1 Evangelism Approaches
2 Evangelism is… Not a method, but… A message... Not a program, but…A Person! JESUS CHRIST The Evangel The Living Lord
3 The key to raising a person’s evangelistic temperatureFinding an approach that fits 6 biblical models for different styles of evangelism
4 Typical Styles of EvangelismConfrontational Intellectual Testimonial Interpersonal Invitational Serving (Incarnational ) Multiple Styles and Approaches- May Overlap and Provide Synergy
5 Q: “Which style is the best?”A: “The one that works best!” “Fitting” you the other person the situation leading to an outcome
6 Confrontational Style
7 Characteristics and TraitsConfident Assertive Has strong and deep opinions Direct
8 Characteristics and TraitsBenefit: Urgency Drawback: scorch ( Burn) Style: “turn or burn”
9 Theme Verse Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2) اكرز بالكلمة اعكف على ذلك في وقت مناسب وغير مناسب.وبّخ انتهر عظ بكل اناة وتعليم. )2 تي 4: 2)
10 St. Peter’s Confrontational Approach Acts 2:22-41Biblical Example: Peter, Acts 2 (you murdered the Messiah!)
11 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this styleSeek God’s Wisdom - Be appropriately sensitive and tactful Avoid judging trips on others who approach evangelism with a different style Keep in mind Paul’s phrase in Eph. 4, “speaking the truth in love.” It is critical that you listen and value what others say
12 Intellectual Style
13 Characteristics and TraitsInquisitive Analytical Logical Likes to debate More concerned with what people think than what they feel
14 Characteristics and TraitsBenefit: thorough Drawback: paralysis of analysis Style: reasons with people
15 Theme Verse We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.(2 Cor. 10:5) هادمين ظنونا وكل علو يرتفع ضد معرفة الله ومستأسرين كل فكر الى طاعة المسيح( 2 كو 10: 5)
16 St. Paul’s Intellectual Approach Acts 17:15-34Paul was a thinker. He wrote the book of Romans. He thought through how to present the gospel to Greeks, Jews, Romans, and others in a contextually appropriate way. “people of Athens, I see you are very religious”
17 St. Paul’s Intellectual Approach Acts 17:15-34A good example is in Acts 17:16-31 where he offers logical reasons to believe in the "invisible" God. Acts 17:31 - "For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."
18 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this styleAvoid getting stuck on academic points, arguments, and evidence. (1 Peter 3.15) says to have “gentleness and respect”. Set time aside to study and prepare. This style, more than the others, relies on preparation.
19 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this styleAvoid doing all the preparation in an academic vacuum. Get out and talk to others. Try out your arguments and answers on real people, and make refinements as needed. Talk to people about everyday events, and what is happening in their life and yours.
20 Testimonial Style
21 Characteristics and TraitsClear communicator Story teller Good listener Sees links between his own experience and that of other people’s
22 Characteristics and TraitsBenefit: passionate Drawback: idiosyncratic (Unusual) Style: story-telling “all I know is that I now see”
23 Theme Verse We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. (1 John 1.3) الذي رأيناه وسمعناه نخبركم به لكي يكون لكم ايضا شركة معنا.واما شركتنا نحن فهي مع الآب ومع ابنه يسوع المسيح. (1يو 1: 3)
24 Blind Man’s Testimonial Approach - John 9:1-15,25I was blind but now I see!” "The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." John 9:30-33
25 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this styleBe sure to relate your experience to the life of your listener. Challenge them to consider how what you learned might apply to their life. Practice Keep Christ and the gospel message as the centrepiece of your story. Keep your story fresh from your daily walk with Christ.
26 Interpersonal Style
27 Characteristics and TraitsWarm personality Conversational Sensitive Friendship oriented Benefit: takes advantage of networks Drawback: social risks if walk is inconsistent Style: provides places where Christians and non-Christians can mingle (“Matthew parties”)
28 Theme Verse …Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. (1 Cor. 9:22) صرت للضعفاء كضعيف لاربح الضعفاء .صرت للكل كل شيء لاخلّص على كل حال قوما. ( 1كو 9:22)
29 Matthew’s Relational Approach Luke 5:27-29Instead of inviting people to church, Matthew invited fellow tax collectors and sinners to his home. He was allowing himself to get close first and spend time outside of “the church.”
30 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this styleAvoid telling them they are sinners Do not get so involved in the process of building friendships. Do what you can and leave the rest to God. This style tends to work more gradually than others. Create and plan opportunities to interact with new people through social events, sports.
31 Invitational Style
32 Characteristics and TraitsRelational Hospitable Persuasive Committed Benefit: multiple avenues for impact Drawback: uneven, with more chances for turn-off Style: brings people to places where they can hear the Gospel . Runs into town, says, “Come and see!”
33 Theme Verse So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full’.(Luke 14:23) فقال السيد للعبد اخرج الى الطرق والسياجات والزمهم بالدخول حتى يمتلئ بيتي ( لو 14: 23)
34 Samaritan Women’s Invitational Approach — John 4When Jesus encountered this woman, and transformed her life, she ran back to town and started inviting people: Come and See. She immediately went to her town and brought her friends to the well to hear Jesus for themselves. This simple invitation resulted in His staying in their town for two days. Many of these men and women became His followers.
35 Samaritan Women’s Invitational Approach — John 4Many people are excited about what God is doing in their church, and in their own life. Instead of feeling confident about sharing their own faith story, they are eager to invite people to their church to see what God is doing and to hear others proclaiming the news. Come and see, is a great invitation to give.
36 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this styleDo not let others do all the talking for you. Your friends and acquaintances need to hear how Christ has influenced your own life Never giveup: Their refusal could be an opportunity for a spiritual conversation. Also, their ‘no’ today maybe a ‘yes’ tomorrow. Put yourself in the place of the other person. Ask yourself if you were that person.
37 Serving Style
38 Characteristics and TraitsOthers-centered Patient Humble Sees needs and finds joy in meeting them Attaches value to menial (tiring) tasks Benefit: congruence (Symmetrical with everyone) Drawback: too often solely nonverbal Style: Service to community provides forum for and credibility in pointing people to Christ
39 Theme Verse In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16) فليضئ نوركم هكذا قدام الناس لكي يروا اعمالكم الحسنة ويمجدوا اباكم الذي في السموات ( مت 5: 16)
40 Tabitha’s Serving approach Acts 9Acts 9:36 - "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor."
41 Tabitha’s Serving approach Acts 9While some of us take a more direct evangelistic approach, others prefer to be examples of Christ through service. Gifts of Hospitality, the welcoming of strangers, acts of service to those in need are all viable forms of evangelism. Its a tangible way of expressing the love of Jesus.
42 Cautions & Suggestions for using and developing this style“words are no substitute for actions,” “actions are no substitute for words.” In Romans Paul says that we must verbally tell people about Christ. Acts of loving service are hard to resist and difficult to argue with. Try to communicate the spiritual motivation behind the physical acts of service you offer to others
43 So……
44 Developing a “major” style and “minor” styleSo: What’s my main style? And … what other styles are in my repertoire? 1. Confrontational 2. Intellectual 3. Testimonial 4. Interpersonal 5. Invitational 6. Serving Developing a “major” style and “minor” style
45 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPSWe’re called to “widen our caring circle” Our best model for evangelism is our Lord Jesus Christ Christ spent time with unbelievers, non-religious as well as with devout, religious people Parable of Good Samaritan invites us to widen the caring circle
46 Our Approach to Evangelism is...Personal Genuine (it’s a heart thing) Foundational Evangelism’s Golden Threads Biblical (back to basics: John 3:16) Relational Being the Word Person-centered ( seeing with “eyes” of Christ) Doing the Word Congregational Saying the Word Within the teaching of our church
47 Finally Jesus Christ will open our eyes to areas we would have missed.Be ready to follow His leadings, Pray for wisdom If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1: 5)
48 Evangelism Styles QuestionnaireRecord your response to each of the 36 statements according to whether you think the statement applies to you: 3 – Very much 2 – Somewhat 1 – Very little 0 – Not at all When you are finished, transfer your responses to the grid at the end of the questionnaire and total each column:
49 _____1. In conversations, I like to approach topics directly, without much small talk or beating around the bush. _____ 2. I have a hard time getting gout of bookstores or libraries without getting a bunch of books that will help me better understand issues being debated in society. _____ 3. I often tell stories about my personal experiences in order to illustrate a point I am trying to make. _____ 4. I am a ‘people person’ who places a high value on friendship. _____ 5. I enjoy including or adding new people to activities I am involved in.
50 _____ 6. I see needs in people lives that others often overlook._____ 7. I do not shy away from putting a person on the spot when it seems necessary. _____ 8. I tend to be analytical. _____ 9. I often identify with others by using phrases like “I used to think that too” or “I once felt the way you do.” _____ 10. Other people have commented about my ability for developing new friendships.
51 _____11. To be honest, even if I know the answers, I am more comfortable having someone “better qualified” explain Christianity to my friends. _____ 12. I find fulfilment in helping others, often in behind-the-scenes ways. _____ 13. I do not have a problem confronting my friends with the truth even if it risks hurting the relationship. _____ 14. In conversations, I naturally focus on the questions that are holding up a person’s spiritual progress. _____ 15. When I tell people of how I came to Christ, I have found that they have been interested in hearing it.
52 _____ 16. I would rather delve into personal life issues than abstract theological ideas._____ 17. If I knew of a high quality outreach event that my friends would enjoy, I would make a big effort to bring them. _____ 18. I prefer to show love through my actions more than my words. _____ 19. I believe that real love often means telling someone the truth, even when it hurts. _____ 20. I enjoy discussions and debates on difficult questions.
53 _____ 21. I intentionally share my mistakes with others when it will help them relate to the solutions I have found. _____ 22. I prefer getting involved in discussions concerning a person’s life before dealing with the details of their beliefs. _____ 23. I tend to watch for spiritually strategic events to bring people to (such as Christian concerts, out-reach events, etc) _____ 24. When people are spiritually close, I have found that my quiet demonstrations of Christian love sometimes make them more receptive.
54 _____ 25. A motto that would fit me is: “Make a difference or a mess, but do something.”_____ 26. I often get frustrated with people when they use weak arguments or poor logic. _____ 27. People seem interested in hearing stories about things that have happened in my life. _____ 28. I enjoy long talks with friends. _____ 29. I am always looking for a match between the needs and interests of my friends and the various events, books, etc., that they would enjoy or benefit from.
55 _____ 30. I feel more comfortable physically assisting a person in the name of Christ than getting involved in religious discussions. _____ 31. I sometimes get in trouble for lacking gentleness and sensitivity in the way I interact with others. _____ 32. I like to get at the underlying reasons for opinions that people hold. _____ 33. I am still amazed at how God brought me to faith in Him and I am motivated to tell people about it. _____ 34. People generally consider me to be an interactive, sensitive, and caring kind of person.
56 _____ 35. A highlight of my week would be to take a guest with me to an appropriate church event. _____ 36. I tend to be more practical and action-oriented than philosophical and idea-oriented.
57 # 1___ # 2___ # 3___ # 4___ # 5___ # 6___ # 7___ # 8___ # 9___ # 10___Style Confrontational Intellectual Testimonial Interpersonal Invitational Serving # 1___ # 2___ # 3___ # 4___ # 5___ # 6___ # 7___ # 8___ # 9___ # 10___ # 11___ # 12___ # 13___ # 14___ # 15___ # 16___ # 17___ # 18___ # 19___ # 20___ # 21___ # 22___ # 23___ # 24___ # 25___ # 26___ # 27___ # 28___ # 29___ # 30___ # 31___ # 32___ # 33___ # 34___ # 35___ # 36___ TOTALS