“ABC’S
OF EVANGELISM: THE ESSENTIAL KEYS”
by:
Devon A. Blackwood
Presented
at the Youth Conference July 2002,
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Objectives
- To become more comprehensive and
intentional in outreach/evangelism.
- To increase the motivation to evangelize
and proclaim the life-saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus.
- To demonstrate that discipleship is a
fundamental requirement in fulfilling the Great Commission.
- To dispel and deal with common myths,
misconceptions and hindrances to evangelism.
- To examine and explore theories of
practical evangelism and how to overcome potential barriers.
1. Activity #1
Philosophy:
That there is a BIBLICAL
BASIS for evangelism and that Jesus Christ himself was committed to
missions.
What is Evangelism?
In 1974 the International Congress on World
Evangelization defined evangelism:
To evangelize is to spread the good
news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according
to Holy Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord, He now offers the
forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Spirit to all who repent and
believe.
Principles & Imperatives of
Evangelism
A. Matthew 28:18-20 Go, Preach, Make Disciples,Baptize
B. Acts 1:8 You
Shall Be Christ’s Witnesses
C.
Acts 2:38 Conversion,
Repentance & Receiving of Holy Spirit
D. Romans 10:9-15 Confession, Belief
E.
Matthew 9:35-38 Untying Men
& Women To Serve The Cause Of Christ
F.
Luke 4:14 Move Forward
In The Power Of The Holy Spirit
G. Acts 2; 2:41-47 Prayer & Ministry Time
H. Isaiah 6:8 “Who
Will Go?”
I. Matthew 16:1-4 Interpret The Signs Of The Times
J.
John 4:28-29 Exercise The
Principles of Spiritual Multiplication
Biblical Basis of Evangelism
- Character of God (love of God)
- Condition of man
- Covenant plan of God i.e. promises of God
- Command of Christ (obedience to God)
- Requirements for Salvation
Different Methods/Ways
- Personal testimony
- Public crusades & meetings
- Lifestyle or friendship evangelism
- Using a tract
- Using a Scripture only
- Using audio or video cassette tapes
Activity #2
REFLECT
on your life
What
objects of value do you see around you?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What
object has the least value?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What objects of
value do people commonly hold on to?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Foundational
Concepts
· Talk
with the person, not AT the
person
- Establish a common interest (John 4:7-8)
- Arouse interest (John 4:9-13)
- Don’t rush things (John 4:10-15)
- Don’t condemn (John 4:16-19)
- Don’t get side-tracked (John 4:20-26)
- Bring to direct confrontation
Body language
& oratory technique
Example 1> how would
you breakdown Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Pointers>
A.
Use a logical sequence
B.
Be a GOOD listener
C.
Know what you want to say
D.
Respond to emotions
E.
Present single ideas
F.
Be open i.e. don’t get into arguments, hostility
G.
Involve your listener
H.
Use understandable language (this is critical!)
I.
Use time appropriately with solid closing
J.
Consider potential cultural differences
Common challenges: Do you
hear a lot of “I don’t believe in God,” “My good outweighs my bad,” “How can a
loving God allow suffering and evil?” “All Christians are hypocrites.”
Activity #3 – Witnessing
ü
Can you do the following: __Quote Scriptures for
soul-winning __Listen for the need
expressed __Use “bridge”
statements __Share your personal
testimony
THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T DO WHEN PRESENTING THE GOSPEL TO SOMEONE
1)
Do not pass up
an opportunity to pray with someone.
2)
Do not talk
about denominational differences; focus on the Cross.
3)
When you have a
strong sense inside that it’s time to move on, don’t let your mind take over and
end up wasting time. Let God work on
their hearts.
4)
Do not get
drawn in by someone who asks controversial questions constantly.
5)
Give out any
more information on yourself than what is appropriate.
6)
Do not use
theological words; be simple.
7)
Do not give in to
the voice that tells you that you are not making a difference.
8)
Do not rush
them.
9)
Do not argue.
Do not share your opinions; stick to the Gospel.
10)
Do not pretend
to know all the answers; people will appreciate you for that.
11)
Do not
compromise on the Gospel.
12)
Do not attack
directly or make fun of someone.
13)
Do not jump
from one subject to another.
14)
Do not expect
too much from him/her.
15)
Do not lose
patience.
16)
Do not come on
too strong.
17)
Do not debate
on peripheral issues or doctrines.
18)
Do not get
sidetracked defending your denomination.
19)
Do not be
uptight.
20)
Do not assume.
21)
Do not speak
unclearly.
22)
Do not force
your views on others.
23)
Do not go into
witnessing without first praying.
24)
Do not
overwhelm them with post after post.
25)
Do not be
disappointed if they don’t pray to receive Christ as their Savior immediately.
Credits: Devon A. Blackwood, Preparing for Evangelism
(ACTS Conference, 1997, Harrisburg, PA), and Seven Steps of Friendship
Evangelism, G. Poling