Bread of Life Church - College Fellowship – Summer 2008

EvangelismRoadmap to Spiritual Maturity

Roadmap to Spiritual Maturity

Personal Evangelism

Bread of Life Church - College Fellowship

Summer 2008

David Lau

Introduction Questions:

1. What do you think of when you hear the word Evangelism?

2. How would you define: “Personal Evangelism”?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as

Lord. Always be prepared to give an

answer to everyone who asks you to

give the reason for the hope that you

have. But do this with gentleness and

Respect. (1 Pet. 3:15)

I.What is Personal Evangelism? (Adapted from “Becoming an Authentic Christian”)

1. Natural

Personal Evangelism should reflect our own personalities and design.

2. Personal

3. V_________

Effective evangelism must be communicated Clearly and succinctly. We need to LIVE

and EXPLAIN the gospel.

“And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear

without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14)

4. A___________

Evangelism must have the foundation of an authentic and sincere Christian witness. How we live and speak can be more powerful than our words. (Matt. 5:16)

5. Process Oriented

We are called to “make disciples” not converts. Too often we view evangelism as a one-time event. Evangelism/Discipleship as a lifelong process. Often it takes time for a person to understand, believe and act upon the gospel message.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9)

6. Cooperative

God rarely uses just one person to bring someone through the entire process of coming to faith in Him. More often He orchestrates a number of people, places and events to lovingly move a person toward Christ.

… the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow… For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. (1 Cor. 3:5-9)

II. How Do I Evangelize?

A.T______ Story:

Bridging the Gap

1. Enter THEIR World

Most Evangelism happens outside the church and ministry events. We must be willing to go where they are most comfortable. (Matt. 9:10-13)

2. Listen to THEIR Story

Bridging the gap involves establishing common ground and developing a two-way friendship.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their interests and even participate in them (provided they are not sinful activities).

3. Earn THEIR Respect

Genuine interest in their lives and their well being will earn trust and respect. They will be more will more willing to listen and think about what you have to share.

Note: The verses that talk about “separation from the world” are referring primarily to separation from the world’s sins, not the people of the world.

B.Y______ Story:

Sharing Your Testimony

1. Be Relatable

Generally non-believers are more interested in first hearing a testimony than propositional truth. By sharing your own story, you are able to build interest and curiosity in the Christian faith.

2. Be Organized and Understandable

· Make sure your own testimony has a common theme and is easy to follow. Generally you want to include three components in your story: Before Christ, Salvation, After Conversion.

· Aim to be able to share your story in 5 minutes or less. (this is something that should be practiced)

3. Be Honest and Open

Do not just share the “good” stories in your life. Do not be afraid to share your struggles and weaknesses. This will them identify more with you and related better to your life.

C. H_____ Story

The Gospel Message

1. Be Clear

Your testimony is subjective, the gospel message is objective. Be careful not to use spiritual jargon. Make sure you speak “their” language.

2. Be Foundational

Seek to simply answer the question, “What does it mean to become a Christian?” Aim to emphasis the basic foundational truths of the gospel message. This should be no more than 4 points and should be able to be communicated in under 5 minutes.

3. Be Memorable

The “Essentials”

· God (He is Holy, Just and Loving.)

· Sin (All have sinned and deserve punishment.)

· Christ (God who became man to be our substitute)

· Salvation (Faith in Jesus alone brings eternal salvation)

(It is also helpful to emphasize that it is a “relationship” not just simply following a set of religious rules.

· Gospel tracts can be very helpful

· Gospel Illustrations are useful (ie. The “bridge diagram”

· Mnemonics are memorable – (ie. ABC’s of becoming a Christian

· http://guide.gospelcom.net/resources/gospel.php

III. Popular Gospel Presentations

The Four Spiritual Laws (Campus Crusade for Christ)

1. God Loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

2. All of us sin and our sin has separated us from God.

3. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for our sin. Through Him we can know and experience God's love and plan for our life.

4. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.

The ABC Gospel Presentation

1. All have Sinned

2. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

The Bridge Diagram

1. Man’s Problem

2. Man’s Remedy

3. God’s Remedy

4. Man’s Response

Gospel on a “Napkin” Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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