what i learned in my evangelism course

Three Things I Learned From A Semester of Walk-Up Evangelism

1. People are open to talking about spiritual stuff I initially expected that the vast majority of people we approached...
2. Walk-up evangelism leads to really good conversations

Full Answer

What are the secrets to effective evangelism training?

I attended a conference nearly 10 years ago by Mark Miller that gave away these secrets to Effective Evangelism Training. Challenge the conventional wisdom — Evangelism is a process not an event (see: Evangelism: Process or Event? ), so one size doesn’t fit every context. Make Evangelism Personal — Who do you know that does not know Jesus Christ?

How can I encourage evangelism in my community?

Encourage workshop participants to pray for people they know . Take the time to do it. Model it — Make evangelism your own priority and follow your own steps. I found in my own story that all of these are vitally important. Process.

What is the best place to start in personal evangelism?

The best place to start in personal evangelism is not by asking the question: “What is the best method?” Rather, the best place to start is by knowing the gospel message. Master the message first, and then methods will follow. Do you know the core content of the gospel?

Why should I evangelize myself?

that God brings conviction of sin and a desire to surrender one’s life to Him. Personal Evangelism is one of the greatest joys of following Christ. It is also is very intimidating for many people, perhaps for you as well. But the best way to grow in your skills is to learn how to talk about your faith in a conversational way.

What is your understanding of evangelism?

In Christianity, evangelism (or witnessing) is the act of preaching the gospel with the intention of sharing the message and teachings of Jesus Christ.

What is the importance of evangelism?

Evangelization is bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those around us. Jesus himself commanded us to evangelize. The Church exists to give witness to the Gospel. All around us are people who have never heard that God loves them and desires abundant life for them.

What is the purpose of personal evangelism?

Personal evangelism Sometimes referred to as "one to one" or "personal work", this approach to evangelism is when one Christian evangelizes to, typically, one non-Christian, or only a few non-Christians, in a private manner.

What are the qualities of a good evangelist?

Seven CharacteristicsThey are people of prayer. ... They have a theology that compels them to evangelize. ... They are people who spend time in the Word. ... They are compassionate people. ... They love the communities where God has placed them. ... They are intentional about evangelism.More items...•

Why evangelism is important for the local Church?

In an evangelistic community, non-Christians see the gospel being lived out by Christians, and have the opportunity to have their questions answered by more learned members if they so desire. They also are in position to begin to learn the basics of Christianity once they make the decision to receive Christ.

Why is evangelism and discipleship important?

Discipleship and evangelism are both Biblical concepts. They differ because they focus on different levels of spiritual growth. Both discipleship and evangelism spread the Gospel of Christ. Evangelism is typically used with unbelievers, while discipleship is used for both unbelievers and the development of believers.

Why is evangelism important in Christianity?

Whatever we choose to call it, Jesus instructed us to do it. At its core, the Great Commission, evangelism, is sharing the good news of salvation, forgiveness, and grace. Without those things, we would all be lost without hope, without a savior, and would have to endure the consequences of sin—death.

What is the most effective way to evangelize?

Personal evangelism has been proven to be the most effective method of evangelism. Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ, was a product of personal evangelism. Personal evangelism has been proven to be the most effective method of evangelism.

How do you evangelize everyday?

Everyday EvangelismLet Christ's love shine through the way that you treat others. ... Pray for opportunities for sharing the gospel. ... Cultivate relationships with unbelievers. ... Share your own story. ... Encourage faith exploration. ... Be honest about your struggles. ... Be a friend through life's ups and downs.More items...

What is the heart of an evangelist?

To be the spouse of an evangelist, you must understand the heart of an evangelist. The compelling call—the pull to make the Good News known to as many people as possible in the time the Lord has allotted—is real. Sharing the truth of the Gospel is a matter of urgency.

1. People are open to talking about spiritual stuff

I initially expected that the vast majority of people we approached would say “no.” But I was wrong. In my experience so far, a significant majority (about 65-75%) actually say “yes”. This was certainly a pleasant surprise! Now it’s important to clarify, what were they saying yes to? Well, here’s my opening line.

2. Walk-up evangelism leads to really good conversations

Another pleasant surprise has been not just the quantity of conversations (people saying “yes”) but also the quality of those conversations. Of the 70% of people who said “yes”, some of those conversations only last about 10min or so. But more than half ended up being substantial conversations ranging from half an hour to 1.5 hours.

3. Atheists are hard to find

A third surprising thing is that, so far at least, atheists have been very hard to find. In fact, of the more than 30 people I spoke to last semester, not one was an atheist. Some initially said they were, but later changed their mind (!). Almost without exception, the people I have encountered are agnostic.

Tolerant Apathy

Almost every person I’ve spoken to so far could be described as having some variation of “tolerant apathy”. Tolerant: most people say something to the effect of ‘religion is fine because it helps you be a good person’, and ‘whatever personal beliefs you have are fine’. Very few are openly hostile to Christianity.

Evangelism Training Program

Each evangelical conversation is unique but the process is the same. It has 3 stages:

STAGE 2 THE MIDDLE: Identify with them

1 Corinthians 9:17- 23 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.

How long should a church offer workshops?

A church could offer day long workshops, 4-6 week courses, self study, weekend retreats. One time is not sufficient. Offer multiple training events during the year. Pray — Don’t Forget that any evangelism work is preceded by prayer. Encourage workshop participants to pray for people they know . Take the time to do it.

Is evangelism an event?

Challenge the conventional wisdom — Evangelism is a process not an event (see: Evangelism: Process or Event? ), so one size doesn’t fit every context.

Billy Graham School of Evangelism Online

Description: The Billy Graham School of Evangelism lets students study Billy Graham’s time-tested principles at their own pace through online lessons and instructional videos featuring Billy Graham, Will Graham, and other gifted evangelists.

Christian Leaders Institute Evangelist Ministry Training

Description: Christian Leaders Institute offers evangelist ministry training that includes courses on Christian Apologetics, presenting grace, introduction to communication, and more.

Engage 360 Church Evangelism Training

Description: Engage 360 offers interactive evangelism training based on four key principles (analyze, train, model, and sustain). Engage’s courses can be tailored for church settings, individual witnessing, or for universities through multi-day events which include sidewalk conversations, formal talks, and coordinated follow-up plans.

EvangelismCoach

Description: EvangelismCoach offers virtual evangelism seminars for groups by an experienced source offering these services since 1988. The company offers services in English and Spanish and has served four new church developments in two countries as well.

EvanTell Evangelism Training

Description: EvanTell’s free online training helps students prepare to share the gospel with confidence and clarity, whether you are evangelizing to friends, family, coworkers, or kids. Each course is packed with helpful resources and backed by an interactive, hands-on format.

Saint Paul School of Evangelization

Description: The Saint Paul School of Evangelization is the educational arm of St. Paul Street Evangelization dedicated to training, equipping, and mobilizing Catholic disciples for the urgent work of evangelization.

Tony Evans Training Center Evangelism Course

Description: Tony Evans offers a free evangelism course designed to help students develop a Biblical theology of evangelism that clarifies what the gospel is and why it is important for all Christians to share it. The training also aims to equip participants with a clear method for sharing the gospel with others.

What is personal evangelism?

Personal evangelism involves. the active sharing of the activity of God in your life, listening to the spiritual needs of the friend you are talking with, regularly praying for your friends, and. sharing the gospel content with them, in such a way.

Is personal evangelism intimidating?

Personal Evangelism is one of the greatest joys of following Christ. It is also is very intimidating for many people, perhaps for you as well. But the best way to grow in your skills is to learn how to talk about your faith in a conversational way.

What did Jesus talk about?

Jesus talked with each of them about what was on their minds. Nicodemus was interested in who Jesus was. The woman was interested in water. So, this is where the conversations began. Christians who reach out naturally, like Jesus, will take time to talk about whatever is on the minds and hearts of the people in their life.

Why did Jesus push through cultural norms?

But Jesus pressed through cultural norms for the sake of changing lives with the gospel. We need to be ready to talk with people about deep things of faith. We must be comfortable engaging in the theological implications of what people say, think and believe.

What is outreach in Jesus' life?

Jesus wanted her satisfied with his heavenly love. All of our outreach must be driven by a love for God and for the people who need to know his amazing grace. Outreach is not a chore or a duty. It is an outpouring of the undeserved love we received freely at the cross of Jesus.

What was Jesus' leadership?

Jesus was a leader in every way. With humble acts of service, profound insight and piercing love, the Savior met people where they were and led them to the glory of heaven. If we want to do effective outreach, we must let the Master mentor us. If we want to see lasting kingdom fruit, we must walk in the dust of the Rabbi and listen, watch and learn.

What chapters of the Gospel of John teach the first disciples?

This is how Jesus taught the first disciples and it is how he still instructs his people today. In chapters 3 and 4 of the gospel of John, we find a perfect setting to learn from Jesus, the ultimate leader. I encourage you to read these two chapters closely.

When do we need to be ready to share the love and message of Jesus?

We need to be ready to share the love and message of Jesus when people are ready and when the Holy Spirit opens the door. Day or night, at all times, we should meet people where they are and be ready to walk with them toward Jesus. Both Nicodemus and the woman at the well were spiritually open and curious.

Who had questions and Jesus not only listened but he heard them?

Nicodemus and the woman had questions and Jesus not only listened, but he heard them. As we help people move toward God, we need to listen, invite questions and really hear what people are wondering about. Defensiveness is never helpful. Focused listening is essential.