Three Logical Steps to Effective Evangelism!

As Christians, we have responsibility in reaching the lost of this world. No matter our line of work, marital status, age, gender, etc. If we are Christians, we have a part in the great commission to spread the Gospel. Evangelism can be intimidating, and may cause feelings of being unprepared and inadequate in our efforts. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul gives a three-fold approach to evangelism which helps lessen the intimidation factor (Colossians 4:2-6).  

The first step of evangelism we all need to be involved in is Prayer. Paul tells the Christians at Colossae, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” The prayers Paul requests have two parts; prayer for open doors, and prayers that He will be able to walk through those doors. We need to be praying for opportunities of evangelism, but we cannot forget our awareness and ability to take advantage of those openings.

Paul’s next step for evangelism deals with our conduct. He says, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” How we act around non-Christians is crucial in our efficiency in reaching them with the Gospel. The loudest sermon a person can preach is done with actions. Jesus tells of the importance of actions in the Sermon on the Mount when he says to practice good works so that men may glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Oftentimes, the way we conduct ourselves opens doors to spiritual conversation.

 Finally, after we have prayed for open doors and conducted ourselves with wisdom, Paul says to look at our speech. “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” In our efforts to share the Gospel with people, we have to be willing to speak the truth to them. We must connect the lost of this world with the one who can save them from their sins. Peter tells us to be prepared to give a defense in 1 Peter. 3:15 saying: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." Both Peter and Paul speak of how we need to have gentleness and grace In our defense. Think in terms of how Jesus spoke to lost people throughout his ministry.

The process Paul gives seems a natural and logical approach to evangelism. Once we have spent time and effort in prayer for open doors, waited with awareness for opportunities, and methodically planned our actions and conduct with wisdom, Sharing the hope we have in Christ seems to be the logical progression.  We all have a part in the evangelism of the world. No matter who we are, we can pray for opportunities, conduct ourselves with wisdom and speak the truth with grace.

Blessings,

Jeremy