41105 Evangelism Is A Process

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Cor 3:6-7 (NIV)

Paul relates the parable that Jesus gave on the Parable of the Sower when Jesus said:   “A farmer went out to sow the seed . .  (Mark 4), or “The kingdom of God is like a farmer walking across a field when .. . . “(Matt 13).

Most evangelism is either event-oriented like an evangelistic large gathering with a speaker, or decision-oriented to pressure a decision now with little or no ongoing contact.  But what if people are not at the point to make an intelligent decision for Christ.     

Often in evangelism, we sow the seed that the Holy Spirit cultivates the soil and then it may be that years later someone else leads that person to Christ.  Bill Fay, author of Share Jesus Without Fear, says:  “I found that Christians heard the gospel an average of 7.6 times before surrendering to Christ after the seventh time.”

We can cultivate the soil in people’s lives and heart by such things as:  

  • Asking a question about their faith they had never considered before (planting).
  • Sharing a scripture verse to a person.  
  • Offering to pray for them about a need.
  • Inviting them to church or to a special event at your church.  
  • Inviting them to join them in a bible study in your home or their home.  
  • Emailing them an article or video from JesusOnline Ministries.
  • Directing them to the website: Jesusonline.com
  • Sending the Video “Has Science Discovered God” or on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Walking through a gospel Tract with them.
  • Visiting them in the hospital and praying with them (with their permission).
  • Taking them a meal when there is a crisis (planting)
  • Giving them a book on Apologetics like More Than A Carpenter by Josh McDowell or The Case for Faith by Lee Srobel, etc.

We live in a place where most people may not be knowledgeable about the gospel message. Thus,

  1. WE need to spend more time building relationships with people whether or not they are interested in the gospel (Matthew 22:39).
  2. It may take many years before a person gives their life to Christ. We should not give up on a person who is a non believer just because they don’t seem interested in the gospel.
  3. Sometimes, the Lord may use a crisis in a non believer’s life to speed up the process.

Evangelistic Styles

In the book, Becoming A Contagious Christian, there are a different approaches or styles in evangelism.

  • Confrontational: Peter, Acts 2.
  • Intellectual / Philosophical: Paul, Acts 17.
  • Testimonial: Blind Man, John 9
  • Invitational: Woman at the Well, John 4
  • Serving: Dorcas (Tabitha), Acts 9: 36ff
  • Signs and Wonders: First Corinthians 2:1-5.

Whichever style fits you most, it is always important to have a Gospel presentation learned so that you can articulate the basics of the Gospel message.  

It’s always important to see personal evangelism in light of the PROCESS which gives us freedom from having to “seal the deal” and see conversions immediately which often are aborted decisions.  Remember, the Holy Spirit is ultimately the “Lord of the Harvest”.  .

Today’s prayer

Lord, I want to be involved in the process of evangelism in the lives of people you send to me, my friends, my relatives or any acquaintances that you bring my way.  Give me wisdom as you want me to be on mission as your witness in this lost and dying world.  I am your servant.  Help me to be a sower of your gospel and in your perfect timing and by your will, a reaper also.  Without you Lord, people have no hope in this life and especially in the life to come. In Jesus name, I pray.  Amen!