A Salesman’s Thoughts on Evangelism
Let me begin by addressing what may appear to be the mechanical nature of my writing style. It seems to be one of my many imperfections to be unable to convey a sense of spiritual purpose when I propose an idea. Trust me when I say I have every intention to propose these ideas as a method of spiritual outreach.
I know it is generally accepted that the Urantia Book should be spread through evolution, not revolution. Why couldn’t evangelism to some degree be supported as the natural outgrowth of the evolution of the Revelation’s spread? There are so few resources for new readers to engage with veteran readers, and I believe many would accept the new “gospel,” as it were, with open arms.
Using the skills I have learned in sales, a thought struck me: What if these same strategies were used to disseminate the teachings of the Urantia Book? Below is a rough outline of some methods that could be used, and who our “target market” would be.
"Target Market
-Hereditary Christians who do not actively practice their faith, somewhat doubtful and unsure of how to interpret modern science with Biblical allegories (often presented as Biblical “facts”)
-Modern youth whose primary focus is career advancement who give little thought to the meaning of life, other than educational pursuit or fulfilling societal expectations
-Agnostics/atheists/apatheists who are off put by the hierarchical structure of churches and mass religion
Outreach methods
-Canvassing door to door
-online meetings, hosted by veteran readers, whose primary focus is to answer questions and guide new students.
-appropriate events where books and literature can be dispersed
-in-home consultations by which interested prospects can have an advanced reader of the UB come into their home and explain core concepts and answer their questions. Web based ads and/or marketing materials where prospects could request a meeting
-encouraging any new readers to engage in this undertaking with the same enthusiasm, referring friends and family members to our outreach personnel for guidance
-Charitable events, such as but not limited to food drives
-Missionary work that would not only serve to educate people about the book’s existence, but also provide tangible differences in people’s lives
Logistics
-Realistically, this could only be performed with the backing of, or by, a charitable organization
-Presentation material, pamphlets, and of course copies and excerpts of the Urantia Book would have to be provided
-Volunteering would be necessary, and many events/outreach programs would need financial consideration
-Other people outside such an organization who choose to evangelize MUST NOT be prevented from doing so. Nothing has to be sanctioned unless funding is requested.
I appreciate any feedback, or suggestions on how to improve upon these ideas.
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