MOLDI dinners: In the late 1990s, the Sydney University Christian group realized that it was difficult to get ‘not-yet believers’ to come to outreach events.

I have really happy memories of these MOLDI dinners, not that I ever went to one but I remember talking to one of the senior staffworkers with the Christian group when they were plotting and planning these. Some great stories of talking about really serious matters to do with Jesus and salvation. (For a slightly tangential one, see here).

You can almost never go wrong where food is involved, can you? I was thinking this the other night at an evangelistic event run at our church, actually a dinner in a local restaurant. Plenty of non-church friends, a good talk explaining that being Christian was about being forgiven, really good food, and friendly, relaxed conversation. Loved it—and I’m still thanking God for the opportunities that came up.

I’m pretty sure the U.S. Date Force is what keeps them perpetually 17 hours behind Australia… That’s a 1,020 minute _delta_ for those playing along at home.

And w.r.t question time post-service, Ben, how do you counter those who might say that they fear misleading the congregation with a poorly-thought-through response?

Hey Birdy,
Sorry about the onset of PTSD. Thanks for your encouragement.

G’Day Gordo,
I liked your comment. I think food has a few good side effects (i) slows us down and relaxes everyone (ii) puts all of us on a level playing field i.e. reminds us of what we have in common and that we all die if we don’t eat and (iii) it’s enjoyable, a pleasure.

Howdy Benny Bathgate,
Thanks for exposing me mate! There’s probably some ex-Delta force soldier watching me now (from a hidden observation post) covered in black shoe polish waiting for the signal to take the shot to avenge the slander that was my blog.

Greetings Wild Wally,
Mmmm. If a person feels like they’ll do more damage than good during question time then they probably need to think twice about doing one. (I find it excruciatingly difficult myself). But it is a skill that can be learnt, just like preaching. It just takes practice.  I’d counsel someone to try and learn the skill. After all, any basic evangeslism is a “question time” of sorts. the reason we feel ready to do the 1 Peter 3:15 thing is because we’ve pratcticed. A Christian leader (with the help of friends) can guess the 10 questions most likely to be asked after any given sermon. You can prepare for most bullets that get fired.
Having said that, if someone still struggles, then there’s no shame in doing the “write questions on a card to be answered next week” thing.

Hi Adsy,
Thanks for commenting and welcoming me back to solapanel cyberspace. When I read your comment I had a flashback to 1978. A picture of Mr Dunlop, my 3rd Grade teacher jumped into my brain . . . he was always saying, “Pfahlert you’re late!”. Sorry I’ve been MIA brother. I’ve been working on the “MTS Strategic Plan 2009 - 2011” and it took all my spare energy.
I did finally answer your question from a month ago.

God’s speed.

Benny

A question about question times after a Bible talk.  I wonder whether they undermine the great power of preaching being a declared Word from God that demands obedience rather than discussion.
Having called a congregation to respond to the Word of God isn’t it an abrupt change of gears to then say… lets have a discussion.
I’m writing this of course as a question time scaredy cat!

Ben said:

You’re right Paul, sometimes it feels like a totally inappropriate thing to do.

And that kind of proves your main point doesn’t it, Ben? No-one’s barking orders at the minister “Question time must happen after the sermon!” The preacher assesses the situation, and responds accordingly, either by buttoning up or continuing to shoot from the lip.