Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 4
Kevin notes the “surprising lack” in early writings of instructions on converting pagans, strategy, or even much mention of evangelism, paired with Cyprian’s line: “We do not speak great things, but we live them”; where do you feel most tempted to substitute “speaking” (arguments, posts, programs) for a life that is visibly different?
Another way to ask: Early writers didn’t focus much on tactics for converting pagans, and Cyprian said, “We do not speak great things, but we live them.” Where are you most tempted to rely on words (debates, posts, programs) instead of a clearly different life?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, the main temptation is to rely on pressure-driven words—persuasion, high-intensity messaging, and “enterprise” Christianity—rather than patiently embodying a distinct life that makes the gospel visible.
- Kevin notes a “surprising lack” of early material on “how to convert pagans,” “strategy,” and “hardly even mentions of evangelism.”
- Instead, early writers focused on “how does transformation look? What does integrity look like… in the life of the church?”
- Cyprian’s quote is central: “We do not speak great things, but we live them.”
- Kevin contrasts this with “a high-pressure faith and high-pressure Christianity,” where we feel we “have to compel people and convince them and use words.”
- Wendell reinforces the point: it was not primarily what Christians “said” but what they “did and embodied” that outsiders found “disconcerting and converting.”