Following up on my prior post, a more comprehensive description of the Engle’s scale is below. Special attention is focused on those who serve in the most unreached parts of the world.
-5: Negatively Resistant – These individuals are opposed to the message of the Gospel and may actively reject it. Muslims in North Africa and the Middle East, and Hindu fundamentalists in Nepal or Sri Lanka are not only resistant to the Gospel but may be hostile to the message of Christ. Those working in these environments are mostly Insiders and Alongsiders.
-4: Resistant – In these cultures, people may not exhibit overt hostility towards the message of the Gospel. However, due to cultural constraints, they tend to resist and reject any suggestion of embracing the teachings of Christ. While they may not be antagonistic towards Christians, they remain closed off from considering the claims of the Gospel. The individuals serving in these contexts encompass a range of roles, including Pioneers, Insiders, and Alongsiders.
-3: Neutral – Individuals that are neither hostile nor receptive to the Gospel. They may be unaware of it or indifferent to it. Of course, these people are everywhere in the world. Much of missionary/evangelism throughout the world are among the Neutral.
-2: Interested – This stage can be described as the "nibble" phase in the process of "fishing for men." People in this stage are relatively more open to the message of the Gospel and are willing to delve deeper into its exploration. It’s a critical juncture for Pioneers and Insiders, as they engage with resistant people groups. Prematurely jerking the pole, so to speak, risks permanently scaring away those who are genuinely interested in the Gospel.
-1: Seeking - Individuals at this stage are actively seeking answers to their spiritual questions and are open to considering the Gospel. This is one-on-one, many times secretly, guiding people toward becoming followers of Christ Jesus.
0: Indicating a Decision - Individuals at this stage are ready to make a spiritual decision but have not yet done so. Like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, they may be secret disciples but have turned the corner in believing He is the Christ.
+1: Making a Decision - At this stage, a person has made a decision to follow Christ, but for Insiders and Pioneers this is a crucial point, much like -2. This is not necessarily the time to insist on baptism or joining a church. The convert may need further guidance and support before they take that next step.
+2: Receptive to Discipleship – The new believer is now eager to grow in their faith and is receptive to discipleship and mentoring. There is nothing more invigorating than to be with newborn babes in Christ.
+3: Growing in Faith - Individuals at this stage are actively growing in their faith and may need guidance and support as they face new challenges and opportunities. This is especially true of a new believer in a resistant culture. How to navigate this new life among kinship and cultural expectations can only be properly addressed by those who have actually dealt with these challenges…Insiders.
+4: Maturing in Faith – At this point the individual takes on the role of an Insider. Mature in their faith, they are equipped to mentor and disciple others.
+5: Multiplying Disciples – Multiplying may or may not result in a people movement, but is through this process the unengaged will have a witness among them and the unreached are being reached with the Good News about our marvelous Lord Jesus.
