Evangelism is one of the scariest things to most Christians.
Unfortunately, most of that anxiety is brought on by bad examples or misconceptions of what it is to be effective in spreading the Word.
I don’t know about you, but for the longest time I had visions (and examples) of scolding and judging, ironically it looked a little like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. I also kind of assumed that the only way to get it done in a big way was to jump straight to knocking on doors and leading an on fire for the Lord tent revivals. (I grew up in the South, so I’m not knocking the fun and effectiveness of a good ole revival. Just don’t think you have to start there)
Before we jump into the practical application of evangelism, let’s try to clarify what we’re trying to accomplish. Let’s define a Win:
- We can not save a single soul, only Jesus saves (John 14:6)
- Our job is to get people in a position to receive the Word (Romans 10:17)
- Then we are to walk along side them, in making disciples (Matthew 28:19)
So, what is the formula for evangelism. There are many, but here are the 5 Simple Steps to Evangelism that I use.
5 Simple Steps to Evangelism
1. Pray!
Prayer is probably the most underestimated tool of evangelism. We forget don’t we? We pray for those under the burden of sickness and need, but are we praying for those in the darkness of this world?
Add this simple prayer to strengthen you evangelism:
Lord,
I ask that you open the eyes and heart of [insert specific names], (2 Corinthians 4:4)
that they would know the true and saving love Jesus Christ has for them, (John 3:16)
that You, God, would give me the wisdom to reveal the Good News to them in a compelling and personal way (James 1:5), and
that [insert specific names] would see your glory in me (1 Peter 2:12).
Amen!
2. Be Joyful and Peaceful
Whenever I’m asked about my testimony, I always lead with the sense of peace and joy my relationship with Jesus Christ has given me.
Life is such a rat race. Everyone is fighting, scratching and biting to get ahead. When you see someone with the calm, peaceful assurance that God is in control, it stands out like a sore thumb. If you want to be an effective voice for God, I think this is key.
I’m not suggesting that you won’t be ambitious, nervous, or anxious about things of this world–we are still saddled with our human nature, for now. However, your faith in God should be a steadying force in your life. That steadiness, that air of peaceful confidence will strike non-believers as unique and enviable.
This envy will naturally lead to questions about your secret to inner-peace. They’ll be shocked when you reveal it has nothing to do with Yoga ?
3. Serve Others
Nothing garners goodwill and trust like service. One of the most famous of Biblical evangelist–Paul–knew this was the secret to winning hearts and minds. Check this out this shocking line from one of Paul’s many lessons on evangelism:
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. (1 Corinthians 9:19)
I called this 5 Simple Ways to Evangelize, but that doesn’t mean everything is easy. Being a willing slave to others is certainly not the norm. People of the world are more likely to be self-interested and self-absorbed, but this is what can make you a stark contrast. Again, making people inquisitive as to why you don’t seem to be of this world (John 15:19).
I won’t deceive you…this will cause some challenges, but it will also present tons of opportunities to share the Good News.
4. Be the Very Best
This is one that I think is a killer attractor of non-believers: Be the very best at whatever you do!
Check out the self-help section of any bookstore (or Amazon.com). The shelves are packed with book after book about how to be better; a better leader, father, mother, sales person, marketer, investor, cook, and the list goes on and on…
All of those books about getting better aren’t there by mistake. Publishers and marketers aren’t foolish. They know that people are attracted to excellence–success. That’s why if you promise someone you have the secret formula to getting better, at whatever they might aspire to, you know you’ll have their attention.
If you’re giving the glory to God, be bold enough and disciplined enough to ask God to make you excellent at whatever works you do (James 1:17). This is guaranteed to gather you an eager audience wanting to know how you do it.
5. Listen Intently
Listening has become my evangelical secret weapon. How do I know it is a secret weapon?
Because, I am a horrible listener.
My mind is always turning, thinking, wandering off to the next thing. However, as I started to work on my listening skills, learning to better lock in my focus on the folks I am talking to, primarily for the purposes of improving my business communications, God began to reveal something very interesting to me.
People are always giving me opportunities to share the gospel with them. Yes, it’s true!
Think about the last few conversations you’ve had. Have you heard anything, like:
- How can you be so calm at a time like this?
- Yeah, I should get back church
- Do you ever wonder if you’ll ever get ahead?
- I’m so tired of the daily grind…
Some of my favorite openings have been the kind that indicate the person is seeking to fill some missing part in their life. We know that vacancy is properly filled with a relationship with Jesus. Often, all you have to do is let them talk through what they’re seeking and you will end up in a discussion about Jesus and the Good News he has for their lost and hopeless feeling.
Give Evangelism a Try
So what do you think? Is it something you can do? Are you already realizing evangelism opportunities you have?
Start with prayer and then check back in and tell us how it goes.
