are more open to the gospel than others. "Some are very thirsty for the gospel. Others believe their thirst is being quenched by something else in their lives. Some people have hardened hearts, and those are situations that need much prayer."
___ A communication error. Christians tend to use "church" vocabulary that non-believers don't understand. "We need to study the way Jesus spoke to people," Londono said. "He spoke to them in a language they understood and could relate to."
___ An error in testimony. "If non-believers see that the gospel has worked in our lives, then they'll see something attractive for their lives." Londono said. "We may be talking to them about salvation, but they are watching our actions more than what they are listening to our words. They don't want to see a perfect Christian, but one that is growing."
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