TIM KELLER’S RELATIONAL MODEL.

Although some disciples of Tim Keller claim to use his “relational evangelism” in scripture the primary New Testament method of evangelism is preaching, proclaiming, and sharing the gospel with strangers.

*Jesus and the apostles didn’t befriend first and wait for a gospel sharing moment.

*The urgency of the gospel is lost because relational evangelism takes too much time.

Paul didn’t bother with building a friendship with anyone before nailing them with the gospel.

*The unregenerate are enemies of God and therefore have no interest in spiritual things, even the reasons for your holy life.

*Relational evangelism makes the effective work of the Spirit of God dependent on something – the context of a relationship.

*Christian believers sometimes fail at the great commission because they never get around to sharing the gospel, valuing the friendship over the good news.

*Befriending the world violates the command to be separated from the world and avoid being unequally yoked. For example, James 4:4 “Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

 However, we need not restrict ourselves to Kellers model.  We must use multiple biblical approaches, as we confront the many lost sinners who cross our path daily, with their urgent need for a savior.