Personal Evangelism has been described as the person-to-person (one-on-one) sharing of this good news of salvation with the aim of soul winning. That is, leading the sinner to repent and turn wholly to God through Jesus Christ, the Saviour. Personal evangelism has been credit as the most sustainable means of evangelism. However, for a successful adventure in personal evangelism, Christians must be equipped with approach and methods that will bring result.
A. THE MESSAGE
1. In personal evangelism, the message is not:
(i) To get a person interested in church-going-Luke 6:46
(ii) To make a person change churches-Acts 4:12
(iii) To accept Christianity as the best religion-Rom. 7:24
(iv) To start doing good-Isa. 64:6
(v) To stop smoking, drinking …. Etc. by will power-Mark 10:17-25
(vi) To seek Christ only for healing, miracles etc. – Matt. 7:21-23
(vii) To keep the law – Rom. 3:20
2. Rather, the message must be
(i) Convict the sinner of his sins John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38
(ii) Awaken the sinner of his helplessness and need of Christ – Acts 4:12
(iii) Open the sinners eyes to the suffering of Christ’s sacrifice Matt. 26:28
(iv) Quicken faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour-Eph. 2:8
(v) Draw the sinner to meaningful, sincere and hearty decision to forsake all sins and receive Jesus as Saviour-John 1:12.
B. DIFFERENT APPROACHES
The problem of how to rightly approach a person is a very important one. This should keep us on our knees before God for necessary wisdom. We shall be considering seven ways of approach.
1. Direct Approach
This is also called shock “tactics”. It is a sudden introduction of an important topic. Many have found it very useful and effective. The shortness of time and endlessness of eternity makes this necessary. When we meet with our friends, neighbours, complete strangers, such questions as these could be asked:
(a) Is your soul right with God?
(b) What have you done with Christ?
(c) Who is called Christ?
(d) Do you know your sins are forgiven you?
(e) Are you saved?
(f) Are you ready to meet God?
(g) My friend, where will you spend eternity?
2. Indirect Approach
This could be termed as “digression) or “diversion” method. Have a conversation which started with the economy, politics or some other secular subjects is wisely turned into a spiritual discussion. This requires enough skill which develops with constant practice. Here are seven suggested ways to do this:
(a) Ask them questions. Asking questions to draw a person out indicates that you are interested in him as an individual.
(b)Volunteer information. When you are asked a question, give more of an answer than you are expected to give. In this way you can turn the conversation to spiritual things. Example: By day I am a Salesman (teacher, mechanic, housewife, trader etc). In my spare time, I am an ordained layman and work with my church at building the Kingdom of God. By the way, are you interested in spiritual things? John 15:16.
(c) Invite people to spiritual activities. Every time there is a spiritual activity in your church, you have an opportunity to invite someone to attend. Even if the person did not come, you can still ask are you interested in spiritual things?
(d) Tell people About past Events. Tell them about your spiritual experiences of salvation, church, messages, prayers.
(e) Relate testimony to people’s problems. Share your testimony of how God delivered you from similar problems, that they relate to and with tact introduce Christ to them.
(f) Relate Current events Back to Bible. We need to capitalize on these opportunities and relate them back to the Bible so that we can share Christ with them.
(g) Develop an approachable Attitude. Be a good listener. Show interest in other people’s activities, occupations, hobbies, problems etc. Ask a thousand questions. You will be surprised at how much you can learn. You can win much friends with your ear than with your mouth.
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3. Interrogation Approach
By this we use skillful question that arouse interest. They lead the person to believe that it is you who need help. An expert at this approach once started like this: (He asked innocently) “Excuse me, but could you tell me how a poor guilty sinner can get right with a holy God”. The person answered, “By doing the best he could”, he would then read from the Bible (Eph. 2:8-9) and say “that is what I used to think once, but this verse says, “not of works” lest any man should boast” From here he would proceed to tell how a sinner could be saved. He had wonderful results.
4. Doing a Favour Approach
This puts the recipient under an obligation to you. It provides a wonderful opportunity for spiritual contact. “A Christian worker heard of a sick woman, she went into the home, made her a cup of tea, wash the dishes, bath the children and tidied the house. Then she read to her from the scriptures and spoke of Christ. The whole family was won to the Lord. Her favour removed or disarmed all oppositions. We could ask for prayer request from them on their problem areas and pray for them and their conversion. Our interest will disarm their opposition.
5. Asking a Favour Approach
This puts you under an obligation to the person. Most people love being asked to do a little favour. Recall how Jesus with the woman at the well (John 4). When the favour has been shown, be thankful and introduce him to the one who showed you the “greatest of all favours” by saving your soul.
6. After Church Meeting
Approach You need to be prayerful and be on the watch out for new comers. Approach such with a warm welcome. Comments such as “that message is wonderful” may provoke a favourable reply and an opening for discussion. Tact and wisdom is necessary here, do not force the issue.
7. The Tract Approach
The Tract should be given in a kindly and courteous manner. It is perhaps the easiest way of reaching a person. This will break barriers and open up the avenue for discussion. There is a way man who lends Gospel Tracts and Books. When he calls again to have his Tract or Book returned, he finds out by questioning what the reaction to it has been. He could as well have given the materials free but prefer this method since it leaves the way open for further discussion.
C. RELEVANT SCRIPTURES
Texts to use with the unconverted
1. Those who make Excuse:
a. Not today Joshua 24:15 – Choose you this day 1 Kings 18:21-How long hath ye? Prov 27:1- Boast not thyself of tomorrow Isaiah 55:6- While he may be found Matt. 24:44-In such an hour as ye think not Luke 12:16- Thou fool Acts 22:16- Now why tarriest thou? II Cor 6:2- Now is the accepted time.
b. It is too late Ezek. 33:19-If the wicked turn he shall live. Matt 20:6- Why stand ye here all the day idle? John 6:37-Him that cometh unto me Rom 10:13- Whosoever shall call upon the names of the Lord
c. Tried once and failed He is able: – To deliver-Dan 3:17 -To fulfil promises-Rom 4:21 – To guard your treasure II Tim 1:2 – To save to the uttermost – Heb 7:25 – To keep you from falling-Jude 24
d. Too Many Mysteries. Deut. 29:29- The secret things belong to God John 13:7- Thou shalt know hereafter Acts 1:7-it is not for you to know I Cor 13:12-Now we see through a glass, darkly.
e. I don’t need a Saviour John 3:18 He that believeth not is condemned already John 3:36- He that believeth no…. the wrath of God abideth on Him Rom 2:23-All have sinned.
Rom 6:23 The wages of sin is death Heb 2:3- How shall we escape, if we neglect? Isa. 64:6-All our righteousness as fitly rages
f. God is love, there is no Danger Matt. 22:13 cast him into outer darkness Luke 13:3 Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish II Pet. 2:4 – If God spared not the angels Acts 17:30-God commands men everywhere to repent.
g. Will cost me too much Ps. 116:12 What shall I render unto the Lord? Mark 8:36-What shall it profit? Luke 18:29-30 No man hath left…who shall not receive more I Pet. 2:24 – Who…bare our sins in his own body on the tree.
h. I cannot leave my old companions Exo 23:2-Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Prov 13:20-He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise Il or 6:14- Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers I Cor 15:33-Be not deceived…evil communications corrupt
i. I shall be persecuted There is a blessing connected with it-Matt 5:11. It lifts the soul to the plane of the prophets-Matt 5:12. All Godly people expect it – II Tim 3:12. It leads to a crown – Rev. 2:10
D. EFFECTIVE PRINCIPLES
From such soul winners as Paul, Philip and our Lord Jesus in the scriptures, we draw out these salient principles. Imbibing and practicing them will result in fruitful witnessing.
1. Be natural when speaking. The Lord always spoke in natural tone.
2. Don’t be denominational “Rubber-stamp” and don’t say a critical word of any demonization either. God didn’t call you to fight for or against denominations. Yet, people must be warned of cults. Matt 16:6- 12
3. Don’t fear to talk to anybody. Fear of man brings a snare Prov. 29:25. It is not laziness or in difference that causes many to fall it is fear
4. Don’t wait for an impulse, a feeling or even an opportunity, if there is not opportunity, make one.
5. Witness as you think Jesus would witness. “Put on Christ”
6. Don’t create problems in the sinners mind. Instead of creating lot of problems, why not be a solution?
7. Do not teach sinners doctrines. We must get them to Christ before we teach doctrines Acts 2:41-42; Matt 7:1
8. Don’t argue or advertise yourself. You don’t have to convince the sinner that you are better or greater. Everyone knows.
9. Don’t give up too soon. Speak with faith. Speak with authority. Speak with over. Pray before and as you speak and break the devil’s power and influence on the sinner
10. Don’t be in a hurry. Don’t be impatient and a King must not lose his temper. Don’t minimize what is involved. TELL IT LIKE IT IS”
11. Don’t interrupt another Christian who is witnessing to a person
12. Get the sinner to a DECISION FOR CHRIST. Don’t always insist on a long process of conviction, confession and conversion Luke 5-4-11
13. Do not wait for impressions before you talk to others about soul’s salvation (II Tim 4:2)
14. Do not argue (Matt 10:18)
15. Do not always try to prove or explain spiritual things.
16. Do not exalt self above the sinner. John 4:7-29
17. Do not condemn denominations or sinner and do not criticize the government. John 3:19-24 18. Avoid unnecessary questions. Don’t not raise any. Titus 3:9
19. Do not permit the sinner to lead you from one subject to another for the sake of argument (John 4:19-21-,25,26)
20. Do not state your idea or denominational belief. Say what word of God says (Matt 15:6,9)
21. Do not act victorious or proud when you score a point. It humiliates the sinner and makes you to lose the soul though you win the point (matt 11:29)
22. Do not tell sad stories. Point the sinner to Christ (Jn 3:16 II Pet 3:9
23. Do not have bad breath or noticeable body odour or other distraction. It repels sensible sinners whom you are trying to win (I Cor 10:32)
24. Do not tell seekers to think it very. Bring to a decision at once if possible (II Cor 6:2)
25. Do not insist on keeping sinners on their knees Luk 18:9-14
26. Do not emphasize emotions. Dispositions are different. Faith first, feelings later (Eph 2:8-9)
27. Do not fail to instruct new converts regarding how to live th Christian life (John 8:31)
28. Do not act familiar with the opposite sex (1 Thess 5:22). Be wise-“he that winneth a soul is wise” Prov 11:30
E. THE PREREQUISITES
1. Have a personal assurance of salvation – 1 Jn. 1:3; Jn. 3:3.
2. Living above sin, the flesh and temptation daily – John 8:34; 17:14-16; 1 John 5:4; Rom. 13:12-14.
3. Have Christian compassion for the last – Matt. 9:36
4. Have a regular, effective and dynamic prayer life – John 15:5; James 5:17-18
5. Be conversant with the Bible, especially on salvation and relevant topics – Heb. 4:12
6. Be a practical Christian who lives in the personal enjoyment or benefit of the great and wonderful promises of god -Acts. 1:8; 2:39; Mark 11:22-24; III John 2; John 16:8.