As we consider the topic of evangelism, we need to recognize that people are going to approach this differently. On the one hand, I believe that some people are specially gifted in this area, having a special ability to verbalize their faith in a personal situation (Note: this skill does not always go hand in hand with giftedness in teaching or preaching). However, I think that everyone should be able to “give an answer for the hope that is within them” as Peter put it.
I grew up with evangelism mainly being about convincing believers in Jesus to correct their views on baptism and on proper worship. It was often seen as something confrontational, an attempt to proselytize others. Much evangelism involved teaching strangers. It was an intimidating thing to the average person.
My view on evangelism is somewhat different now. My focus now is on people who don’t know Jesus. I’ll teach anyone who wants to hear, but I’m especially interested in helping those that know something is missing in their life. The gospel is good news to those people, and it’s easy to share good news. I now see much of evangelism as being involved with people and listening to them. Listening is a big part of evangelism. We need to hear when people admit that their lives are lacking something; if you listen, you may be surprised how often people do that.
Another big part of evangelism, however, is our living out our beliefs. We need to be models of service and of love. They need to see that we don’t live out an eye for an eye, that we’re willing to be wronged by others if necessary. They need to see purity in our lives, but also a willingness to admit mistakes.
Another key element is prayer. We have to bathe the relationship in prayer. It’s not about our cleverness or skillful use of language. We play our part, but if God isn’t involved in the process, we are doomed to failure (even if we have apparent “success”; a conversion that takes place like a business sale isn’t really a conversion).
After they’ve seen our lives, after we’ve listened to them, the time will come for us to speak. As I said, I think everyone should be able to state some basic things about their faith. It’s okay for them to take the person to someone else for further teaching, but they need to be able to give a basic statement about their faith.
There will be people more skilled than others, some even able to move a relationship quickly from stranger to friend to convert. But I believe evangelism is something that all of us do, in one way or another.
I like this topic Tim. I think you hit on something crucial when you said, “We need to hear when people admit that their lives are lacking something; if you listen, you may be surprised how often people do that.”
I think that we get so caught up in our own lives that we sometimes fail to see the suffering of others (that may be right in front of us). We need to sincerely listen before we can teach.
Interesting article. :)
Thanks Paula. It’s surprising how much trying to write some of this down helps me to organize and focus my thoughts.
Grace and peace,
Tim
Tim said “My focus now is on people who don’t know Jesus.”
Laymond / negative naybob said, don’t you mean those who don’t know about Jesus? and shouldn’t we be teaching people how to become known by Jesus?
Mt:7:22: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mt:7:23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
I was going into a well known store, and there were two young ladies out front holding a sign which said “Do you know Jesus”?
they were tying to talk to people with out success. I stopped and asked them, “are you sure that is the right question? Then I explained what Jesus said in Matt. 7 they looked a little puzzled, as we walked into the store, we, well my wife did her shopping and as we left, she called my attention to the sign the girls held. On one side it said “Do you know Jesus” and on the other side it said “Does Jesus know you” and there were people gathered around talking to them. Sometime you just have to ask the right question.
Believe it or not salvation is all about the sinner.
I’m comfortable with what I wrote. It was not meant to be an all encompassing statement about salvation. What I said reflects what’s said in the following passages:
“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2Peter 1:2-3)
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1John 5:20)