Syncretism and Missions

Historic norms of “evangelize the unsaved and disciple those who embrace the gospel of Christ” are now confused. It is true that, in most situations, to evangelize without relationship can be limited in its benefit. But the answer isn’t to invite the unsaved to “belong to the church” before they embrace the gospel. Such responses result in the non-believer not understanding his lostness before God. Syncretism is still the most prevalent religion on the planet and missionaries inviting non-believers to teach the scriptures or join churches under the misguided new idea of “discipling non-believers” only ensures such syncretism gains more adherents.

--Brad Buser (missionary for two decades in Papua New Guinea—now preparing and teaching others for overseas evangelism).