The Gospel of John and Reclaiming Conversation in 21st Century Evangelism

Abstract

Jesus’ conversations with others in the Gospel of John demonstrate how conversation is used to invite people into a greater knowledge of who Christ is and who they are as a result. Further, due to the fact that conversation remains an integral, though currently diminishing part of social interaction in our contemporary society, this article will consider how the theme of conversation and identity in the Gospel of John offers implications for contemporary evangelism. In the article, we offer the idea that a focus on conversation in evangelism, while increasingly counter-cultural, is in keeping with the counter-cultural nature of the gospel and the ministry of Jesus himself, as depicted by John the evangelist. Finally, the article provides reflection on how Jesus' use of conversation in John's Gospel can practically inform the practice of evangelism today.