Listening in Evangelism

Lee Campbell

To grow in listening we need to understand why and how to listen effectively. There are many barriers to being a good listener but with practice and the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. To be effective listeners we first need to listen to God, to the culture, and to the people we are talking with. Four reasons why we listen: 1) to represent God; 2) to learn; 3) to love; 4) so they can listen. Often people don't need to be lectured or advised, but need to be listened to so they can come to conclusions and understanding themselves. Six tips of how to effectively listen: 1) be spiritually minded; 2) pay attention to non-verbal communication; 3) be non-judgmental and empathetic; 4) check for understanding; 5) validate what you have heard; 6) ask good questions.\r\n

The Ungifted Evangelist

Pat Reeder

Colossians 4:3

Sometimes watching people who are gifted evangelists leaves us feeling defeated and even jealous, wishing we had the opportunities or skill to do similar things. God calls all of His believers, however, to share His message no matter their gifting. So for the ungifted evangelist, we must be earnest to pray for opportunities to share our faith and to be persistent in prayer. We often may need to put ourselves out there and fail, and we may need to search for new contacts, seeking ways to direct conversations toward spiritual topics. We too can make a impact for God.

Predictive Prophecy in Evangelism

James Rochford

Colossians 4:3

One of the apologetics supplied by the Bible, predictive prophecy, can add credibility to an evangelistic conversation. Study several of the major prophecies and learn about how to use predictive prophecy effectively, including: 1) make conservative claims; 2) do not say "Jesus fulfilled 300 prophecies!"; 3) remember to show what else the Bible says; and 4) read, study, and practice.

Crockpot Evangelism: Slow and Steady Success in Personal Evangelism

Todd Stewart

1 Peter 1:13-3:18

Personal evangelism is a process which seeks to cultivate understanding of and establish commitment to a person. This process is much like cooking meat in a crockpot in that it is slow and steady. This slow and steady success will come when we: 1) root our identity in grace (both individually and collectively), 2) give ourselves to cultivating grace-based, outreaching, and welcoming fellowship, 3) vulnerably seek to suffer well for Christ, 4) invite outsiders in all along the way, and 5) dialogue about the Gospel respectfully in the midst of all the above.

Sharing the Hope: Understanding Islam (Part 3)

Fouad Masri

1 Peter 1:13-3:18

There are many ways Muslims are coming to faith in Christ. Christians can take the initiative to share the Good News of Christ by using methods such as: 1) Questions, 2) Bible Verses, 3) Testimonies, 4) Stories, 5) Bible stories, 6) Parables, 7) Proverbs, Idioms, 8) Psalms, 9) Miracles, 10) Gift-giving, and 11) Prayer. Christians need to go the distance in reaching their Muslim friends.

The Unexpected Adventure

Lee Strobel

Matthew 5:13-16

In Mathew 5, Jesus calls on his followers to be salt and light to the world. This involves living in a way that makes others thirst for God and sharing the message of love and grace into areas of despair. When believers are salt and light to the world they live their lives engaged with God in a way that brings unexpected adventures. Jesus' example shows that living this way includes: 1) Praying consistently and fervently, 2) having open dialog, and 3) being authentic.

Hospitality and the Great Commission: Reaching the Nations from Your Home

Rich Mendola

Hebrews 13:2

It is part of the great commission to practice biblical hospitality. All believers are called to practice hospitality by welcoming foreign born people into their hearts and lives, sharing what they have, and offering a safe place for rest and encouragement. The practice of biblical hospitality gives a picture of the Gospel, is rooted in God's character, and opens the possibility of a special work of God.

Raised in the Church, Radical for Christ

Ryan Weingartner

Hebrews 13:2

Church leaders have a role in helping church kids ? those raised in the church ? to become radical for Christ. In 1 and 2 Timothy we can see three principles to leading church kids from Paul's leadership in Timothy's (the first church kid) life. These include: 1) bathing instructions in grace, 2) encouraging them to conquer their fears, and 3) influencing them to center their passions on God.

Sharing the Hope: Understanding Islam (Part 2)

Fouad Masri

John 4:1-41

When reaching Muslims, we need to understand that we are God's ambassador and we represent Jesus. It is our job to share the gospel, but it is God who pursues people and makes them Christians. When sharing the gospel, we should 1) be loving, 2) be friendly 3) bridge the Gospel, and 4) be biblical. In John 4, Jesus gives a practical example of how we can share his good news to a Muslim by following his example of sharing himself to the Samaritan women. Personal Testimony given by Noushi. For further study see, ?Connecting with Muslims: A Guide to Communicating Effectively.?