By: Dave Fidlin

Be in the world, not of the world. 

The popular saying, paraphrased and abridged from Scripture in John 17:14-16, has been uttered in churches and Christian circles for ages. Case in point: Avalon, a Contemporary Christian Music group, devoted a song, “In Not Of,” to the topic on their 1999 album, “In a Different Light.”

But for a Christian, the exact interpretation of how to live this philosophy out has been scrutinized and debated. Some members of the Christian community concede it is blasphemous to evangelize outside a traditional church setting or an event sanctioned by a Christian organization, while others take a far more liberal view, saying even bars or strip clubs can be used as venues to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In general, evangelical Christians tend to embrace the “go out into the world” mentality, while more conservative-leaning Christians tread much more lightly on this philosophy.

During his time on earth, Jesus displayed an example of how to live a life of faith and effectively spread the Gospel. While He came down hard at times – as evidenced by his angry response toward occupants of a temple, who turned the venue into a market – He also was compassionate and associated Himself with people who were not walking in God’s footsteps. The fact Jesus gave the time of day to a prostitute like Mary Magdalene is proof that He did not associate solely with church-goers.

Perhaps one of the boldest modern examples of a Christian evangelizing in an unorthodox setting is Heather Veitch, founder of the Las Vegas-based ministry JC’s Girls. (JC stands for Jesus Christ.) Veitch, a former stripper, claims to have turned away from her past lifestyle and advocates against the sex industry. Members of JC’s Girls visit strip clubs across the country and offer invitations to the women to attend church. Veitch also serves on the staff of Central Christian Church in an area nicknamed “sin city.”

The ministry has even set up booths at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo – a venue where a Christian presence would seem most unlikely. Members of JC’s Girls have given out gift packages accompanied with messages saying God forgives all sins. In interviews, Veitch said the goal of the ministry is to reach out without coming across as judgemental. 

JC’s Girls have raised more than a few eyebrows in the Christian community. 

“Heather’s intentions may be good; I’m going to put the best construction on her intentions,” Ingrid Schlueter, a Milwaukee-based conservative Christian talk show host, wrote on her blog, Slice of Laodicea, last year. “But the lack of solid biblical teaching today is resulting in ‘ministries’ that are bringing only more shame on the name of Christ.”

Schlueter and other Christian leaders have been critical of several of Veitch’s tactics, including a critique that she continues to wear somewhat revealing clothing, which could lead to a stumbling block for men struggling with their own fleshy desires.

But there are some members of the Christian community who believe a fresh approach to evangelizing is necessary in a culture that is growing increasingly cynical toward the seemingly judgmental, narrow-minded attitudes of people in churches. 

“I’m always inspired by (Veitch’s) love for the girls (in the adult entertainment industry) and her passion; her ideas for reaching people are fresh, bold, crazy and innovative,” wrote a member of Ethur, an organization aimed at intertwining Christianity and culture, on the blog, A Polite Rebellion Against Mass Thought.

The Veitch scenario raises an interesting point of evangelizing outside the church. One aspect is certain: Christians should not expose themselves to situations that could cause them to stumble in their walk with the Lord. It would be hard to argue this would be crossing the line between being in the world and not of it. A recovering alcoholic who has come to Christ, for instance, might not be best suited to share the Gospel in a bar. Not initially, at least. However, a Christian’s previous sins, and God’s transformation of that person’s life, can become a powerful testimony to those who have yet to proclaim a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Perhaps one of the most effective means of straying from vulnerable situations is to pray for discernment each day – especially when going out into “the battle field” and sharing Christianity with nonbelievers. The book of 1 Thessalonians speaks to the topic of discernment, particularly in 5:21-22, where Christians are instructed to “examine everything carefully,” “hold fast to that which is true” and “abstain from every form of evil.”

Amid the debate of being in the world, not of it, is an important point: Whenever a Christian steps outside the church doors and wants to share the Gospel with the world, authenticity is a key ingredient to the witnessing efforts. 

The old adage, “People don’t care how much you know until they know you care,” is in danger of being deemed trite because it is tossed around so casually, but it holds true when any effort is made to bridge the gap between Christianity and pop culture. Memorizing Bible verses is only one step in sharing the Gospel with others.

Letting one’s guard down, and perhaps being somewhat vulnerable, is a second, and powerful, step believers can use when sharing the benefits of a walk with Christ. All too often, it can be tempting to come across with a polished, I’ve-got-it-all-together attitude. But a Christian giving their testimony – sharing how God has worked in his or her life – is a powerful means of witnessing to a world searching for answers to tough questions. 

Anyone can shout Bible verses into a megaphone and tell passers-by they are going to hell if they do not repent. Taking an active interest in someone’s life, on the other hand, can be demanding. It means investing in that person by sacrificing time and, at times, it can result in emotional fatigue.

But, borrowing another clichéd phrase, “What would Jesus do?” Based on his interactions with believers and nonbelievers alike, the answer appears fairly obvious.