Methods of Personal Evangelism

Matt. 28:19 - The Great Commission. Reads "make disciples", which (by necessity) includes Evangelism.
And this is more than "get a profession", "get a baptism", "gain a church member".

Did you know?

• The U.S. is the third largest unchurched nation in the world.
• North America is the only continent where Christianity is not growing.
• Seven out of 10 people in North America do not know Christ.
• More than 70% of all churches in the United States are plateaued or declining.
• Half of all churches last year did not add one new member through conversion growth.
• While the U.S. population grew by 11.4% over the last 10 years, church growth declined by 9.3%.

So - Some Methods of Personal Evangelism

#1. Preaching Evangelism
Today in the U.S. only 1 in 10 people who make a decision to follow Christ do so in a church setting.
Why? 1 reason is that the lost don't come to preaching anymore.
Example: 85% of the more recent responses in a Billy Graham Crusade are made by churched people!

#2. Confrontational Evangelism. One on one. Face to face.
Traditionally this is recognized as the form of personal evangelism.
This is effective for those who are geared and gifted for it.
BUT, it is ineffective for most Christians because it's NOT their gift and they're NOT going to do it!! This kind of evangelism is very uncomfortable for most Christians.

#3. Teaching Evangelism. Examples: Sunday School, AWANA, Bible Time

#4. Testimonial Evangelism (Personal testimony)
Example #1 - the Blind Man - John 9:25 - what I know
John 9:17 - what I think (believe) about what I know

Example #2 - Legion Mark 5:18-20
Testimonial evangelism is usually used in combination with other methods

#5. Ministry Evangelism - in two forms
A. Ministry to the lost - in a crisis, funerals, weddings, etc.
NOTE: We minister without strings, BUT NOT without purpose!!

B. Ministry with the lost - involving people in social impact work (volunteer work). This is one of the most effective ways of reaching them today. Especially the Busters and on down!

#6. Relational (friendship) Evangelism.
Today this type equals A. the most decisions and B. the best results.
70% of active Christians accepted Christ due to some form of Relational evangelism.
87% of inactive Christians accepted Christ due to some form of manipulative monologue.

Note: it's OK to befriend for the purpose of evangelism.
BUT, it is NOT OK to de-friend because they don't respond!

#7. Family Evangelism. Win your kids, spouse, siblings, etc.
This is undoubtedly the most effective fomr when:
A. it's applied early
B. used properly and consistently
C. in conjunction with #8

#8. Lifestyle Evangelism. Means living in such a way as to encourage people to inquire about your faith.
BUT, you can't witness without words!! Rom. 10:13-15 Nobody is saved by your lifestyle.
For example: What good is a governor's pardon if left signed on the desk, not delivered to the condemned?

#9. Discipling Evangelism. (mentoring)
Traditionally, the view was WIN them, then disciple. BUT, this works well in reverse. Disciple and as you do, they are won! Person can become aware of their lostness by being discipled.

#10. Conversational Evangelism. Bring up during a casual conversation. Some have a real gift for this. If don't, shouldn't force it.

#11. Invitational Evangelism. - inviting people to church, events, etc.
NOTE: While only 10% of decisions are made in a church setting, 77% said, "attending church" was a contributing factor.

#12. Tract/Literature Evangelism. (this is shown to be a contributing factor)

#13. Child Evangelism.
In the USA, 64% of those who accept Christ did so before the age of 18. (43% before age 13)
Another 13% between 18 and 21.
Only 23% accept Christ after age 21.
ALSO NOTE: people who accept Christ before teen years are:
a. more likely to remain committed to Christianity
b. more likely to embrace Biblical theology

#14. Prayer Evangelism. James 5:16

OBSERVATIONS

There is no wrong way to lead people to Christ. (if it's truly leading them to salvation - not just a profession)

No single approach is universally effective. (usually conversion is a result of combined influences)

Any method works better if used intentionally (with focus on the purpose)

We are not expected to win them - just to witness to them. John 6:44, 65
Only Jesus can convert. Unless the Father draws them, they cannot be saved.

God doesn't expect us to do it alone.
Matt. 28:19 Therefore, go.....
Matt. 28:20 and surely I am with you.....