Timing and Scoring

We were talking about this blog with some relatives over dinner recently, when it suddenly occurred to us. Doing a ministry involving poker is a great deal like playing poker. A major key to success involves making your move at the right moment.

For instance, we could walk to a poker table and say, "How are all you sinners doing tonight?" It's one way to approach people with the gospel, yes. But it's a bit like pushing all-in with pocket Aces before the flop, on the first hand of a tournament. Is it an approach that draws people in -- or repulses them away?

To maximize your gains, most poker players probably would suggest handling a strong hand with a measure of restraint. Doing ministry at the poker table can work the same way. That's why we usually bring up the things of God with the players immediately around us, as opposed to a table-wide "broadcast."

We're reminded of how the apostle Paul did this in Acts 17. He was brought to a forum at Mars' Hill, and used one of the altars there as a springboard to preach about repentance and resurrection (verses 22-31). What were the results?

"Some began to sneer, but others said, 'We will hear you again concerning this'.... But some men joined him and believed...." (vs. 32-34, NASB)

To be honest, we've met very few players who sneer. And several have told us they believe in Jesus as their Savior. So which of those three categories describe you?