I will agree with you, Shane, if you're thinking Adventist's need to find a new method or new approch to evangelism in what is termed a 'series'.' The 'Complexity of Life-forms' could be very interesting and awe-inspiring lecture. Have a scientist from a local college or university present it. Then the evangelist could take over and extol the God who in some unknown way ordained their spiritual existence using the Bible. Next night have an astronomer from the nearest college or university amaze the people with a short lecture and then the evangelist can take over again and extol the Unfathomable Absoute ONE from the Bible. Have Hebrew scholars, have cultural anthropologists, have archeologists, etc. on different evenings before or after the evangelist.

The sad thing in this secular society is that so many people do not even realize that they have a spiritual dimension. Have churches failed? On the other hand there a lot of wonderful Christians out there. They don't alway advertise it. They just go around being kind.

Do you diagree with William James' statement that the origin of something does not necessisarily determine it's value?

I'm 'talking to much.' Bueno noches, amigo

~d.allan

I am not so sure a scientist is needed for the presentation. John317 made a comment earlier that good speakers and good thinkers are often not the same individuals. The material for an evangelistic crusade is normally not compiled by the evangelist. This is true for our Revelation seminars as well. The material for the presentation simply needs to be acurate and convincing so a good speaker can present it with the power of the Holy Spirit.

I agree



So who should compile the material, and how does the evangelist determine it is accurate?

/Bevin

In the case of creation evangelism it would be nice to see a joint effort between GRI and another group like Adventist Media Center or Amazing Facts put something together. I know Amazing Facts is currently one of the leaders of providing material for Revelation seminars.

If someone were to do it on their own, I would suggest working with GRI to get something together. There are a lot of material available from various creation ministries that are not Adventist like Answers in Genesis but I would suggest running any such material by GRI before using it in a crusade.

Excellent suggestion

The GRI has a good reputation. Answers In Genesis is often criticised on the internet, but I have not seen any where near as much criticism of the GRI - especially recently the GRI seem to be doing a good job.

/Bevin

Every evangelist I have ever known puts together his own programs. An exception would be the 'canned' stuff which is made available to laymen who want to go overseas, etc. I have put together my own series, and videotaped it to DVD's, hence it can go out anywhere in the world.

But I have also noticed that so many of the subjects as they are presented, do not appear to be strong on research or credible documentation. The appeal often is to the under-educated. In my own work, I have typically had to start from scratch, although some of the graphics from other series are often helpful.

In the case of creation science evangelism, I think you would need someone up front who has credibility, not just a public speaker. A degreed scientist, with good credentials, would seem important. Shane, may I suggest a 'team' approach. Have both up front at the same time--an accomplished presenter, and a scientist. They can dialog back and forth. It could make for a very interesting presentation.

Dave

All the evangelistic series I have been involved with used programs that were laid out by others. All, except one, used material put together by Amazing Facts. I know Lonnie Melashenko does creation evangelsim because I have watched one of his videos. I also attended an AY meeting where Dr. John Baldwin was giving a creation-science lecture. Both are excellent speakers but I do not believe either are a scientist.

The Amazing Facts approach appeals to a certain demographic segment. The high-school educated, who are comfortable with an authoritarian approach and tend to be credulous, seem to respond well to Amazing Facts. While AF does a good work, and has its place, I will simply say that the research and documentation are not university-level.




Once again, their stuff is on the 'pop' level. Probably will not impress too many who have a graduate education in particular fields. Nor is there any substitute for a degreed, professional scientist. The crediblity simply isn't there, otherwise.

However on the flip side. Wouldn't highly-educated, scientific speakers tend to bore more blue-collar, common folks? The common guy which drives up prime-time ratings wants to be entertained and doesn't want to have serious brain cramps during a lecture.