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Evangelism Tips

Evangelism is simply sharing your faith in Christ with others and can take many forms. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15 says, "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it". This verse tells us that we should be prepared to share our faith when the opportunity comes our way.

At PASSION we have found that spending some time preparing yourself makes it easier to share your faith when the opportunity arises. Below are our top 5 evangelism tips that will help you "be prepared" for when your opportunities present themselves.

1. Prayer

Prayer is vital in preparing the hearts of people to receive salvation. I believe that all evangelism should start and finish in prayer. If we think about it, most of us who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour can probably look back and think of someone who prayed for us to be saved. It might be an elderly grandmother or another family member, even a friend or a work mate.

I have found that prayer softens people and makes them open to the message. Even the hardest heart can soften over a period of time. If you are tempted to give up praying for someone, just remember the apostle Paul. He once persecuted Christians, but then turned out to be one of the greatest Christian missionaries of all time! When I am praying for someone I always pray 3 things when I am praying for a particular persons salvation - 1. Holy Spirit draw them to Jesus. 2. Holy Spirit convict them of their sin. 3. Holy Spirit show them their need for a Saviour.

I have found that prayer also helps you to know who to speak to and how to approach sharing the gospel. When I meet new people I always pray and ask God if this is someone I should share my faith with. If it is someone I need to talk to, I usually find I have the desire to pray for them and opportunities to talk open up.

2. Prepare a Testimony

On a number of occasions when the Apostles Peter and Paul spoke publicly they simply shared a testimony of the things they had seen and heard. For us now, a testimony can bring the Bible to life and I have found that people love hearing stories of how God has done great things has done for you.

I actually have several short testimonies that I share with people depending on the situation. If it is someone who is suffering with a long term illness, I might share my story of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and how God has worked in my life through it. If they are lonely or depressed I share the difference Christ has made in my life and how that I never feel alone any more. If they can't see anything good in the future or have lost hope, I share how Christ has given me hope, direction and a purpose for living.

One tip I have found useful is to break your testimony into three sections. 1. Before Christ - what your life was like before you accepted Christ. 2. Your conversion - How you came to ask Christ into your life? 3. After Christ - How you life has changed? This can be especially powerful if people have known you for a long time. They will be able to see the difference Christ has made to you and how you have changed as a result.

3. Know relevant Bible verses

Work out a simple presentation by putting a few verses together and memorise them. You might like to write them in the back of your Bible so you can refer to them easily. If you can't remember them all, remember the first one and put references to the next one in your margin of your Bible.

“Romans road” might be a place where you can start -

The Natural State Of Man - Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”

The Reason - Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”

The Cause - Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”

The Penalty - Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”

The Love of God - Romans 5:8 “But God commanded his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”

The Remedy - Romans 10:9-11 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed”

The Decision - Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”

4. Think about questions people may ask

Many people have big questions that act as sticking points, which prevent them from going further in accepting Christ. Some can be like a minor bump in the road, others can be like a roadblock! If you can answer these questions they might be able to move a step closer to receiving Christ.

Here are some that I have been asked -

Why is there so much suffering in this world if there is a loving God?
How could a loving God send people to hell if they don't believe in Him?
Why do you believe Jesus Christ the only way to salvation?
What happens to those who don’t accept Jesus?
Why do you believe?
What does it means to be born again?
What happens when we die?

It is a great idea to have answers ready, especially Biblical answers! Just remember to keep bringing the conversation back to Jesus. It is very easy to get caught up in side issues.

5. Have some evangelistic tools handy

There are a variety of evangelistic tools that you can use to reach people. Sometimes people seem to want to talk about things at the strangest times. Having something on hand can help in those situations. Here are a few examples -

Tracts – You can keep one handy in your purse or wallet just in case an opportunity arises. They are very handy if you don’t have much time or perhaps are a bit nervous about sharing your faith. You can even put a library pocket in the back of all your books. Instead of a library card, put a tract in it!

Audio tapes and CDs – A simple gospel message on an audio tape or CD may be all it takes to reach someone. Perhaps you could record your testimony or what you believe and give it to people who ask questions.

Books – Look out for books on different issues especially ones where you friends or family may be interested in or if they are going through hard times.

Websites – Look out for websites that may help you to reach your friends. Many websites have a “refer to a friend” page that sends an email message on your behalf bringing the site to their attention.

Video tapes and DVDs – The “Jesus” video is a great way to reach people. In just over an hour you see the whole life of Christ and at the end if gives the opportunity to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour. You could buy one for yourself and one to give away!

Closing thoughts

These are some of the things we have found useful in sharing our faith with those around us. Of course while these things are important and can help you in your efforts, the key is to have a strong personal relationship with God. Spending regular time alone with Him in prayer and reflective Bible reading will help you to be strong in your faith. This combined with building relationships, living a good life in front of others and being genuinely concerned for people will help you to be most effective in sharing your faith with those around you.

Prayer

Dear God,
I pray that You will use me to reach others for Christ. Please help me to be effective in sharing my faith. Please help me to know whom to talk to and I pray that You will give me the right words to say when the time comes. I pray for all my family, friends and neighbours. I pray that the Holy Spirit will draw them to Jesus and make them aware of their need for salvation. Please use me to lead them to Christ. I ask in Jesus', Amen.