WHAT IS EVANGELISM? Comes from a Greek word: “evangelion” , It means to proclaim the good news. Evangelism is God’s passion, Our Mission Evangelism is Heartbeat of God Reaching the Lost (Luke 19:10) Evangelism is inviting people into relationship with God through intentional spiritual investment into another person’s life Evangelist: A person who brings or announces good news WHAT IS EVANGELISM? Evangelism is about introducing the person of Jesus Christ to another person Witnessing and Evangelizing go hand in hand A live “witness” to his salvation! Evangelism is the human act of faithfully explaining and applying the Gospel to an individual or audience and appealing to the hearer(s) to accept the Gospel and become follower of Christ. Evangelism is: . . . "communicating the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit in such a way that men and women have valid opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and become responsible members of His Church." FIRST CENTURY EVANGELISM Synagogue Preaching: Acts 3:11; 5:20-21, 25; 13:5, 14; 18:5; 19:8 Paul’s Preaching: Saw himself as a steward, not an agent of reconciliation; a herald, to carry and deliver Another’s message (2 Tim. 1:11; 1 Thess. 2:7) Saw his primary task as teaching the truth of Christ; euangelizomai teaching the good news from God. Unfolding the spiritual facts. Appointed as a preacher and teacher (2 Tim. 1:10) Saw his ultimate aim as seeing converts come to faith in Christ; 3 times the verb epistrepho is translated ”convert” where the subject of the verb is the preacher NOT God. Lk 1:16- John the Baptist; Jas. 5:19- faithful one helping another; Acts 26:17- Paul and Agrippa. Evangelism does include endeavors toward conversion: An attempt to gain, or win,or catch fellow men (1 Cor. 9:19; 1 Pet. 3:1; Lk. 5:10) FIRST CENTURY EVANGELISM Jail or Apprehension Preaching: Acts 4 (Peter & John); 5(Peter & others); 6 & 7 (Stephen). From House to House: Acts 2:42; 5:42; 10:22; 20:20 Jason’s home (Acts 17); Titius Justus (Acts 18:7); Phillip’s home (Acts 21:8; Cornelius’ home (Acts 10)’ Lydia’s home (Acts 16:40); Philippian jailor’s home (Acts 16:34) Scattered Abroad; Open Air & Everywhere Acts 8:, 25ff. those scattered went about preaching the word Acts 14 & 17 Lyconia, Lystra & Derbe – Mars Hill Summary: The chief agents in the expansion of Christianity were not “full time Apostles” but rather ordinary men and woman as they carried out their livelihood spoke of the faith to those around them!!! MODERN ERA EVANGELISM - 1800-1900 After the Reformation Evangelistic Methodology: Pietism, Methodism and Evangelistic Events Early American Evangelism and Charles Finney Moody and the Saw Dust Trail Evangelists Present Day Evangelism: Personal Evangelism; Contact Evangelism; Street Evangelism; Event Evangelism – Evangelistic Crusades (Billy Graham; Luis Palau, etc.) Billy Graham conducted 417 crusades in 185 countries and territories on six continents. In 58 yrs he reached 210 million people. Overall Effect of Crusade Evangelism Here’s Life campaign of mid 70s: 97 of 100 decisions were never incorporated into the church. A “decision” is an inadequate concept. Most “evangelistic campaigns” are more effective for the churched than the unchurched METHODS OF EVANGELISM Mass Evangelism Combination of Personal, Mass, Media Evangelism Personal Evangelism (One to one or one to few) Home group meetings (Prayer cells) Media Evangelism (Television or cable, written Media, Internet) Radio Evangelism Literature Evangelism (Tracts, Inspirational autobiographies) Social Action (Medical missions, disaster relief) Neutral ground meetings (Hotels, Restaurant get together Significant occasions (Weddings, funerals, birth days) PRESENT SCENARIO IN FRUITFUL EVANGELISM Crusade or TV show 0.5 % A special need drew them 1-2 % Church visitation program 1-2 % A church “program” 2-3 % They just walked in 2-3 % Sunday School program 4-5 % A pastor 5-6 % A friend or relative through Personal Evangelism 75-80 % A Recent Survey 60 % - 80% of the first time guests in a growing church can come because of a personal invite! QUESTIONS How to get into the gospel and find out spiritual status of seeker? How to present the gospel itself? How to bring a person to commitment to Christ? How to relate new convert to the family of God? THE PURPOSE To persuade and mobilize you to carry out Person-to-Personal Evangelism. OVERALL OBJECTIVE At the end of this session you will be able to win souls at home, campus, at work , at play and anywhere. WHAT PERSONAL EVANGELISM IS NOT Imposition Personal Social Testimony Action / Public Involvement Apologetics Guaranteed Conversion WHAT IS PERSONAL EVANGELISM? It is not new. It is the primary way people come to know Christ. It involves loving other people. It begins with a demonstration of God’s love to others. It does not involve a formal presentation of the Gospel. It is not a single program. It is a process. WHAT IS PERSONAL EVANGELISM? Personal talk about personal faith Personal witnessing Prayerful personal effort to lead someone to Christ One Saved Sinner seeking A Lost Sinner ONE-to-ONE MISSION ONE reaching ONE for CHRIST (Luke 8:39,John 9:25, John 1:40-42, John 1:43-50) Personal evangelism is the person-to-person sharing of the good news of salvation with a sinner, with the goal of bringing him to God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1:40-42; Mark 16:15): WHY PERSONAL EVANGELISM? 1. It is the LORD’S Command ( Mk 16:15; Ezekiel 3:17-19) 2. It is Your Personal Testimony ( Ps 66:16) 3. It is an act of Compassion (Mt 9:35-38) 4. It Glorifies JESUS CHRIST (Ps 9:11) 5. It hastens CHRIST’S Return ( Mk 24:14) 6. It brings Joy to the Courts of Heaven ( Lk 15:7) 7. It is a sign of Total Commitment (Acts 20:24) 8. It is Rewarding (Daniel 12:3) 10. You are Here for A Time Like This (Est. 4:13-14) 11. Many people won’t go to crusades NECESSITY AND URGENCY OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM (JOHN 4:35; EZEKIEL 3:17-21): The end of a soul without Christ makes it a necessity to reach out before it is too late. The shortness of time makes it an urgent task to rescue the dying soul. WHO CAN DO PERSONAL EVANGELISM? All Students & Graduates To be an Effective and Efficient Personal Evangelist ,You must : 1. Be Born Again ( John 3:3) 2. Be Prayerful (Mark 3. Be Filled (Controlled) by the SPIRIT (Lk 4. Be a Student of The Bible (2 5. Have passion for Lost Souls (Romans 6. Be a TRUE Disciple ( 7. Be a Waiting & Watching Christian (Acts 1:35) 4:18) Tim 3:16-17) 10:1) John 15:80) 20:24) THE LIFESTYLE OF SOUL-WINNERS (2TIMOTHY 2:4-6; ISAIAH 52:11): A soul-winner must first experience genuine conversion from sin. He must be free from spots, blemishes and evil reports: live an exemplary life. THE WHOM OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM? You must present the Glorious Gospel of CHRIST to: (John 1:40-42) 1. Your Relatives 2. Friends (John 3. Total Strangers (John 4. The Sick (Matt 5. The Doubters 6. The Sinful 7. The Sorrowing 8. Genuine Seekers (John 1:43-50) 4:4-7) 9:2a) (Matt 11:2-5) (John 4:18) (John 11:23) 12:20-23) Specifically to Unbelieving Students THE WHERE OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM? You can carry out Personal Evangelism: 1. At Home (John 3:1-2) 2. At Work (Acts 28:3) 3. At Rest (John 3:1) 4. At Play (Lk 7:32) 5. At School/college (Acts 19:9) 6. In the Church (Acts 18:4) 7. In public places (Lk 9:2a) 8. Practically everywhere Specifically in the Campuses, Rooms & Hostels…… THE WHEN OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM? Preaching PE time is very limited, but can be done anytime of the day at the convenience of other person. MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM Bill Bright: Five key concepts Clear command People are lost People are truly hungry We posses the greatest gift available Love compels us RELEVANCE OF GOSPEL 1. Inner emptiness 2. Purposelessness 3. Fear of Death 4. Desire for inner peace 5. Loneliness 6. Lack of self-control 7. Need for integration of thinking (worldview coherence) OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVANGELISM Starving for meaning and order/purpose to life Wide door to meet them on level of relationship What they truly need (deepest longings), Jesus still offers POST-MODERNISM CHALLENGES Downside Everything Insistence on tolerance Prevailing disbelief Resulting is relative despair, depression and doubt Upside Correction Spirituality of the overconfidence in human reason is acceptable and welcome Importance of relationships is being rediscovered THE HOW OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM? Pray to God to help Different people should be approached differently. Be genuinely interested in the interests of others. Don’t be intimidated. Get the person alone. Spend time in getting people ready to hear. A PERSONAL EVANGELISM INVOLVES: Discussing with a friend about Christianity or studying God’s word. Canvassing for a gospel meeting. Teaching a Bible class in someone’s home. Gathering your neighbour intoA your home for a Bible class. Planting God’s word in someone’s heart. Invite non-members to eat with you Never argue Avoid excited arguments and angry attitude. We should not make the other person angry. Be alert for people who are undergoing trauma. WHAT SHOULD BE THE CONTENT FOR PERSONAL EVANGELISM? (4-BASIC ELEMENTS) 1. God’s plan in Creation. (to live and to have loving fellowship with humanity) THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE:- 1. Conception of Sin (Gen 3) leading to Corruption of Sin (Gen. 4 – 5) 2. Disobedience of mankind (fall from grace, chose to go our own way) 3. Christ’s atoning sacrifice: (amazing way of justification) (Rom. 10:9) 3. Culmination of Sin (Gen. 10–11) leading to Eternal Separation. 2. Condemnation of Sin (Gen 3 ) leading to 4. Restoration of fellowship with God. (1 Jn.1:9; 2 Cor. 5:17; Continuation of Sin (Gen. 9). The GOGO Method God's Love (John 3:16). Our Response (John 1:12; Revelation 3:20). Our Sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23). God's Provision (1 Peter 3:18). 40 Five point presentation 41 1. GRACE. • Heaven is a free gift, not earned or deserved. Romans 6:23, Eph 2:8-9. 5. FAITH. 2. MAN. • Faith is not mere intellectual assent or temporary belief. It is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation. Eph 2:8, Acts 16:31. • Man is a sinner, cannot save himself. Rom 3:23 and Matt 5:48. 4. CHRIST. 3. GOD. • The infinite God-man. He died to pay for our sins and to purchase a place in Heaven for us which He offers as a free gift. John 1:1,14; 20:28. • God is merciful and therefore does not want to punishes. But He is also just, and therefore must punish our sin. Jeremiah 31:3 and Exodus 34:7. • (1 Jn 1:5; Ps. 100:3) • (Acts 17:30; 1 Jn 1:9; Jn 1:12; Rev. 3:20) • James 2:10; Ps. 14:2-3) 1. God: He is holy, just, and loving creator 2. Us: We messed up – rebelled and broken God’s law 4. Required Response: Repent (confess), believe, receive 3. Jesus: Reconciles messed up (lost) people to their creator by his death • (Rom 5:6-8) 3. Jesus’ solution – restored relationship through his death and resurrection (Rom. 5:8; I Pet. 2:24) 1. Jesus’ description of human race – separated from Maker (Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:11-12) 2. Jesus’ diagnosis of condition – disease of sin has separated us (Mk 7:15) 1.Romans 3:23 - All have sinned 3. Romans 10:9-10 Believe in your heart, confess with mouth 2. Romans 6:23 - Gift of God is eternal life Preparing to Share the Gospel 1- Pray 2- Be led by the HS Operate out of love, not legalism –pure heart & forgiven life 3- Keep supply of evangelism resources handy 4- Memorize the scriptures / structure of presentation Four Spiritual Laws LAW ONE God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. 2. LAW TWO Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore , he can not know and experience God’s love and plan for his life. 4. LAW FOUR We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. 3. LAW THREE Jesus Christ is God’s ONLY provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. Testimony Checklist Avoid boring detail, irrelevant infill. Do identify with your witnesses. Avoid the negative, especially the BEFORE 58 time it for 3-5 Do write out your testimony, details. minutes. Emphasise the love of God. Emphasise positive benefits of eternal life. Emphasise the difference Christ has made. Don’t argue. Be positive, not negative. Be bright, not Don’t corner a person in his difficult time. mournful. Don’t expect immediate results. Be realistic, not misleading. Don’t try to evangelize opposite sex person Do use humour constructively, but avoid disrespect. Don’t approach the people at an inappropriate time. PERSPECTIVES ON SUCCESS/FAILURE 1. Even Jesus did not convince everyone to believe in his Good News, yet he could report: “I did everything you told me to do.” 2. All Christ asks is for obedience, not results (command is not to convert, but to bear witness / spread Gospel) 3. Lack of positive response is not failure – still preparing soil 4. Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, and leaving the results to God. Challenges in sharing the gospel 60 Lack of understanding of Christianity and the need to witness. Lack of understanding of the good news itself. Lack of confidence. Lack of ability and/or knowledge. Lack of opportunity. Fear of failure. Fear of man, fear of ridicule, rejection, scorn. EXCUSES FOR EVANGELISM They already know the gospel Evangelism is illegal They won’t be interested I don’t speak their language It probably won’t work I don’t know non-Christians I doubt they will believe Other things seem more urgent They don’t want to hear! Evangelism could cause problems at How will people respond to my verbal witness? What will I do if they object? work We don’t know how to proceed THE EXCUSES OF MOSES (AND US) EXODUS 3:10-4:17 Moses at the burning bush Exodus Moses 3:10-4:17 is 80 years old (Ex. 7:7, Acts 7:30) and tending the sheep of Jethro He sees a burning bush that is not consumed The Lord commissions Moses to deliver His people Moses begins making excuses Please send Who am I? (Ex. someone else 3:11-12) (Ex. 4:13-17) I am not What shall I say? eloquent (Ex. (Ex. 3:13-22) 4:10-12) What if they don’t believe (Ex. 4:1-9) Some of the excuses we make to keep us from reaching others are similar to those of Moses on that occasion. Who am I? Moses Many You “I lacked confidence. today lack confidence can do something! will be with you” – 1 Pet. 2:9-10, Matt. 28:20, 2 Cor. 3:5-6, Phil. 4:13 What shall I say? Many today fear questions they cannot answer. Don’t know what to say Let the word of God speak – 2 Pet. 1:3, Jude 3 Know and speak first principles – 1 Cor. 15:1-4 In Survey, most people do not know much of scripture. Find the answer! How long is this excuse valid? Will we work to be more proficient? What if they don’t believe me? While we don’t have miracles like Moses, we have the word Let it speak! Rom. 1:16, 10:17, John 20:30-31 There are resources available “What is that in your hand?” Don’t take rejection personal! Just move on - Luke 9:3-5, John 15:20 Your job – Ezek. 3:16-21, 1 Cor. 3:5-8 I am slow of speech Some don’t think they are good orators. Can’t defend the truth! Again, let God’s word speak! 1 Cor. 2:1-5 Moses was given Aaron. We have seasoned brethren who can help! Just ask! Acts 10:24, 33 I don’t want to go Closer to the real reason. This angered God. It did not excuse Moses. He still had to go! So do we. We have responsibilities Eph. 4:16, Titus 2:14 We will stand before God and answer! IF YOU DON’T GO, WILL GOD ACCEPT YOUR EXCUSES? No interest or commitment for the lost: Seeking and saving was the primary concern of Jesus Christ. (Lk. 19:10) 2. Lack of love and obedience to God The parable of talents (Matt. 25:14-30). The master dealt with the servants individually, not as a group. Go therefore and make disciples… (Matt. 28:18-20). 3. Waiting for the Church to organize programs 4. Improper attitude towards PE: People are filled with ego and self-righteousness. (Lk.18:9-14). Having the attitude of prodigal son’s elder brother (Lk. 15:25-32). 5. Wasting our time over worthless things: PE needs sufficient time for serious discussions. People find more convenience in just merely talking and in their houses watching TV. 6. Many Christians argue over silly matters or non-essential doctrines. 1. 7. Lack of assurance of Salvation 8. Feeling of inadequacy and unworthiness 9. Lack of knowledge of God 10. Failure to be a witness 11. Fear of people and communal feeling 12. Unwilling to humble oneself according to the need of people 13. Impatience with people 14. Some get angry due to their over expectations. 15. Many Christians give very blunt replay “you are going to hell.” Dealing with Non Christian friends 1. Find friends in the ordinary course of life 2. Look for points of contact and common interests in people 3. Let friendship grow naturally without any ulterior motive 4. Live out your Christian faith 5. Don’t force yourself on people 6. Be loving, gentle and patient with people Dealing with those who are not open 1. Pray and wait upon the Lord for Spirit’s help 2. Don’t argue, deal gently even on matters which you differ 3. Share the gospel with your personal testimony 4. Don’t expect him/her to accept the gospel immediately 5. Give suitable and helpful literature 6. Meet regularly and write if needed 7. If problem arise, don’t give up. Prayerfully pursue. 8. Introduce him/her to others, take help of some seniors DEALING WITH THOSE WHO ARE OPEN Prayerfully and carefully present the Gospel. Introduce him/her to the EU/EGF and to a Bible believing Church if he/she comes from a non Christian background Take his/her address and continue to keep in touch Teach and guide in doing personal quiet time and prayer Explain the steps for accepting Christ by showing the relevant Bible references Share your testimonyhow you have accepted the Lord Give follow-up material that helps to give assurance of salvation Some examples of PE Philip: (Acts 8:26-40): When God sent orders for Philip to leave Samaria and go to the 1. road that led from Jerusalem to Gaza, he obeyed. (Acts 8:26-27). Even though he had great success in Samaria, when he was commanded to leave he went. He left Samaria and travelled about 50 miles for one lost soul. He is willing to leave the crowds for one individual. 2. Philip was unprejudiced for Ethiopian eunuch who was still considered as an outcast. - Without hesitation, Philip was willing to teach gentile (Acts 8:27). - We must be colour blind in doing PE. 3. When the Holy Spirit told Philip to join the Chariot, Philip ran to him. (Acts 8:29) - He knew the urgent need of the man. - He did not waste time - This kind of enthusiasm is desperately needed today. (Acts 8:31-35) 1) Start the discussion with a question: - Philip asked “do you understand?” - The questions showed real concern. - Questions arouse greater interest in study and discussion. 2) Philip was thorough in the Scriptures: - When Ethiopian asked certain questions, Philip knew them and referred the Scriptures and connected well to Jesus. - PE worker should be effective teachers and must know the Scriptures well. - We are not to give our opinions or feelings. - After baptizing the Ethiopian, Philip went on his way preaching to others (Act 8:40). Personal evangelism was the pattern of life for those who experienced salvation. Andrew shared it with his brother Simon Peter Philip found Nathaniel and told him about Jesus After Pentecost the Christians witnessed daily. More Personal Evangelism Examples (group study) Paul with Lydia and her household. (Acts.16:13-15,30) Paul with Philippian Jailor Peter with Cornelius Jesus with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) Samaritan woman (Jn. 4: 3-30) Jesus spending time with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. (Acts.16:27-33) (Acts.10:24-48) Yes we can do it. Rev. 7:9 If 30 people can bring 1 person each to the Lord through PE in 1year there will be more than 1-Lakh born again 60 – 120 second month Christians in 1-year. 30 – 60 First month 120 – 240 third month..... 61440 - 122880 after 12th month . Even if 50 % backslide, still there will be more than 50,000 believers. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes… The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… Because He has anointed me to Bring Good News to the Poor He has sent me to Proclaim Release to the Captives And Recovery of Sight to the Blind To let the Oppressed Go Free To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18,19 (NRSV) … For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me… Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25 (NRSV) The GREAT in the GREAT COMMISSION GREAT IN ITS MISSION GREAT IN ITS SCOPE (The whole world) GREAT IN ITS PROMISE I Am With YOU And, lo, I am with you always, Matthew John Even 18:20 14:18-23 unto the end of the world. Matthew 13:39-43 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen”…I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed--I, and not some foreign god among you. “You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.” - Isaiah 43: 10 -12 Common Questions/Objections we face in Personal Evangelism "I've got plenty of time" "I'm a good person and I don't believe God would ever send me to hell." Answer: "You are absolutely right. But, God knows who they are and will deal with them in the day of judgment. When we stand before God, He will ask what have we personally done with Him" (Rom.14:12). "There are so many churches and I just don't know which is the right one." Answer: "Compared to other people, you may be a very good person. But, God is a holy God and His standard is perfection. Good works will never get anyone to heaven. (Rom.3:23; 6:23; Eph.2:8-10; Titus 3:5). "There are too many hypocrites in the church." Answer: "We all think we do. But nobody is promised tomorrow. People die unexpectedly every day. No one should put off such an eternally important matter" (James 4:13-17; Luke 12:19-20). Answer: "A church doesn't save anyone. Jesus saves. It's important for you to find the right church, but that comes later. Right now, let's just focus on receiving Jesus Christ into your life" (Acts 4:12). "I'm afraid I won't be able to live it." Answer: "No, you won't live a perfect life. But Christ living in you will give you strength and help you to live for Him. When you do fail the Father's forgiveness is available. (Phil.2:13; 1 John 1:9; Rev.3:20). 88 5-POINT EFFECTIVE PE WORKER (LETUS) L ove your friend/neighbour . S equence appropriate questions to lead him/her to Salvation. U se your own experience testimony. E stablish rapport. T alk about Jesus The moment that you received Christ by faith, as an act of the will, many things happened, including the following: Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus Christ. "The righteous man shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:11). A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly with every detail of your life, and to practice the following: 5.You began the great adventure for which God created you (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). 4.You received eternal life (John 5:24). 1.Christ came into your life (Revelation 3:20 ; Colossians 1:27). 2.Your sins were forgiven (Colossians 1:14). 3.You became a child of God (John 1:12). Holy Spirit - allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness (Galatians 5:16,17; Acts 1:8). Trust God for every detail of your life (1 Peter 5:7). Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19; John 15:8). Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7). Read God's Word daily (Acts 17:11); begin with the Gospel of John. Obey God moment by moment (John 14:21).