Planning is a vital part of almost everything we do in life and ministry. There’s an old saying that goes: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Even the Bible reminds us in Luke 14:28 that no one begins to build a house without first sitting down to count the cost and make a plan.
Just like an architect must draft a plan before construction begins, effective soul-winning and evangelism also require proper spiritual and strategic planning. This is why this teaching is important—it provides biblical and practical guidance for winning our communities to Christ.
The big question is: How do we strategically reach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Below are key points that can help us carry out impactful community outreaches:
1. RECOGNIZE THE RIPENESS OF THE HARVEST
This is the first and most important step. Jesus said in John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.”
We can only be effective when we go where the Lord sends us. God may call us to a place through:
- A vision
- A burden or deep concern (like in the case of Nehemiah)
- A revelation
- A dream (as God gave to Paul)
- Or simply a strong inner conviction from the Holy Spirit.
We must wait upon the Lord for divine direction before launching out.
2. CARRY OUT A SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL SURVEY
Before evangelizing a community, it’s crucial to study the people:
- What language do they speak?
- How do they dress?
- What is their culture, religion, and daily occupation?
God gave Moses this same instruction in Numbers 13:17–20 when He sent spies to survey the land. Joshua also used this method in Joshua 7:2–3. Know your terrain before you engage.
This helps us to understand their worldview and how best to present the Gospel in a way they can receive it.
3. IDENTIFY THE STRONGHOLDS AND THE HEADQUARTERS OF DARKNESS
Every community has a spiritual atmosphere. In many places, especially in Africa (such as Nigeria), certain demonic powers hold territorial influence due to past or present dedications and covenants.
Jesus said in Mark 3:27, “No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.” In spiritual warfare, you must deal with the strongman that controls the region.
To identify these strongholds, watch for:
- Street names – Some carry occultic significance.
- Junctions – Places where sacrifices are dropped.
- Herbalists’ houses – They often fly specific flags to show their power base.
- Shrines and idols – These are open doors for demonic worship.
- Rivers, big trees, or sacred locations – Often spiritually significant in local demonic activity.
- Satanic altars disguised as churches – what Scripture calls “synagogues of Satan” (Revelation 2:9).
These things must be discerned and spiritually addressed before major outreach begins.
4. SET UP A PRAYER BASE
Prayer is the engine room of evangelism. The Church is the training ground for spiritual soldiers. If the community you’re targeting is far from your local church, establish a prayer base within the community.
Though prayer works in the spirit realm regardless of location, on-site intercession is usually more effective because it confronts the strongholds directly.
Select trained intercessors to spend at least a week or more in the prayer room, seeking God’s revelation about:
- The name and nature of the strongman.
- The spiritual foundation of the city.
- The origin and meaning of the town’s name (names have power).
Many international evangelists, like Omar Cabrera, understand this secret and do not begin a crusade without deep intercession.
5. LOCATE A SUITABLE PLACE FOR DISCIPLESHIP AND SOUL CARE
After winning souls, we must care for them. Find a place to host new believers:
- You can rent a hall, use a school, or even a big shop or store.
- Avoid relying solely on vacant land—it may not be ideal initially.
- Consider leasing land and setting up temporary structures for meetings and follow-up.
The focus is on finding a place where new believers can be properly nurtured, taught, and discipled.
Recommended Reading
A Thriving Church In A Hostile Environment
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Saul
MOSES:THE MAN OF GOD 1
6. FIND A GOOD LOCATION FOR CRUSADES
The crusade ground is very important. Choose a central, easily accessible location—not in a hidden corner.
Avoid noisy or distracting areas like:
- Garages
- Busy bus stops
Prayer must continue on the crusade ground to charge the atmosphere with God’s presence. This sets the spiritual climate for miracles, healing, and deliverance.
7. PROPER BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Open-air crusades and community outreaches cost money. That’s why financial planning and support from the mother church is essential.
Members should be encouraged to give sacrificially. After all, Jesus gave His life for us—we must be willing to give what we have to save souls.
Remember the principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6–8—“God loves a cheerful giver.”
8. TRAIN COUNSELLORS AND PROTOCOL OFFICERS
Your team on the ground must be well trained:
- Counsellors should be prepared to lead souls to Christ and help them understand the decision they’re making.
- Protocol and security teams should protect both the people and the equipment (P.A. system, generators, etc.).
- Security should be arranged for vehicles and personal belongings.
Everything should be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
9. EFFECTIVE FOLLOW-UP AND VISITATION
Winning a soul is just the beginning. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20 that we should “make disciples of all nations…”
New converts are like spiritual babies who need love, care, and nourishment. Plan for:
- Regular visits
- Bible studies
- Discipleship classes
- Phone calls and prayers
This ensures that they grow strong in the Lord and don’t fall back into the world.
CONCLUSION:
Winning the community is not just a one-time event; it is a divine mission. With prayerful planning, spiritual discernment, and consistent follow-up, we can see lives transformed, families restored, and entire communities turned to Jesus Christ.
Let us rise up and be true soldiers of the Cross!