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MATTHEW’S PARTY

Let’s take a look at Luke 5:29. In short, Matthew threw a banquet and did the unheard-of. He invited both his religious and his irreligious buddies. It was an intentionally mixed crowd-a party with a purpose.

You’ve got to give him credit. Matthew had become a Christian while pursuing a career as a tax collector, which, in those days, was about one notch above being part of the mob. People in his profession were notorious for pilfering money from the poor. If you were a tax collector, you essentially had a license to extort.

But his encounter with Jesus radically transformed his heart. As a result, he had an immediate concern for his friends who were not yet committed to Christ. His natural desire was to help them find what he’d found.

The only real question was, how? He hadn’t been through an evangelism seminar. He hadn’t graduated from a seminary. He lacked printed materials. All he had was a grace-filled heart and a determined spirit. He’d figure it out.

One strategy would be to bring his tax-collecting colleagues to the temple to hear someone who was more articulate in explaining spiritual truth. But the only option there was a robed rabbi reading Old Testament law. It didn’t take Matthew long to realize that approach wouldn’t connect very well with these high-flying, risk-taking, card-carrying pagans.

He could have just given up. He might have wrung his hands and said, “Well, there are no good options. The robed rabbi plan is out, and Jesus’ teaching ministry is too spontaneous and unscheduled. Besides, they probably wouldn’t go out of their way to hear someone preaching on a hillside.

And I’m certainly not qualified. I guess I’ll just have to let them fend for themselves.”

You know, there are a lot of Christians who wring their hands and insulate their hearts from the plight of their lost friends and family members. But Matthew wasn’t willing to do that. Instead, he persisted. I’m sure he must have thought hard about it, prayed for wisdom and direction, and perhaps asked his believing friends for their advice.

Then he had an idea: he’d throw a party. Of course! His buddies loved parties; big parties, and the more the merrier.

Now all he had to do was figure out a way to inject his primary purpose into this party. So he asked Jesus and the disciples if they’d be willing to come along to plant some spiritual seeds here and there in the hopes of something significant taking root in his friends ‘hearts.

On the night of the event, only heaven knows what strategic conversations took place. We don’t have many details, except that the Pharisees got wind of it and didn’t like it. They apparently thought that Jesus and the disciples were doing evangelism the wrong way, so they pulled them aside and challenged them for socializing with such unsavory characters. Frankly, I think part of their problem was that they thought everyone was having too much fun.

During this exchange with the Pharisees, I can picture freshly converted Matthew listening in and wondering if he’d done the right thing. After all, this was his first evangelistic effort, and now Jesus was getting chewed out by the religious brass. I can imagine him thinking, Maybe I should have just dragged my friends to the temple. Or perhaps I should have just walked away and not tried anything. Now everybody’s upset. Jesus is getting the third degree. Id better not take any more risks like this one. I’ll leave evangelism to the professionals.

But then all of a sudden he heard Jesus defending his actions! Jesus commended Matthew’s party idea by reminding the Pharisees that sick people are the ones who need a doctor. What good is it, He chided, for doctors to spend their time hanging around with healthy people? In other words, unconventional approaches that strategically mix the spiritual haves and have-nots are not merely acceptable, they are essential to God’s redemptive efforts.

Though the text doesn’t give details on what happened next, I can imagine Jesus, after answering the Pharisees, turning and putting His arm on Matthew’s shoulder.

“Good job, Matthew,” I think He may have said. “I understand your motivation behind what’s happening here. You assessed your friends’ spiritual needs and you looked at your options for meeting those needs, and then you got creative. You took some risks. I want you to know, Matthew, that I love your ideas and I love your heart for lost people. And I’m honored to be a part of your plan to reach them. Now, let’s get back to the party!”

LEARNING FROM MATTHEW’S EXAMPLE

If I’m right about this, then there are principles here that apply just as much to us today. I think God’s desire is for us to value unbelieving friends the way Matthew did. I also think that He would want us to be wary of status quo techniques for evangelizing lost people, when in our hearts we know these aren’t the best solutions for reaching the people we hope to help. And He certainly doesn’t want us to wring our hands over the dilemma and give up.

I think God would challenge us to do what Matthew did. Be innovative. Think creatively. Within the parameters of biblical principles, come up with a strategy that is true to who we are and to who our friends are. Pray hard and be willing to go out on a limb. Learn from mistakes and adjust the approach accordingly.

And along the way, remember to focus on people rather than programs. The action starts when you make contact with another human being. Salt must touch something to have its effect; likewise, the doctor has to find ways to spend time with people who need his services. You’ve got to seize opportunities to rub shoulders with irreligious people if you’re going to reach anybody.

Contagious Christianity is friend-to-friend, person-to-person, neighbor-to-neighbor. The plan is biblical, it’s logical, it’s strategic, and it was proven by Jesus, Paul, Matthew, and many others since. The remaining question is, “How do I take the first step? What can I do to get close to unbelievers in the hope of eventually leading them to Christ?”

I want to respond by looking at practical ways you can reach out to three groups of people in your world: people you know, people you used to know, and people you’d like to know.

PEOPLE YOU KNOW

There’s a common misconception that the most vital and meaningful approach to evangelism involves making contact with people we don’t know. But exactly the opposite is true. It’s the people we do know who have already developed a measure of trust in us and our motives, and are therefore most in range of influence. To the degree that we’ve developed a contagious character like we discussed in section two, our acquaintances will be attracted to who we are and the faith that we represent. They may not come out and

say so, but attributes like authenticity, compassion, and sacrifice are powerful magnets to those who observe them in your life.

But the key element missing in so many of these relationships is relaxed time together outside of the routines of work, household chores, or the everyday busyness of life. We simply need more “down time” in order to allow conversations to deepen into the real, personal issues of life. How can we take steps to ensure that happens? Let’s examine two possible approaches.

The first one works through planned events, and the second through more informal means.

Throw a “Matthew Party“

Social events strategically designed to selected members of the “religious ranks” and the “renegade ranks,” or, as they’ve become known as “Matthew Parties,” can take virtually any shape or size. They’re usually designed to fulfill a modest purpose: to provide a neutral setting where contagious Christians can make low-key contact with irreligious people. These are ideal environments for strengthening existing relationships as well as cultivating new ones. And they’re great places to plant some spiritual seeds and strike up conversations about matters of faith.

Wheels may start turning that can, over time, reaching the people result in a whole new eternity for many of the people you’ve invited. You’ll be surprised by how quickly some of them will open up and take significant spiritual steps in the direction of Christianity.

Let’s look at some examples:

Golfing Events

I know some people who organize golf clinics and outings for this purpose. They use them simply to deepen their friendships with unchurched acquaintances, though, to their surprise, one time a woman they’d invited ended up praying to receive Christ right there at the driving range!

Holiday Parties

Russ and Lynette, a couple from our church, annually host a fourth of July party at their home. They invite just about everyone they know- Christian and non-Christian-for the dual purpose of having fun and exposing- their unbelieving friends to believers. They set up grills and outdoor games in their backyard, along with a big awning and some tables and chairs, and just let people roam freely in and out of the house. The most spiritual thing they do is have contemporary Christian music playing over the stereo. But by the end of the day, some strategic friendships have been started, and a lot of lost people have seen Christians enjoying themselves and interacting with others. A number of them have also received a warm invitation to visit one of our church’s weekend service.

Events For Kids on the Block

Natalie enjoys hosting Matthew Parties of a different kind. One was a fairly elaborate carnival sponsored for the kids in her neighborhood. She brought in clowns, organized games, put up decorations, and invited members from our church’s evangelism team to help her run the event, which was creatively tailored to fit her interests and those of the people she hoped to reach.

Pie Parties

A friend of mine recently noticed that a new family was moving into a home on his street. He commented to his wife that they ought to do something to reach out and welcome them. She said, “Okay, let’s have a pie party.”

“How does that work?” he asked.

“Simple. I’ll invite them to come over Friday night, and you pick up a pie on the way home from work.”

She did and he did, and that began a process of developing a genuine friendship that is gradually opening up to spiritual interaction.

Baptism Receptions

A newer Christian named Jim was about to be baptized. He decided to maximize the event in the tradition of Matthew by printing invitations and sending them to friends and family members of every religious background. He even organized and paid for a brunch at an area hotel for all who responded to his RSVP request.

His investment paid off. The guest list included relatives who flew in from other states as well as acquaintances who drove to the church from all over the Chicago area. During the meal afterwards, Jim stood up and thanked them all for coming, and then in a simple but direct way, he told the story of how he’d decided to follow Christ and what that meant. His words spoke volumes to those in attendance and resulted in further conversations about spiritual things.

I know another couple who organize spiritually strategic tennis tournaments. Others sponsor soccer or basketball games in the park. Some use camping or backpacking trips. Still more go on sailing excursions. Block parties and even simple backyard barbecues can be effective. We could go on and on, because the sky’s the limit. You name it, and there’s probably a creative way to utilize it in putting together a Matthew Party.

So can I issue you a challenge? If you’ve been wringing your hands wondering what you could do to raise your proximity level with people who need Christ, why not brainstorm some new ideas with a few like-minded friends? Dream a little. Pray together abot it. Then take a risk and see what God does.

There are many ways to obtain a Bible Study. The possibilities are numerous, but not always obvious. Start with the logical target someone you already know – your relatives and friends. But how do you start? Firtst, list every relative. Arrange the names in order of the positive response you expect. Now, pay a personal visit to each family. Take a couple of attractive brochures describing the bible study. Relatives make the best prospects and maybe dealt with a little more straight-forwardly than casual friends. Ask them sincerely to “assist” you in your Bible Study project.

“Hey, Ah tek, I think I need a little help from you. I am involved in a project for our church. I’ll be teaching a series of short lessons designed to better acquaint people with the Bible. I’ve never done anything like this before and frankly, I’m a little hesitant to start.”

“I need someone to help me improve my skills. Would you be willing to listen and help me improve first series of lessons? Ah Tek, since you and I are so close, I know you will honestly evaluate my presentation.” (Show Ah Tek the brochures and a few of the charts).”

“Ah Tek, what do you think about this project?” (Give him a chance to respond). “Can we schedule about an hour each week for some ‘practice sessions’? You will be doing me a big favor by allowing me to get some experience in teaching this course!”

Don’t leave until you have made a definite appointment for the first study. Then, give Ah Tek a chance at each session to offer suggestions for improvement. In this way, a team effort is portrayed rather than a teacher-pupil relationship. Heeding his advice will likely help to polish your style and to develop self-confidence.

If Ah Tek does not agree to help you for the whole series, invite him to sit in on just one session. After the first session, he should be so intrigue that he will want to continue. But if he declines, you have sown some seed, and can now move on to other family prospects.

Now make a list of your good friends. If they are really close ones, your invitation may resemble the one for your relatives. Or, you may want to use the phone. Try this:

“Hello, Wei Da. This is Sam. Listen, I have just become involved in a project for our church. I’d like to see what you think about it. I’m really excited and I think you might be, too, when you see it. It will only take a few minutes, and I’ll bring the cold drinks. Honest, I’m not selling anything. Okay? Great! I’ll be right over!”

Take your charts and explanatory brochures to meet Wei Da. Assure him that you want his honest opinion of what you are doing. Explain that you are aware of the great needs among families in your area. Divorce, television and drug problems have forced families apart.

It is important to tell them there is a Source of help that will make them happy, healthy and productive citizens. Your church group has assigned volunteers to teach a short series of lessons acquainting citizens with the Bible.

Then, show the brochure and the first few study charts. Ask his opinion of what you are doing. Request that he allow you to “practice” on his family for the first series. Explain that this will help you gain experience and self-confidence for teaching the course. Don’t say goodbye until you have a definite appointment for a study.

Now, what about your acquaintances? All those people you know from encounters at work, the shopping center, grocery store, bus stop, school, laundry or barber shop?

These people should be contacted differently. If you come on too strong and too soon, they will suspect your motives. Securing studies here will require more time, patience and effort.

You will need more than one encounter to establish a study with acquaintances. Prepare a list of prospects this week as you meet them. Make a conscious effort to be very friendly and extend your small talk a little longer than usual. Get to know them, their interests, their family, their job-little details. Call them by name and use it frequently in your conversation.

You may meet them several times before your real project is every mentioned. Be alert for prophetic events recorded in the news media. These can easily initiate conversation. Break the topic open casually. Here are some “breakers” to help steer the conversation favorably:

“Did you hear the news this morning about the fighting in the Middle East? Things are happening over there just like the Bible predicted. Makes you wonder just how much time we have left!“

“Is there a good church in your area? Where is it located? Is it a large church? Do you go regularly?”

“Are you from a large family? In what state did your family live? Where you raised in church? Which one? What are your present feelings about church (religion, God, etc.)?”

“Did you see this article in the newspaper about ‘glossalalia’? Have you ever heard anyone speak in tongues? What do you think about that?”

“I’m trying to start some good habits this year. I’m on a schedule to read the Bible through. You can’t believe how much it has helped me! Have you ever had a chance to study the Bible?”

“Did you hear about the terrible earthquake in China? Seems like on happens somewhere almost daily. Is it coincidental that they were predicted in the Bible?”

“Look at this article about the new anti-crime project that is being considered. They’re experimenting with placing a serial number underneath the skin rather than using credit cards. That system is described in the Bible to occur just before the end of the world!”

Once you have “arrived” at a topic of religious nature, turn the conversation to your true motive – obtaining a Bible Study:

“You know, I’ve found a great study course that covers the Bible from the beginning to end. It explains how current events ft into prophecy-like reading tomorrow’s newspaper today!”

“I was introduced to a study course that explains many things about the Bible that I never knew. It is simple, clear and straight-forward. Now I can read the Bible and understand it.”

“You know, I never really enjoyed the Bible before because I couldn’t understand so much of it. But this course I’m taking has opened it up to me. It’s like reading a new book!”

“A good thing about this course is that it’s free and private. It only takes an hour a week-not much time for such great and important information!”

“… and another thing-no one is pressuring you to buy anything or to join a church. God’s Word is free to everyone! Would you like to join me for a study? What is a good day and time for you? Where would be a good place? I’ll bring everything we need when I come. What’s your phone number and address?”

You will be surprised at the positive response you receive for your time and effort. However, not everyone will accept your kind offer. For those who don’t reply:” I understand. But if you change your mind, please let me know.”