Upscale Evangelism
Should we be focusing on reaching the rich and powerful?

Maybe we should be evangelizing the corporate offices instead of the inner cities and the third world. What do you think?

This query, above, came at the end of a submitted question that established why the writer may have been considering such a statement. (Throughout this document all portions of the originally received letter will be identified with italics). The following provides all of the original material except for a small portion that would have identified the writer. While a specific conference and speaker are mentioned as part of the question, the sentiments expressed are commonplace in many modern church circles, so no undue inference should be given to the ones listed.

I went to the Prevailing Church Conference on Friday... There were about 1200 or so attendees. I heard Bill Hybels three times and, for the most of it, what he had to say was very good. He challenged the church to become concerned for each other and the people in the community. The people inside the church need to put their faith in action and reach out and help people. When people are having troubles, they should be able to rely on the church for love, support and guidance. It is very hard to deny the importance of these truths.

I agree with this, so long as the definition of "love" includes truth.

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

A love not anchored in the truth, that does not speak the truth even when it's not popular or might offend, is no love at all.

Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (NIV)

This means that the word "guidance" must also include rebuking and correcting.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)

Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. (NIV)

Love grounded in truth will always have actions (1 John 3:18). Might the very reason many in today's churches aren't concerned (beyond words) about those in and outside the church be that there's a whole lot of "love" that is devoid of truth?

2 Corinthians 5:11a, 14 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. ... 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. (NIV)

The "scriptural" reasoning that followed in the letter requires detailed scrutiny, primarily because it was the provided foundation for considering who should be evangelized.

Jesus was saddened when the rich young ruler could not give up his wealth to become a follower of Christ. He said Jesus was saddened for two reasons. First, because of the loss of relationship and the soul of the person. Second, that the kingdom work would not have the benefit of such a gifted person as this young leader. That this person may have been able to do more than even Paul, because, as a ruler, he was probably an good leader and would have had a lot to bring to God as a servant. God needs these kind of people.

For reference I've included the three accounts, of what is commonly known as the story of the rich young ruler, as found in Scriptures...

Matthew 19:16-26 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV)

Luke 18:18-27 A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" 21 "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (NIV)

Mark 10:17-27 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (NIV)

Consider Mark 10:21, when it says that Jesus looked at the man and loved him... Jesus showed that love not by watering down the truth or enticing him to join with the disciples in hopes that he might someday get to the truth, rather Jesus loved him enough to confront him with the truth - truly an offensive thing.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (NIV)

The only one described as being sad in the three accounts given in Scriptures was the rich young ruler (Matt 19:22, Luke 18:23, Mark 10:22). While we can regret that someone does not accept the truth, we should never regret having proclaimed it.

With the remainder of the premise you raised, from Bill Hybels, being based on Jesus being saddened, the two remaining points fall as they are based on a fallacy. But, let me address them from a different angle anyway.

He said Jesus was saddened for two reasons. First, because of the loss of relationship and the soul of the person. Second, that the kingdom work would not have the benefit of such a gifted person as this young leader. That this person may have been able to do more than even Paul, because, as a ruler, he was probably an good leader and would have had a lot to bring to God as a servant. God needs these kind of people.

Many churches are looking for an excuse to justify the course of action they have already chosen, namely to focus on the upscale, the prominent, the rich... specifically those who have wealth and power. It is called eisegesis when you twist Scriptures to make it say what you want it to say. Exegesis is proclaiming what Scriptures truly says (in its' totality). While God uses His church to do His work, He is not dependant on us. We don't have to "make it happen." We are called to be faithful in proclaiming the truth, living out the love and faith we have been given, and God will do what He chooses. (Consider Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27, Matthew 19:26 above; "What is impossible with men is possible with God.")

James 2:14-18 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (NIV)

The things that the world holds dear are not the things God has chosen to use. He doesn't need the finest of the world's wisdom or education, He doesn't need the world's riches (as He alone owns everything, Psalms 50:10), and He doesn't need the world's influence. In fact, God's working apart from these things brings glory to Him alone for doing it in a manner that opposes all the world holds dear. So why are many modern churches adopting the world's methods? And if they were to work (or could work) who would get the glory, the worldly methods or God?

1 Corinthians 1:20-31 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (NIV)

When today's church believes it needs to use money to manipulate (through giving or withholding), and prominent worldly power-brokers to influence, it shows how far the church has fallen from trusting in God and His word alone.

Speculating that God could have done greater things with the rich young ruler, than with Paul, is to dangerously say that God settled for second best. This is not the message of Scriptures, as God (knowing full well what He was doing) chose Paul... once again as the most unlikely of candidates (by the world's standards), so that He alone would be glorified. Consider Paul's speaking qualifications...

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (NIV)

There was no accident that Paul ended up doing what God desired of him. Paul is a classic example of how God will use a person that is wholly committed to speak the truth in love. Paul didn't focus on Caesars court, thinking that God needed these powerful people, rather as God gave opportunity he was willing to speak there, not trying to elevate himself as an equal but rather as a servant in chains. He spent far more time ministering to the unlikely, befriending the outcasts (like the runaway slave Onesimus, Philemon 10-16), and spending time in the common marketplace with everyday folk (Acts 17:17). While he was capable of interacting with the intellectual elite, the majority of them rejected Paul's message as foolishness (Acts 17:18, 32-34).

God needs these kind of people.

God needs no one. God graciously chooses whom He wills. The message is to be universally given (to the rich and poor, to the insignificant and to the influential), but the Bible makes clear that God has chosen to use far more of the weaker and foolish by the world's standards. Children, too, fit into this category. Children have no power, no riches, and no influence. The most they can give in return is gratitude. Church budgets of today spend a vast majority of their resources on those who can "become productive members of the congregation," namely those who are perceived as being able to give something back to the church. This is not the scriptural pattern... the church is to be giving expecting nothing in return. Statistics show that a majority of believers made their decision to follow Jesus Christ while they were children... shouldn't this be sufficient to remind us of Jesus words...

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (NIV)

Mark 9:35-37 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." 36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." (NIV)

Now it's not even enough to forget the children, or relegate them to our left-over efforts and budgets, the focus has even been shifting in regards to adults. Why focus on the widows (and those made widows through divorce), or those down and out, or even the working poor, the new paradigm calls for power and money.

Maybe we should be evangelizing the corporate offices instead of the inner cities and the third world. What do you think?

Creating artificial arguments to focus on the rich take away from the things God has emphasized; namely to reach the "least" of these...

Matthew 25:31-46 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (NIV)

It's my prayer that today's church wakes up to what is happening. If the church truly wants to make an impact on the world around it, it needs to get back to preaching the word, and then truly living it out. Imagine what the world would think if the church left its' palatial buildings and invested itself in the lives of children, the poor, the prisoners - truly everyone the world considers to be insignificant. What a witness this would be!

1 John 2:5-6 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (NIV)

Written by Brent MacDonald of Lion Tracks Ministries. (c) 2005.
Duplication permitted as long as the source is cited.