Evangelism Explosion (EE) is a Christian evangelistic discipleship ministry and training program.[1][2]
 | |
| Abbreviation | EE |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1972 |
| Founder | D. James Kennedy |
| Type | Religious organizations |
| Purpose | Discipleship |
| Headquarters | Arden, North Carolina |
President | John B. Sorensen |
| Website | evangelismexplosion |
History
editEvangelism Explosion was started in 1962 by D. James Kennedy, senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.[3] Evangelism Explosion became an incorporated organization in 1972.[3]
In 1996, Tyndale House, published the 4th edition of Evangelism Explosion authored by D. James Kennedy on witnessing as a way of life, which was first published in January, 1970.[4]
In 1997, Evangelism Explosion published the results of a study which shows that the method was viewed as "confrontational evangelism". As a result of this, Evangelism Explosion announced that it was "changing its approach to emphasize relationship-building and discipling new believers."[5]
Evangelism Explosion has been published in a number of different forms, including Kids' EE, Hope For Kids in partnership with OneHope,[6] Seniors' EE, Deaf EE, Classic EE, Faith Talks, EE ChangeMakers,[7] Equip America,[8] Prison EE, Weavers, Glasses For Missions, EE for Generation, and XEE.[9] The latter is designed especially for members of Generations X and Y.
Content
editEvangelism Explosion is best known for its two "diagnostic questions" that users can ask non-Christians as a means of determining a "person's spiritual health",[10] and of stimulating an evangelistic conversation:
- Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you can say you know for certain that if you were to die today you would go to heaven?
- Suppose that you were to die today and stand before God and he were to say to you, "Why should I let you into my heaven?" what would you say?
After the diagnostic questions, the evangelist is encouraged to explain the gospel in terms of grace, man, God, Christ, and faith.[11]
Use
editEvangelism Explosion's materials have been translated into over seventy languages.[3] Jeff Noblit suggests that it is "probably the most used and copied soul-winning training course ever embraced by Southern Baptists,"[12] while Stan Guthrie suggests that it is "the best known and most widely used evangelistic training curriculum in church history."[13] It is used by over 20,000 churches worldwide.[14]
Evangelism Explosion officials claim that millions of people have come to Christ using the program.[13] In 2011, 324,000 people worldwide were trained in the program, while over 7.25 million people reportedly made a profession of faith as a result of its use.[15] Five years later, the organization claimed 10.7 million people professed faith in Christ in 2016.[16]
Evaluation
editDavid L. Larsen suggests that Evangelism Explosion has "brought a quickening of the evangelistic pulse", and has "provided a most helpful and practical vehicle for witness." Larsen notes, however, that "not everyone is comfortable" with "its more vigorous 'button-holing'."[17]
In a study done among non-Christian Thai people, all of them spoke negatively about the witnessing approach of EE. One respondent said,
I would be upset. It is ridiculous and strange. I do not know who will die first, the interrogator or me. I would simply walk away. I do not want anyone to talk about death. It is a depressive issue.[18]
References
edit- ^ "About Us". Evangelism Explosion - About Us. Evangelism Explosion. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- ^ "About us". Evangelism Explosion Africa. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
- ^ a b c "History". Evangelism Explosion. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ Kennedy, D. James (1996). Evangelism Explosion. Tyndale House Publishers. ISBN 978-0-8423-0764-2.
- ^ Lawton, Kim A. (3 March 1997). "Outreach: Evangelism Explosion Retools its Approach". Christianity Today. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ Hoskins, Rob (2014-02-12). "The power of peer evangelism for kids". Rob Hoskins. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
- ^ "About Us – EE Changemakers". eechangemakers.org. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
- ^ "Equip America". Equip America. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
- ^ "Programs – Evangelism Explosion | EE International". Retrieved 2024-04-16.
- ^ Peel, William Carr (2003). Going Public With Your Faith: Becoming a Person of Spiritual Influence at Work. Zondervan. p. 153.
- ^ Pockock, Michael; Van Rheenen, Gailyn; McConnell, Douglas (2005). The Changing Face of World Missions: Engaging Contemporary Issues and Trends. Baker Academic. p. 180.
- ^ Noblit, Jeff (2008). "The Rise of Calvinism in the Southern Baptist Convention: Reason for Rejoicing". Calvinism: A Southern Baptist Dialogue. B&H Publishing Group. p. 104.
- ^ a b Guthrie, Stan. "A Passion for Souls: Remembering D. James Kennedy". Christianity Today. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ Davis, James D. (22 February 2012). "Evangelism Explosion marks 50 years". Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ "Evangelism Explosion Celebrates 50 Years, Looks to Next 50". National Religious Broadcasters. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ "Annual Results - Evangelism Explosion". Evangelism Explosion. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
- ^ Larsen, David L. (2002). The Evangelism Mandate: Recovering the Centrality of Gospel Preaching. Kregel Academic. p. 126.
- ^ Mejudhon, Ubolwan (2004). "The Thai Way of Meekness". Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Diary. William Carey Library. p. 282.