Author: Mark Virkler
An Easy Approach to Evangelism - Be a Friend, Share Your Story, Offer to Pray for People
Jesus obviously models an awesome approach to evangelism. Let's take a look at it.
Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
"Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city." (Lk.10:1-12)
Steps in the above approach to evangelism
- Pray for God to send out laborers into His harvest.
- Go in teams of two.
- Be kind and gentle even though you are among wolves.
- Don't carry money, but instead, look for the person who resides in a house of peace.
- Stay in that home with them as you minister to those whom they have influence over.
- Heal those who are sick and let them know it is the power of the Kingdom of God that has accomplished this.
- If you are not received by a person of peace, go on to the next locality and repeat the process.
Things you already know about the heart of each person you meet
- Everyone wants a friend and wants to be loved and accepted, so be a friend, love and accept them unconditionally.
- People are: sick, distressed, guilt-ridden, anxious, fearful, feeling hopeless, insecure, and hungry for God since there is a God-shaped vacuum within them. ONLY Jesus can meet these needs!
- Your story of how Jesus has met your needs is extremely powerful. Your story is your sword so tell it.
- Ask if there are any needs they have that you could pray with them about.
- Pray for God to supernaturally touch and meet them. Stay open to the flow of the spirit as you pray.
- Don't feel pressure that YOU have to get them to say the sinner's prayer TODAY. Planting a seed is as good as watering or harvesting. ALL are necessary.
- Here is a wallet-size card on the 4 steps to salvation and here is a blog on salvation that you can forward.
How does one discern if a "person of peace" is in his or her life? Here are a few things to look for:
- Did they receive you openly into their lives knowing that you are a follower of Jesus?
- Are they open to spiritual conversations? That is, you can dialogue with them about spiritual issues without them shutting down emotionally.
- Are they willing to look into the Scriptures with a curious spirit and not a critical one?
- Do they have influence with others? Are they in a position of influence over their family, friends and within the community?
- Is their home a hub of activity for the neighborhood and extended family?
- Do they have the ability to introduce new people into their sphere of influence effectively?
- Do they have a natural ability of including and bringing others to small groups, events or worship services?
The person of peace is essentially a “point person” through whom a church planter can make lots of new connections. This person may be spiritually seeking, or already a believer who has lots of unchurched contacts. Sometimes it’s a person who has many people seeking them out for spiritual conversations.
Related Resources:
How to Be Empowered by the Holy Spirit!
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