Greg Koukl is an incredible guy. One of his teachings that has stuck with me is the concept of the 21st century ambassador for the Christian faith. In January I wrote a review for his book "Tactics", which is a book I wish every Christian would read, especially those who are mission/evangelism minded. I think Greg hits it perfectly when he describes three basic skills for being a modern-day ambassador: knowledge, wisdom, and character.
"Representing Christ in the new millennium requires three basic skills. First, Christ's ambassadors need the basic knowledge necessary for the task. They must know the central message of God's kingdom and something about how to respond to the obstacles they'll encounter on their diplomatic mission.
However, it is not enough for followers of Jesus to have an accurately informed mind. Our knowledge must be tempered with the kind of wisdom that makes our message clear and persuasive. This requires the tools of a diplomat, not the weapons of a warrior, tactical skill rather than brute force.
Finally, our character can make or break our mission. Knowledge and wisdom are packaged in a person, so to speak. If that person does not embody the virtues of the kingdom he serves, he will undermine his message and handicap his efforts.
These three skills - knowledge, an accurately informed mind; wisdom, an artful method; and character, an attractive manner - play a part in every effective involvement with a nonbeliever." - Greg Koukl, Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, pg.24-25 (underlines mine)
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