Evangelism Skills for Today’s World

Evangelism SkillsEvangelism Skillsfor Today’s Worldfor Today’s World

Classic ModelsClassic Models

Principles from the PastPrinciples from the Past

Classic Models ofClassic Models ofPersonal EvangelismPersonal Evangelism

• Value of Historic PlansValue of Historic Plans

– Successful methods of past can Successful methods of past can alwaysalways teach us something teach us something

• They should be considered for at least two reasons:They should be considered for at least two reasons:

1. Valuable part of history of evangelism in the church1. Valuable part of history of evangelism in the church

• Anyone literate in the subject should be familiar with theseAnyone literate in the subject should be familiar with these

2. Elements can be tailored to contemporary applications2. Elements can be tailored to contemporary applications

• Each adds a unique “Tool” to our war chest against Enemy of soulsEach adds a unique “Tool” to our war chest against Enemy of souls

Evangelism ExplosionEvangelism ExplosionDr. James KennedyDr. James Kennedy

[Evangelism Explosion, 1996][Evangelism Explosion, 1996]

• The point of reference / wellspring of The point of reference / wellspring of

modern personal evangelism methodsmodern personal evangelism methods

• Origins of the title: E.E.Origins of the title: E.E.– Response to population explosionResponse to population explosion

– Basic addition could not compete with Basic addition could not compete with

explosionexplosion• Requires multiplication through lay Requires multiplication through lay

evangelismevangelism

Key Prefatory PrinciplesKey Prefatory PrinciplesTo the EE ProgramTo the EE Program

• Evangelism is one component within the Evangelism is one component within the

larger discipleship ministry of the Churchlarger discipleship ministry of the Church– Trainer and trainees Trainer and trainees – Prayer Partner Ministry Prayer Partner Ministry – Spiritual Parenting Spiritual Parenting

• Personal evangelism does not supplant other Personal evangelism does not supplant other

modes of viable evangelismmodes of viable evangelism

• Laymen are the strategic key to effective Laymen are the strategic key to effective

evangelismevangelism– ““More important to train a soul-winner than to win More important to train a soul-winner than to win

a soul”a soul”

Training Approach of EETraining Approach of EE

• Positive approachPositive approach

• Written presentationWritten presentation

• Basic Training focusing on EssentialsBasic Training focusing on Essentials– How to get into the gospel and find out spiritual How to get into the gospel and find out spiritual

status of seekerstatus of seeker

– How to present the gospel itselfHow to present the gospel itself

– How to bring a person to commitment to ChristHow to bring a person to commitment to Christ

– How to relate new convert to the family of GodHow to relate new convert to the family of God

Training Approach of EETraining Approach of EE

• Three Gospel ComponentsThree Gospel Components

– Learn outline of Gospel first (skeleton)Learn outline of Gospel first (skeleton)

– Learn scriptures (muscle to the skeleton)Learn scriptures (muscle to the skeleton)

– Learn illustrations (flesh out / clarify gospel Learn illustrations (flesh out / clarify gospel

outline) outline)

• Build on OutlineBuild on Outline

• Not a canned approachNot a canned approach

– Intermediary method between memorization and Intermediary method between memorization and

spontaneous witnessspontaneous witness

The Four-Step The Four-Step OutlineOutline ApproachApproach

to E.E. Personal Evangelismto E.E. Personal EvangelismTheIntro

TheQuestions

SeekerAnswers

SavedAnswers

• Their secular life

• Their spiritual background

• Your spiritual background

• Your personal testimony

• Two “Diagnostic Questions”

• Question #1

Have you come to a place in your spiritual life where you know for certain that if you were to die today you would go to heaven?

• Question #2

Suppose that you were to die tonight and stand before God and he were to say to you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would you say?

No – Trust other than Christ

Diagnose: Non-Christian

Yes – Trust other than Christ

Diagnose: Presumption

No – Trust in ChristDiagnose: Lack Assurance

Yes – Trust in ChristDiagnose: Christian

The Four-Step The Four-Step OutlineOutline ApproachApproach

to E.E. Personal Evangelismto E.E. Personal EvangelismTheIntro

GospelMessage

TheCommitment

FollowUp

• Their secular life

• Their spiritual background

• Your spiritual background

• Your personal testimony

• Two “Diagnostic Questions”

• GraceRom 6:23

• ManRom. 3:23; Eph. 2:8-9

• God1 Jn 4:8; Hab 1:13; Ezek 18:4

• Christ Jn 1:1,14; Isa 53:6, 53:10, 4; Jn 14:2; Rom. 6:23

• Faith Eph. 2:8

• Qualifying question

• Commitment question

• Clarification of commitment

• Prayer of commitment

• Assurance of salvation

• Bible Reading

2 Tim. 2:15• Prayer

1 Thess. 5:17 • Worship

Rom 12:1• Fellowship

Heb 10:25• Witness

Matt 10:32

Flexible Christ-Centered Formats:Flexible Christ-Centered Formats:Five-Fold Facts of the GospelFive-Fold Facts of the Gospel

Paul LittlePaul Little[How to Give Away Your Faith, 1988][How to Give Away Your Faith, 1988]

• Importance of the ambassador’s Importance of the ambassador’s

“message”“message”

– Not overcomplicating, nor over-Not overcomplicating, nor over-

simplifying itsimplifying it

– Message is essentially about a PERSON Message is essentially about a PERSON

Dispelling Common Dispelling Common MisconceptionsMisconceptions

About the Gospel Message About the Gospel Message • Christianity is NOTChristianity is NOT……

– A heritageA heritage

– Going to ChurchGoing to Church

– Participating in ritualParticipating in ritual

– Following teachings of Jesus ChristFollowing teachings of Jesus Christ

– Refraining from evilsRefraining from evils

– Believing factsBelieving facts

Dispelling Common Dispelling Common MisconceptionsMisconceptions

About the Gospel Message About the Gospel Message • Christianity ISChristianity IS……

– The message of Jesus Christ himselfThe message of Jesus Christ himself

• Who he isWho he is

• What he has doneWhat he has done

• How he can be known in personal experienceHow he can be known in personal experience

– Entering into living relationship with a living Entering into living relationship with a living

ChristChrist

• No rigid “route” to present the invitation to No rigid “route” to present the invitation to

relationship relationship

The Basic FactsThe Basic FactsSpringboards for Gospel Springboards for Gospel

PresentationPresentation1.1. Who is Jesus ChristWho is Jesus Christ

– Fully God Fully God (Jn 5:18; 10:10-30; 14:9)(Jn 5:18; 10:10-30; 14:9)

– Fully Man Fully Man (Jn 4:6; Jn 11:35)(Jn 4:6; Jn 11:35)

2.2. Jesus’ diagnosis of human nature Jesus’ diagnosis of human nature (Mark (Mark

7:1-23)7:1-23)

– The God-man declares we all have a basic The God-man declares we all have a basic

disease: Sin that separates us from Goddisease: Sin that separates us from God

– So now, as sinners, we are cut off from GodSo now, as sinners, we are cut off from God


PresentationPresentation3.3. Christ’s exclusive solution: the CrossChrist’s exclusive solution: the Cross

(Matt 26:28; 20:28; 1 Pet 3:18)(Matt 26:28; 20:28; 1 Pet 3:18) – Sacrificial death (in our place) paid price of Sacrificial death (in our place) paid price of

our willful rebellion against Godour willful rebellion against God

– Now freely offered Now freely offered forgiveness/reconciliation by believing in forgiveness/reconciliation by believing in His finished work His finished work

4.4. His Resurrection His Resurrection (Lk 24:36-45; I Cor 15)(Lk 24:36-45; I Cor 15) – Validation of Christ’s divinity and our new

eternal life in/through his Holy Spirit alive in us


PresentationPresentation5. Becoming a Christian

(beyond mental assent, to willful reception)

– Facts of Christ demand response involving change of mind and will• Mind must grasp truth and believe• Will must turn to God (Godly sorrow of 2

Cor 7:10)

– Summarized in John 1:12• Believing and Receiving yields Becoming• Rev. 3:20

Flexible Formats forFlexible Formats forCommunicating the Five Communicating the Five

Basic FactsBasic Facts• Three-Phase Jesus PatternThree-Phase Jesus Pattern

1. Jesus’ 1. Jesus’ descriptiondescription of human race – separated from of human race – separated from

MakerMaker

• (Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:11-12)(Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:11-12)

2. Jesus’ 2. Jesus’ diagnosisdiagnosis of condition – disease of sin has of condition – disease of sin has

separated usseparated us

• (Mk 7:15)(Mk 7:15)

3. Jesus’ 3. Jesus’ solutionsolution – restored relationship through his – restored relationship through his

death and death and resurrectionresurrection

• (Rom. 5:8; I Pet. 2:24)(Rom. 5:8; I Pet. 2:24)


Basic FactsBasic Facts• Four Steps to GodFour Steps to God

1. 1. GodGod: He is holy, just, and loving creator: He is holy, just, and loving creator• (1 Jn 1:5; Ps. 100:3)(1 Jn 1:5; Ps. 100:3)

2. 2. UsUs: We messed up – rebelled and broken God’s : We messed up – rebelled and broken God’s

lawlaw• James 2:10; Ps. 14:2-3)James 2:10; Ps. 14:2-3)

3. 3. JesusJesus: Reconciles messed up (lost) people to their : Reconciles messed up (lost) people to their

creator by creator by his deathhis death• (Rom 5:6-8)(Rom 5:6-8)

4. 4. RequiredRequired ResponseResponse: Repent (incl. confess), : Repent (incl. confess),

believe, receivebelieve, receive• (Acts 17:30; 1 Jn 1:9; Jn 1:12; Rev. 3:20)(Acts 17:30; 1 Jn 1:9; Jn 1:12; Rev. 3:20)


Basic FactsBasic Facts• Jesus’ Definition of ChristianityJesus’ Definition of Christianity

– I am the bread of life (Jn 6:35)I am the bread of life (Jn 6:35)

– I am the way and the truth and the life I am the way and the truth and the life

(Jn 14:6)(Jn 14:6)

– I am the light of the world (Jn 8:12)I am the light of the world (Jn 8:12)

– Come to me (Matt 11:28)Come to me (Matt 11:28)


Basic FactsBasic Facts• Religion vs. ChristianityReligion vs. Christianity

– All religions are spelled “DO”All religions are spelled “DO”• People believe salvation is something you can doPeople believe salvation is something you can do

• Like God grades on a curve, and they get in (Titus 3:5)Like God grades on a curve, and they get in (Titus 3:5)

– But the Bible teaches salvation is not our works, but But the Bible teaches salvation is not our works, but

grace grace (Eph 2:8-9)(Eph 2:8-9)

– Christianity is spelled “DONE”Christianity is spelled “DONE”• Only Jesus Christ can save through his righteous fulfillment of Only Jesus Christ can save through his righteous fulfillment of

lawlaw

• When died for us he said: “It is finished” and his work When died for us he said: “It is finished” and his work

forgives us forgives us (Rom 5:8)(Rom 5:8)

• Man is justified apart from law (Rom 3:28), through faith Man is justified apart from law (Rom 3:28), through faith

(Rom 5:1)(Rom 5:1)


Basic FactsBasic Facts• Romans RoadRomans Road

– Romans 3:23Romans 3:23• All have sinnedAll have sinned

– Romans 6:23Romans 6:23• Gift of God is eternal lifeGift of God is eternal life

– Romans 10:9-10Romans 10:9-10• Believe in your heart, confess with mouthBelieve in your heart, confess with mouth

Four Spiritual LawsFour Spiritual LawsBill Bright – Campus Crusade for ChristBill Bright – Campus Crusade for Christ

[Witnessing Without Fear, 1993][Witnessing Without Fear, 1993]

Preparing to Share the GospelPreparing to Share the Gospel

1- Pray1- Pray

2- Be led by the HS2- Be led by the HS

Operate out of love, not legalism –pure heart & Operate out of love, not legalism –pure heart &

forgiven lifeforgiven life

3- Keep supply of evangelism resources handy3- Keep supply of evangelism resources handy

4- Memorize the scriptures / structure of 4- Memorize the scriptures / structure of

presentationpresentation



5- Adhere to the 5- Adhere to the LETUSLETUS principle principle

• LLoving outreach to friendoving outreach to friend

• EEstablish rapport over timestablish rapport over time

• TTalk about Jesusalk about Jesus

• UUse stories from own experience (your se stories from own experience (your

testimony)testimony)

• SSequence appropriate equence appropriate questionsquestions to lead to to lead to

gospel presentationgospel presentation



Transition to the gospel presentation appropriatelyTransition to the gospel presentation appropriately

– Have you heard of the Four Spiritual Principles?Have you heard of the Four Spiritual Principles?

– Could I get your opinion of a special booklet whose Could I get your opinion of a special booklet whose

contents have changed my life?contents have changed my life?

– You know, I came across a little booklet that clearly You know, I came across a little booklet that clearly

explains how we can have a personal relationship with explains how we can have a personal relationship with

God.God.

– I’ve recently found a way to express my faith that I’ve recently found a way to express my faith that

really makes sense, and I’d like to share it with you.really makes sense, and I’d like to share it with you.

God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life

[God loves you and created you to know Him personally]

God’s Love: John 3:16God’s Plan: John 17:3

What prevents us from knowing God personally?...

Man is sinful and separated from God.Therefore he cannot know and experience

God’s love and plan for his life.[Man is sinful and separated from God,

so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love.]

Sinful: Romans 3:23Separated: Romans 6:23

The 3rd principle explains the only way to bridge this gulf ...

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.

[Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him alone we can know God personally

and experience God's love .] He died in our place: Rom 5:8

He rose from the dead: 1 Cor. 15:3-6He is the only way to God: Jn 14:6

It is not enough just to know these 3 truths…

We must individually receive Jesus as Savior & Lord; then we can know & experience

God’s love & plan for our lives.[We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior

and Lord; then we can know God personally and experience His love.]We must receive Christ (Jn 1:12)

We must receive Christ through faith (Eph 2:8-9)

When we receive Christ, we experience a new birth (Jn 3:1-8)

We receive Christ by personal invitation (Rev. 3:20)You can receive Christ right now by faith

through prayer…

Follow-up Follow-up AffirmationAffirmation

• How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life?How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life?– According to His promise in Revelation 3:20, where According to His promise in Revelation 3:20, where

is Christ right now in relation to you? is Christ right now in relation to you?

– The Bible Promises Eternal Life to All Who Receive The Bible Promises Eternal Life to All Who Receive

Christ (1 John 5:11-13) Christ (1 John 5:11-13)

– Thank God often that Christ is in your life and He Thank God often that Christ is in your life and He

will never leave you (Heb 13:5) will never leave you (Heb 13:5)


• How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life?How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life?– Do not depend on feelingsDo not depend on feelings

• This train diagram illustrates the relationship amongThis train diagram illustrates the relationship among– factfact (God and His Word), (God and His Word),

– faithfaith (our trust in God and His Word), and (our trust in God and His Word), and

– feelingfeeling (the result of our faith and obedience) [Jn 14:21] (the result of our faith and obedience) [Jn 14:21]


• How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life?How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life?– Moment you received Christ by faith, many Moment you received Christ by faith, many

things happened, including the following: things happened, including the following: • Christ came into your life (Rev 3:20 and Col 1:27). Christ came into your life (Rev 3:20 and Col 1:27).

• Your sins were forgiven (Col 1:14). Your sins were forgiven (Col 1:14).

• You became a child of God (John 1:12). You became a child of God (John 1:12).

• You received eternal life (John 5:24). You received eternal life (John 5:24).

• You began adventure for which you were createdYou began adventure for which you were created

(Jn 10:10; 2 Cor 5:17 , 1 Thess 5:18) (Jn 10:10; 2 Cor 5:17 , 1 Thess 5:18)


• Follow-up Instructions for Nourishment/Growth Follow-up Instructions for Nourishment/Growth – Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus Christ. (Gal Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus Christ. (Gal

3:11)3:11)• A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly with every A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly with every

detail of your life, and to practice the following: detail of your life, and to practice the following:

GG GoGo to God in prayer daily (John 15:7). to God in prayer daily (John 15:7).

RR ReadRead God's Word daily (Acts 17:11) - begin with the Gospel of John. God's Word daily (Acts 17:11) - begin with the Gospel of John.

OO ObeyObey God moment by moment (John 14:21).(Including baptism / church God moment by moment (John 14:21).(Including baptism / church

fellowship)fellowship)

WW WitnessWitness for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19; for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19;

John 15:8).John 15:8).

TT TrustTrust God for every detail of your life (1 Peter 5:7). God for every detail of your life (1 Peter 5:7).

HH Holy SpiritHoly Spirit - Allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness - Allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness

(Gal 5:16,17; Acts 1:8). (Gal 5:16,17; Acts 1:8).

The ABC’s of EvangelismThe ABC’s of EvangelismDr. Stan TolerDr. Stan Toler

[ABC’s of Evangelism, 2002][ABC’s of Evangelism, 2002]

• Step 1Step 1::– Pray for presence of God on your gospel Pray for presence of God on your gospel

presentation presentation (Acts 4:31)(Acts 4:31)

• Step 2Step 2::– Present the plan to friends and family Present the plan to friends and family

membersmembers– Receiving Christ is a simple as ABC:Receiving Christ is a simple as ABC:

A) A) AdmitAdmit that you have sinned that you have sinned (Rom 3:23)(Rom 3:23)

B) B) BelieveBelieve that Jesus Christ died for you that Jesus Christ died for you (Jn 1:12)(Jn 1:12)

C) C) ConfessConfess that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life (Rom (Rom 10:9-10)10:9-10)

Using the ABC’sUsing the ABC’s“How to Go to Heaven” Pen“How to Go to Heaven” Pen

• Drawing the NetDrawing the Net– Remind friend: Salvation is a free gift.Remind friend: Salvation is a free gift.

• Would you believe me if I told you that I Would you believe me if I told you that I

would give you this pen?would give you this pen?

• What do you need to do to get the pen?What do you need to do to get the pen?

• It’s yours to receive, just as it is with Christ’s It’s yours to receive, just as it is with Christ’s

forgivenessforgiveness

– You reach out and receive it by faithYou reach out and receive it by faith• Trust him to give salvation. Trust him to give salvation. (Rev. 3:20)(Rev. 3:20)

• Step 3Step 3::– Lead friend in a sinner’s (seekers) prayerLead friend in a sinner’s (seekers) prayer

• Step 4Step 4::– Give the new convert assurance of their Give the new convert assurance of their

salvationsalvation(1 John 5:11-12)(1 John 5:11-12)

• Step 5Step 5::– Follow up the new convertFollow up the new convert

• - Pray daily for the new convert- Pray daily for the new convert

• - Call them on the phone- Call them on the phone

• - Encourage them to attend church with you - Encourage them to attend church with you regularlyregularly

• - Lead them in a introductory discipleship program - Lead them in a introductory discipleship program

Evangelism Without Evangelism Without ArgumentArgument

The Interrogative ApproachThe Interrogative ApproachBill FayBill Fay

[Sharing Jesus Without Fear, 1999][Sharing Jesus Without Fear, 1999]

The Five Share Jesus QuestionsThe Five Share Jesus QuestionsUsing the “hmmmm principle”Using the “hmmmm principle”

1.1. Do you have any kind of spiritual belief? Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?

2.2. To you, who is Jesus? To you, who is Jesus?

3.3. Do you think there is a heaven or hell? Do you think there is a heaven or hell?

4.4. If you died tonight, where would you go? If heaven, If you died tonight, where would you go? If heaven,

why? why?

5.5. By the way, if what you were believing is not true, By the way, if what you were believing is not true,

would you want to know? would you want to know?

Vital Use of Scripture in Vital Use of Scripture in EvangelismEvangelism

• Key principles at work through use of Word Key principles at work through use of Word

– Faith comes through hearing Faith comes through hearing (Rom 10:17)(Rom 10:17)

– It gives opportunity for God to talk rather than It gives opportunity for God to talk rather than

you to argue you to argue (Lk 10:26)(Lk 10:26)

• Ask: May I share some Scriptures with you?Ask: May I share some Scriptures with you?

– After each reference (read by seeker) ask:After each reference (read by seeker) ask:

“What does this say to you?”“What does this say to you?”

The Share Jesus The Share Jesus ScripturesScriptures

(Highlight in Bible and key to subsequent verse)

• Rom. 3:23Rom. 3:23 – All have sinned – All have sinned

– What does this say to you?What does this say to you?

• Rom. 6:23Rom. 6:23 – Wages of sin is death – Wages of sin is death

– What does this say to you?What does this say to you?

– Continue with: All/any sin separates from GodContinue with: All/any sin separates from God

Separation = death = hell…but life is in ChristSeparation = death = hell…but life is in Christ

• John 3:3John 3:3 – Must be born again – Must be born again

– Ask: Why did Jesus come to die? (for our sin)Ask: Why did Jesus come to die? (for our sin)

The Share Jesus The Share Jesus ScripturesScriptures

(Highlight in Bible and key to subsequent verse)

• John 14:6John 14:6 – I’m the way – I’m the way– What does this say to you? (very clear verse!)What does this say to you? (very clear verse!)

• Rom. 10:9-11Rom. 10:9-11 – If you confess – If you confess– What does this say to you? (if get hung up on What does this say to you? (if get hung up on

some sin… have them re-read it!)some sin… have them re-read it!)

• 2 Cor. 5:152 Cor. 5:15 – No longer live for themselves – No longer live for themselves– What does this say to you?What does this say to you?

• Rev. 3:20Rev. 3:20 – Here I am standing at your door – Here I am standing at your door– What does this say to you?What does this say to you?

The Five Commitment The Five Commitment QuestionsQuestions

1.1. Are you a sinner?Are you a sinner?– Remind of Rom 3:23Remind of Rom 3:23

2.2. Do you want forgiveness?Do you want forgiveness?– Remind of Rom 6:23 – wages is death…must choose forgivenessRemind of Rom 6:23 – wages is death…must choose forgiveness

3.3. Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again?again?– Remind of Rom 10:9-11Remind of Rom 10:9-11

4.4. Are you willing to surrender your life to Jesus Christ?Are you willing to surrender your life to Jesus Christ?– May refer to Lk 14:27-28 (counting cost before build – taking up May refer to Lk 14:27-28 (counting cost before build – taking up

cross)cross)

5.5. Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and into your Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and into your heart?heart?– Refer to John 1:12Refer to John 1:12

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…

Sinner’s Prayer & Sinner’s Prayer & AffirmationAffirmation

10 More Questions10 More Questions1.1. How many sins has Christ paid for? How many sins has Christ paid for? (1 Jn 2:2)(1 Jn 2:2)

2.2. How many of your sins does Christ remember? How many of your sins does Christ remember? (Heb 10:17 / 2 Cor (Heb 10:17 / 2 Cor

5:17)5:17)

3.3. Where does Christ live? Where does Christ live? (Gal 2:20)(Gal 2:20)

4.4. Who has been praying for you?Who has been praying for you?

5.5. Let’s pray – allow time for new believer to talk to God – thank him!Let’s pray – allow time for new believer to talk to God – thank him!

6.6. Do you know where your praying friend goes to church?Do you know where your praying friend goes to church?

7.7. Do you know your friend’s number…let’s call him now! Do you know your friend’s number…let’s call him now! (Matt 10:32-(Matt 10:32-

33)33)

8.8. May I take you to church?May I take you to church?

9.9. Read the Gospel of John tonight – see what it says to you.Read the Gospel of John tonight – see what it says to you.

10.10. I will call you tomorrow to see if the Word became different to youI will call you tomorrow to see if the Word became different to you

Evangelism Skills for Today’s World

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