What is Evangelism?

Evangelism is sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ, namely that he is God incarnate, that he was crucified in substitutional atonement for your sins, that his resurrection from the dead validated his deity and the efficacy of his atonement for your sins, and that those who believe this will be forgiven, saved from eternal damnation, and reconciled to God. The hope of evangelism is that others come to believe and accept God’s offer of salvation. 

Why Evangelize?

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ^{Ephesians 1:4-5}

The Bible clearly states that those who are saved and adopted were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. So, why are we commanded to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? What difference does that make? The answer is the impact on the evangelist as well as on the souls “won” for Christ.

First, evangelism is the method of fulfilling God’s will to save lost souls. God’s elect come to saving faith by hearing the message of salvation. This places the responsibility on believers to share with those who do not yet believe, including those who never will.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ^{Romans 10:14-15}

Secondly, we obey God’s commands. Jesus commanded us to teach everyone and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This means making disciples, which is the primary responsibility of believers.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ^{Matthew 28:18-20}

If evangelizing is a command from God, then neglecting to share what we know and failing to defend the hope within us is disobedience. It is the sin of omission, as James tells us.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. ^{James 4:17}

 Thirdly, we live to glorify God, and what better way than to proclaim his mercy, grace, and love to the world.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ^{Matthew 5:16}

Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said that if we follow him, he will make us fishers of men. So, how is this done? What follows is what I have seen and believe to be a reasonable approach that aligns with my personality, intellect, and interpersonal skills. Your approach may differ, as you may have skills that I do not. The goal here is to define a methodology that I believe would be effective and boost my conviction, enthusiasm, and, consequently, zealous execution.

What I commonly hear is an approach that sounds like a cold-call sales technique for engaging the public. Some condense the message into a clever acrostic to remember, start with a hook like “If I could tell you how to go to heaven, would you be interested?” hand out a pamphlet with cartoons preaching the gospel, or quote some key verses, and wait for the miracle of salvation to happen. These might work; many use them, but I have never seen them produce a positive response. This is not to say they don’t work; I just haven’t seen it. Approaching strangers with a canned presentation makes me uncomfortable. I feel that this method, attempted by someone with my traits, might seem scripted and be counterproductive.

So, here are my thoughts on the elements of a method that would constitute an effective evangelistic style for me, maybe for you as well.

Preparation

Be confident in God’s power to save.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ^{Romans 1:16-17}

Be confident and bold when sharing the good news of Jesus. Trust in God’s power, and don’t worry about the outcome; it is God who saves, not you. Your goal is to deliver the message and leave the work to the Holy Spirit.

Live your life so that it is a positive testimony to the perfect will of God.

Our evangelistic effort is credible when we strive to live a holy life, but it becomes discredited when unrepentant sin is present, making us no different from those chasing worldly things. Your goal is to be asked why your life is different – different in a good way – because your Christian character shines through in a higher quality of living. Keep your conscience clear so you can witness sincerely.

Pray for doors to be opened.

Pray that God provides you with the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus. Also, pray that God grants you the wisdom to recognize when such an opportunity arises.

The most fruitful encounters happen during conversations with people you have some kind of relationship with. When someone is struggling, shows openness or curiosity, or asks questions, then a ripe opportunity is in your lap. Forced encounters are seldom productive.

Be alert and ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ whenever the opportunity presents itself. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you, and remember that staying silent when you should share the message is a sin.

You can recognize a closed door by disinterest or hostility. Most likely, a hard heart won’t be receptive. Don’t cast your pearls before swine.

Be prepared, kind, humble, and respectful.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: ^{1st Peter 3:15}

You should understand what the Bible says before you try to tell others. This is one of the best reasons to stay immersed in the Word. A godly character combined with a strong knowledge of the Scriptures will make an effective and powerful evangelist. How blessed is the person who provides God with a capable resource to reach the lost!

Your demeanor as a representative of God should be humble, kind, respectful, and engaging. Avoid attitudes that repel – judgment, condescension, threats, pious superiority, insincerity, excessive enthusiasm, and so on. Be mindful that you might lose those you offend. Do not show off your zeal for the faith or serve a religious ego. Your goal is to say, “come and see,” not “stay away!” Therefore, share the message with genuine love and hope, trusting God to handle the rest.

Delivery

Have a Discussion, not a Monologue.

When God opens a door, ask about their life and show genuine interest in their situation. Build rapport if possible, then ask a question to gauge their openness, such as “What do you think happens after you die?” or “Do you believe that God exists?” If they are not available, then leave it alone. If there is any interest or curiosity, your response might be a firm, confident claim, such as “I know that there is life after death” or “I know that there is a God.” They will surely ask, “How do you know?” Then you’re off to the races.

Start an impromptu discussion by sharing what God’s Word has taught you about the good news of Jesus Christ, Heaven and Hell, Salvation, and the purpose of our time here on earth.

Share how Christ has transformed your life, including the new priorities, attitudes, and motives that now influence your thoughts and actions. Be sure to speak to the fundamental elements of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

• No one is righteous enough on their own merits to make it into Heaven.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God  ^{Romans 3:23}

• Therefore, everyone needs a savior because the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God, to exist in Hell.

• A just God requires atonement for every unrighteous act, and thankfully, Jesus has paid the price for your sins through his death on the cross.

• Faith in Jesus leads to salvation and reconciliation with God.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^{Romans 6:23}

• Acceptance of this gift from God is as simple as belief, and as serious as putting your old self to death.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ^{Romans 10:9-10.}

Encourage them to think about what they have heard.

Let them know you’re available any time to talk about this.

Suggest that they read the Bible. It would be wonderful if you could give them one! Recommend they start with John, then Romans, then 1st Peter, and Colossians. Provide them with a list of scriptures to look up. The power of God’s Word is astounding. If you can, close with these two verses:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ^{John 3:16}

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.  ^{John 3:36}

Pray for God to turn his or her heart to him.