Abstract
Throughout history there developed a dualism between being church and the world. This separation brought forth a church that is moving away from an outside focus on the unchurched, to the tending and retaining of members. Evangelism through the church to a world that is in dire need of it, has been devastated by this separation. The alienation of evangelism led to a church that is ineffective in its service and outreach to the world. The church in South Africa and in other parts of the world experienced a loss of membership. When shifting the focus of the congregational agenda from ministry to institutional maintenance, church growth will be harmed (Schaller 1978:63). Therefore it is necessary that the church will realise that she does not exist for herself but is an extension of God in Christ to a world that is lost.
The seeker sensitive evangelism strategy strives to be “mission actual” by proclaiming a message that is older than 2000 years in a cultural relevant way. The seeker sensitive evangelism strategy was created as an answer to various para-church organisations that tried to fill the missional roll that the church failed to do. This model is known by the strong passion for people that are not fully devoted to Christ. Conversion is seen as part of the greater process where people grow through phases.
In this study an inquiry is conducted to how the seeker sensitive evangelism strategy may be understood and be practised. An inquiry is conducted to what the theological tangent points within the seeker sensitive evangelism strategy are. Key aspects regarding evangelism in this model are also described. An exposition of what the seeker sensitive evangelism strategy comprises is given at the end of this study.
Dr. G.J. Basson