Why Don't We See This From Lutheranism?

As someone who's relatively "new" to the Lutheran Church (LCMS), I'm seriously wondering why we don't see more evangelizing ministries from Lutherans.

Specifically, why don't we see more of this type of thing from Lutheranism?

Now, perhaps these types of evangelizing ministries do exist within the scope of Lutheranism, but if they do I haven't seen them yet. Is there a reason why that I'm just not aware of?

Look, I get that we Lutherans are a formal, reserved, and quiet bunch generally speaking. I'm not saying there's anything inherently wrong in that, but might those distinct characteristics also be a contributing factor as to why we don't see more efforts to witness to others in our local community?

Last Summer, one LCMS Pastor who filled out while our Pastor was out of town shocked me when he gave a sermon on the importance of sharing your faith with others, but then spent a good 5-10 minutes talking about all the ways we should do that EXCEPT using open-air street preaching. In fact, the distinct impression was that he went out of his way to try and talk people listening out of the idea of taking the Gospel to the streets. Why?

Excuse me sir, but isn't that what Jesus and the apostles did? Isn't that what some well-known men of God throughout the ages did for His glory?

In addition, one of our Youth Groups is preparing for a mission trip this Summer. I just learned that the independent Christian organization that is coordinating things had to have someone come in to our church recently and teach the members of the Youth Group how to share their testimony and share the Gospel with those they will meet in the Dominican Republic!

Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not criticizing them so much as I am our beloved church. Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and Church Leaders alike (that includes me) need to come together and commit to making true disciples of Jesus Christ. It starts by teaching Lutheran laymen how to be comfortable enough to talk about their faith and how to share their faith with others. Why is that important?

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Yes, "let your light shine before others" for His glory, honor, and praise!

Forget the "Seeker Sensitive Movement" or this un-Biblical notion that we need to make the church "attractive" to the lost so that they'll come visit week after week.

The approach is not unlike the kind of advertising and marketing that the world uses when they put up billboards and send out brochures saying "Come! Come and get your needs met!"

First of all, it's not about us -- it's about Him. Second, what has that really gotten us though? Nothing but shallow sermonettes replaced by entertainment and music and, ultimately, false converts too.

If you're a Lutheran (or just a Christian in general), then what do you think about actually taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people like this?

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