The other day I went to the doctor (battling some complications of asthma and also bronchitis at the moment).
I was not feeling well so I put on a ball cap to cover my hair. It’s a pink, distressed ball cap that say’s “ya’ll need Jesus” on the front.
I didn’t think of what the cap said, I just threw it on. Little did I know, my choice of head wear would open a door of opportunity for me to create
7 effective tips for evangelizing.
my attempt at evangelizing
I heard a knock on the door and my doctor came in. He informed me my asthma was bad.
He explained what medication he would give me and I was ready to go.
As I prepared to leave, he folded his arms and he said “tell me about this Jesus, who is he”?
My anxiety immediately kicked into high gear. Words were hard to come by and I stumbled over them.
Still, I managed to share with him how completed my Master’s degree with a 4.0 from the University of Alabama. I explained I couldn’t have done it without God.
I told him that anything good I’ve done is because of God working in me. It was my moment to explain that if he would give God a chance, God would help him too.
He asked if that was all I had to say and I told him it was.
He told me he didn’t have any of those needs.
I was then asked why he should give his life to Jesus since he is healthy.
I had no words at the moment so I just smiled.
The effect of my testimony
For the next 20 minutes or so he shared with with me that he was a believer in Jesus.
He stated that while my testimony was an amazing one, I left out one very important thing.
I listened as he made me aware of the fact I never once mentioned his need of a savior.
He shared that I avoided telling him how without the Lord he would die and go to hell.
I was politely told me that I am so kind, so full of joy, and have such an amazing testimony.
He explained I could do a lot of good for the kingdom if I would make sure to remind others of their need of a savior and God’s willingness to save them from their sins.
The lesson and the development of 7 effective tips for evangelizing
His conversation with me opened my eyes to a new, more effective way of witnessing I had never thought about.
His words “we must overcome the offensiveness of the cross and never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ” are words that would motivate me as I sought out tips and tools for evangelizing.
I have pondered, and prayed about the most effective ways for sharing the gospel and I believe that these 7 tips are ones that every Christian needs to make a difference in the kingdom of God.
The 7 Tips for Effective Evangelizing
1. GO WHERE GOD SAYS TO GO
God will always lead you to the person he wants you to witness to.
In Acts chapter 8, we see an account of Phillip witnessing to an Ethiopian Eunich. In verses 26 and 28, the Lord tells Phillip what road to travel and where to stand so that he can be ready to witness.
Phillip obeyed God and went where the Spirit told him so he was ready and able to witness to the Eunich.
2. PROCLAIM CHRIST
Evangelism put simply, is the preaching of Jesus Christ (source).
It is telling others of who Jesus is and what he can do in their lives.
If we are going to evangelize, we must proclaim Christ.
3. LIVE YOUR LIFE IN A WAY THAT GIVES YOU CREDIBILITY
The way Phillip lived his life made him credible and the way we live ours must also make our words credible.
One of my favorite quotes says “Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words”.
Our actions alone should testify to the Lord Jesus Christ.
4. BE NORMAL
When Phillip approached the Eunich, we find that he was reading scripture.
Phillip sat down beside him and simply engaged the Eunich in conversation.
Evangelism doesn’t require huge fanfare or special moves it simply requires a willingness to speak about God.
We can do this in our casual daily conversations with others.
The Bible says that when righteous people talk about him, he writes it down in a book so that he can remember it (Malachi 3:16). That is a precious thought to me!
5. MAKE EVANGELISM PERSONAL
As I am sure you can tell by reading above, this is not something I have a problem with.
I can testify to you about what God has done in my life but I have a hard time explaining what it is he has come to help you with.
Sometimes though, people will quickly talk about how individuals are sinners in need of a savior never once explaining what Christ has done for them.
People need to know that God is real and that he is moving even today.
The quickest way for people to recognize this? Explain to them what great things God has done in your life.
6. BRING EVANGELISM BACK TO CHRIST
Ok, so this is where I messed up. I made evangelism personal, I shared my testimony but in the midst of my anxiety, the conversation never went back to what Christ can do for the individual.
In verses 31-35 of Acts chapter 8, Phillip brought the conversation back to the person it was about all along, Jesus Christ.
We must always make sure that at the end of our conversation, we give an opportunity for the individual we are talking to to invite Jesus into their heart and life.
7: KNOW EVANGELISM ISN’T A ONE TIME DEAL
Verse 40 of Acts chapter 8 tells us that Phillip went about preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Once we witness to an individual, we must prepare to witness to the next individual who needs to hear of Jesus Christ.
The Bible says that we are to be ready ALWAYS to give an answer for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) (emphasis mine).
As heirs of God, we are supposed to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:19-20) until he calls us home.
Conclusion
I hope that this post will help you as you prepare to witness to your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, and even those you meet on the street.
I pray that God will give you a boldness and that you will overcome the offense of the cross and not be ashamed of the gospel as it is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16).
Thank you Miranda for your faithfulness in witnessing and for writing this! It’s so good to read this – I was inspired!