Why we should Love the People Outside the Church?

Marcantonio: An Atheist perspective: My conversion to Christianity

 It was this time five years ago — with the weather cooling and Thanksgiving approaching — that my Christian journey began to take shape and focus.

At 19-years-old, I was a college student who, aside from adjusting to the biggest cultural shock in the world moving from Massachusetts to Louisiana, was particularly normal. My hobbies included the usual from a college student: drinking, moderate drug use, cussing and sports.

On the surface, I wasn’t a bad person. I treated people with respect, tried to love everyone, and passionately desired to make a difference in the world.

However, around November (2009) my comfortable life slowly shifted.

… I (GASP) started exploring the world of Christianity.

Now, although I deeply hate writing in third-person, there’s a method to what appears to be an article centered around myself. I’m going to identify — through my experience — how a normal, good-striving, spiritually deprived college student with no religious background turned to Christianity.

While a lot of elements played into my conversion to Christianity, the following three played the largest role.

(Disclaimer for the super religious people: I fully understand Jesus draws all to Himself (John 12:32) and Jesus was involved in all these areas of my life. However, from my atheist perspective, these elements bridged the gap from Matt “The Atheist” to Matt “The Christian.”) 

1. Relational Evangelism 

No judging. No pleas to attend church. No arguments. No ‘I’m right and your wrong.’ None of that was presented by the Christian couple who developed a relationship with me.

They didn’t seek my attendance in a church seat but were burdened with the need to have an authentic, caring, friendship with me.

That friendship opened the doors to great conversations and perspectives, which led me to their weekly home small group. Their friendship proved to be a catalyst in my Christian journey. I never in my life would have walked into the front doors of a local church. But, I would walk into the house of my caring friends who I respected.

I quickly discovered the best way to reach the world is being yourself — a normal human being, who loves and cares for people, yet has a message of life and hope on the inside. I also discovered that truly lost and unchurched people will never walk into your church building unless there’s a relationship first formed outside the church.

Without the six months of authentic relationship and living life with this couple, I wouldn’t be a Christian today. 

2. Atmosphere of Worship 

Before I stepped into my first worship service, my expectations were first birthed from my Catholic up-bringing.

So to say I was shocked when I heard an electric guitar, modern-sounding music, and an eccentric drummer after walking into service, is a huge understatement. At first, it was strange seeing people demonstrate their love for Jesus. However, their hunger, desire and passion were incredible.

It opened my eyes. Even more incredible was the tangible presence of God I experienced.

I’m a firm believer in worship through music. I’m crazy enough to believe when the followers of Jesus worship Him, amazing, supernatural, unbelievable things will happen.

Regardless of worship style, we — as the church — must evaluate if we’re creating a true atmosphere of worship.

• Is Jesus being lifted up and praised?

• Is the worship rising toward Heaven?

• Are people engaging corporately to encounter Jesus?

There’s nothing that comes close to experiencing Jesus. Worship, through music, is one avenue where a person can encounter the Creator of this universe. 

3. “Every Day” Communicator 

I sat in complete shock moments after the Pastor started his message. Instantly, I gravitated to every word he said, even if I didn’t agree or understand at first.

Here’s why: He looked like me, talked like me and had a sense of humor – like me.

On my way to church, I was self-conscious because of my clothes. But, when the Pastor walked out donning similar clothes to what I was wearing, I was shocked. To myself, I thought, “Didn’t all religious people have to wear suits or robes?”

When he spent a few minutes talking about LSU football and jokes about his family — I was floored (again). Really? It’s okay to talk about normal every-day things in church?

Then, as he gave a life-giving message, I was inspired and challenged. Here he was: a normal dressed person, who liked football, who had a supernatural message that can change the world.

Yes, it was always Jesus.

He used a normal friendship, a powerful atmosphere of worship, and a gifted, normal communicator to compel a college kid who wasn’t in need of a changed life — never mind a Savior, or so he thought — to give his life away.

There are millions of people who are like me in need of Jesus. Call it unconventional — and sure you might not do it that way I did — but I accepted Jesus and chose to follow Him. We need to be alert to the needs of generations of people who think they are fine and can get through life on their own.

Church signs, revival “camp” meetings, music from the 1920’s and overly dressed, outwardly righteous preachers probably won’t do the trick reaching the generation I’m a part of, or even the generations to follow.

It starts with a relationship, God’s presence and a relevant — yet supernatural — delivery of God’s Word. Take it or leave it, but it worked for a hell-bound atheist like me.