Purpose Statement
The purpose of this Webpage is to help Christians in the
quest of winning souls (Proverbs 11:30). It is not intended as a “cure all.” We simply hope to provide some ideas and
suggestions that will help individuals to fulfill the “Great Commission”
(Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44-47). We hope those who use this webpage will find
something to help them to reach a lost soul with the saving message of Christ.
The Power of Personal Evangelism
Christianity is a taught religion. No one comes to Christ by accident Jesus said, “No one can come to Me
unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last
day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.'
Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me" (John 6:44-45).
Only those who learn of Christ can come to Christ! It is only through the
gospel that the Father exercises His power to draw lost souls unto Himself.
Paul affirmed that all are called to God through the gospel which he preached
(2 Thess. 2:14).
Indeed, the gospel is "the power of God unto salvation..." (Rom.
1:16).
Keep in mind that Jesus often taught one on one. Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman are two
classic examples of the Lord’s personal teaching (John 3,4). Philip, while highly successful in public
preaching in Samaria, was sent by
the Holy Spirit to teach a man of Ethiopia
in a private study (Acts 8:26-40). Paul and Silas had a personal Bible study
with the Jailor at Philippi (Acts 16:23-33). These
examples should impress us with the importance of “one on one” evangelism.
Christian Attitudes in Personal Evangelism
In order to be an effective soul-winner, one must have a
passion for the lost. Jesus taught that
one soul is of greater value than the whole world (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:37). Most failures in life can be traced to a
wrong attitude. On the other hand, one
can succeed at almost anything if the right attitude is present. In trying to reach the lost, remember that
the one we are trying to reach is a precious soul…an individual with all the
feelings, propensities, and prejudices of other human beings. As Jesus sent out the twelve apostles on the
limited commission, he said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew
10:16).
May we therefore assume that the one we are attempting to
lead to Christ is honest and sincere. He may have already formed some beliefs,
whether right or wrong, which he holds dear.
He has as much right to try to persuade you to change as you do to
persuade him. However, let us keep in
mind that we are not representing some mundane product such as detergent or
corn flakes. We are not trying to get
people to exchange one brand of religion for another. We are simply teaching what the Bible
teaches. May we do this without giving
the impression that we think others are stupid or
insincere. Only by gaining their
friendship and regard can we ever hope to gain a listening ear.
Some "Do's" and "Don'ts" of Personal Evangelism
Some "Don'ts" in Personal Evangelism
- Don’t
have a “holier than thou” attitude (Luke 18:9ff).
- Don’t
be ashamed of the gospel – Paul wasn’t (Romans 1:16).
- Don’t
begin with criticism – find common ground on which to build.
- Don’t
get angry (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
- Don’t
go too fast.
- Don’t
do all the talking. Ask a question
– get some feedback.
- Don’t
answer every question. Wait until
an appropriate time.
- Don’t
wear out your welcome.
- Don’t
belittle the church, or members of the congregation.
- Don’t
correct every mistake in the misuse of Bible terms such as “pastor” or
“reverend.” There will be time for
this later if you keep the door open.
- Don’t
give up!
- Above
all, don’t be afraid to try.
Remember: the Lord said, “I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20).
Some “Do’s” in Personal Evangelism
- Do
remember to pray for those you are teaching (Romans 10:1)
- Do
study thoroughly what you intend to teach.
- Do
work closely with other Christians.
- Do be
optimistic and friendly.
- Do
show interest in others.
- Do
strive to lead rather than drive.
- Do be
courteous and polite.
- Do be
considerate of the other person’s time.
- Do
leave the door open for further study.
- Do
keep “planting” and “watering” and depend on God for the increase (1
Corinthians 3:6).
Methods of Teaching
- Open
Bible study using a chain reference.
- Video
Bible study -- using Jule Miller’s Visualized Bible
Study.
- Chart
study
- Correspondence
Courses
- Tracts
- Sermon
tapes & CDs
