Rune Edvardsen is an active preacher, musician, and mission leader who supports a team of 1,400 national missionaries worldwide. For several decades, he has led one of the most successful congregations in Norway.
Me: Why do you think so many people have an image of a God they don’t like?
Rune Edvardsen: Most of what we have constructed as the “image of God” is man-made. However, God’s perception of us completely differs from the images we often create ourselves. God is not an angry father or a strict controller who checks if you have everything in order.
But here in Norway and Scandinavia, we have grown up in a culture where we have partially managed to make the image of God hostile toward humans.
It strikes me that in many other places I travel to worldwide, people have a much more positive perception of God than us. Grace is more prominent. They are not afraid to approach God with their problems, whereas, in the Scandinavian version of Lutheranism, we have sometimes created an image of God that leads to shame. God is primarily seen as a pointing finger rather than what people seek.
Me: How can we effectively communicate the Gospel to people today?
RE: First and foremost, we must rediscover Jesus on his terms. We need to observe him, remove the layers of packaging we have wrapped around him, and return to the basics. We have been trapped in a spreading notion that Christians have become irrelevant, sitting in a corner and howling.
This is because we have made Jesus a tool for our agendas, causing him to lose power. When I encounter some Christians today, sometimes the most important thing I do is help them “deprogram” the unhealthy images of God they carry that hinder grace.
Secondly, we must communicate the Gospel using plain language. I have a motto: if I wouldn’t dare say something outside the local convenience store in my hometown, I shouldn’t say it anywhere else. My congregation lives here. If they don’t trust me or find me credible, then I have no business being here as a preacher.
Me: Your congregation has attracted many people over the past decades and has become relevant to a modern audience. What do you think this is due to?
RE: One reason is that we have consciously chosen not to engage in polarizing debates—not because we are afraid, but because we do not see it as our mission.
Another reason is that we approach the Gospel practically. We have practical thoughts about it and collaborate with partners and projects worldwide. We support 1,400 national missionaries who communicate the Gospel every day, which prevents us from becoming stagnant.
A third reason is that, over the last 15 to 20 years, we have systematically invested in and prioritized making our community accessible for the next generation. We prioritize children and families.
Me: If you had a room full of church leaders and leaders of Christian organizations struggling to connect with audiences and increase their membership, what one piece of advice would you give them?
RE: We should share the good news instead of criticizing and condemning people. I recommend defining ourselves by what we stand for rather than against. This is about leadership. We cannot have leaders who lead by fear. We need leaders who lead with grace.
We have a unique opportunity to preach the Gospel to a generation today that may not have as much baggage and preconceived notions about God and the Christian faith.
Presenting the Gospel to such a generation might be more accessible and with fewer biases. This is good news for those who communicate about Jesus in the future.
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