“…As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'”
Romans 10:15
King Solomon, regarded as one of the wisest men who ever lived, said, “He who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30). The term “evangelism” encompasses a variety of approaches to reaching people with the gospel. While the message of the gospel remains unchanged, its methods of communication are many. Furthermore, both men and women are called to participate in the task of evangelism. Many devoted women have become remarkable soul winners, both on the mission field and on the home front. Everyone can play a role as a link in the chain that brings others to the Lord.
In the early church, those scattered by persecution proclaimed the Word wherever they went, though Scripture does not specify the methods they employed (Acts 8:4). Each generation has developed distinct means of sharing the gospel. Previous generations saw great results from approaches that may not yield the same outcomes today. For instance, open air preaching was once highly effective in some countries, leading many to faith in Christ. However, in some countries government regulations permit this method only in a few designated places, making it largely impossible today.
Despite these changes, the present generation has wonderful opportunities to share the gospel through modern technology. Then, too, while some may consider older methods outdated, this is seldom the case. Lack of visible results from a particular method does not mean that the Lord is not working through such. Sometimes, methods from the past have ceased to bear fruit simply because they are no longer practiced.
Practical Ways to Evangelize
To my younger friends, one of the best ways to begin serving is by getting involved in your local church through Sunday School, Kids’ Club, and children’s camp ministries. Under the guidance of older believers, you will learn how to explain God’s Word in simple terms so that children can understand. This experience will build your confidence to share the truth with peers and others as opportunities arise.
To the faithful teachers who have spent years sowing the seed of God’s Word in young hearts, you may never know the eternal impact of your efforts until you reach heaven. Many believers have come to faith later in life because of the Scriptures they learned as children.
Here are a few more suggestions for reaching others:
- Door-to-door visitation, offering gospel tracts and Gospel of John booklets
- Participation in community events, where your presence allows you to bear witness to those you meet
- Welcoming new residents to your community with a basket, a new Bible, and a personal invitation to offer help in any way
- Organizing regular community outreaches, such as monthly lunches for seniors, barbeques, car washes, and celebrations for holidays like Christmas, Easter, and family days
- Visiting nursing homes which normally are grateful for church services or personal visits where you can simply sit and talk with residents
- Using modern technology to share the Good News far beyond your local surroundings, reaching a global audience
Remember, you cannot do this in your own strength; you must rely on the Holy Spirit to work through you. Be encouraged that you may be a link in the chain of events that leads someone to salvation. Whether you are the first to speak to one about Christ, a connecting or even the final link, your role matters in God’s plan to draw others to the Savior.
Opposition to Evangelism
Every athlete understands the necessity of overcoming opposition to achieve victory. Regardless of their preparation and training, they must recognize the nature of the opposition they face if they hope to succeed. In a similar way, those seeking to share their faith face a formidable adversary in Satan, who is relentless in holding on to those under his influence. Scripture speaks of his many names and roles within the kingdom of darkness. Notably, the Bible says, “. . . For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Cor. 11:14-15). He is also described as the god of this world who has blinded the minds of the perishing who do not believe, “lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Cor. 4:3-4).
After many years engaged in outreach, particularly door-to-door evangelism, I have observed that most responses people give can be grouped into recognizable categories. Careful reflection on these responses will help in preparing meaningful answers to those to whom we testify. These common responses include:
- “There is no God”
- “I have my own religion,” or “I attend my own church”
- “I am too sinful to be saved; God could never forgive me.”
- “I am a good person and do not need to be saved”
- “There are too many hypocrites in the church”
- “I was baptized in the church, so I am fine”
- “Believing is too simple; surely there must be something
more required” - “I have plenty of time to think about it later”
- “If there is a God, why does He permit so much suffering in
the world?” - “Christianity is just a crutch for people in trouble”
These are just a few of the objections you may encounter. Certainly, others can be added to the list. Thoughtful preparation to address such responses is crucial for anyone engaged in sharing the Christian faith.
Readiness to Evangelize
We can discuss this important subject at great length, but it is only when we put our words into action that a real impact is made. The old saying holds true: “actions speak louder than words.” Effective outreach begins with prayer, careful preparation, earnest pursuit, perseverance, and heartfelt praise to the One who has laid it on our hearts to reach the lost.
As followers of Christ, we serve as His ambassadors, committed to helping others to be reconciled to God. Just as an ambassador represents his homeland in a foreign country, we represent the Lord while traveling through this world—which is not our permanent home—as we seek to advance His interests here. In the song “The King’s Business,” E.T. Cassel wrote:
I am a stranger here within a foreign land
My home is far away upon a golden strand
Ambassadors to be to realms beyond the sea
I’m here on business for my King
This is the message that I bring
A message Angels fain would sing
O be ye reconciled
Thus saith my Lord & King
O be ye reconciled to God.1
For those already engaged in this vital work, keep persevering! The window of opportunity for mankind to turn to the Lord and accept Him as personal Savior is rapidly closing, making our mission more urgent than ever.
“Now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation”
2 Corinthians. 6:2
Evangelism Quotes
“To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in the world. With every soul you bring to Christ you seem to experience heaven here on earth.” C. H. Spurgeon
“The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking the lost and helpless.” Billy Graham
“Today, Christians spend more money on dog food than missions.” Leonard Ravenhill
“We talk of the second coming of Christ while half of the world has never heard of His first coming.” Oswald J Smith
“If I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head, and playing the tambourine with my toes, I would learn how to do it.” William Booth
“The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies of the world.” C S Lewis
“I would rather have people hate me with the knowledge that I tried to save them.” Keith Green
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thess. 2:19-20)
ENDNOTES
1. Redemption Songs: 1000 Hymns and Choruses (London, UK: Pickering & Inglis Ltd., c. 1900), No. 75