Go!

With courage and obedience, take the Great Commission personally and start making disciples.

Supposedly a woman once approached the famed 19th century Chicago evangelist D.L. Moody and said, “I don’t like the way you do evangelism.” He asked her how she did evangelism, and when she answered that she didn’t, he replied, “I like the way I do evangelism better than the way you don’t do evangelism.”

Sometimes Christians can get so bogged down in discerning the right method for evangelism that they don't ever give it a try. Go to any seminary or bible college and you will find more students debating the best means of practicing apologetics than students who have actually shared the gospel with someone who didn't know Jesus in a given week.

One thing the New Testament makes clear to us is that there is no "one right way" to do evangelism. The wrong way to do evangelism is not to do it. Though I am not personally a street preacher or a tract giver, it does not mean that the Lord cannot or does not use these methods to draw people to himself. But below are three biblical methods that you might consider today as you go...

Come And See... | Invitational

The woman at the well had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. She could have expounded on that encounter with her neighbors and those in town, but instead she simply said "come and see..." (John 4:7-30). Your "come and see" might be an invitation to a church service, a special event, or a bible study. Where Christ is magnified and exalted it is right to say "come and see."

I Was Blind, Now I See... | Testimonial

The ex-blind man, healed by Jesus, was brought to be questioned by the Pharisees (John 9:24-27) and in the process of telling his story of healing to those who are cross-examining him, he asks "Do you want to become his disciples too?" Sharing your story can be a powerful way to share the gospel, asking "Can I tell you about something very important to me?" or "Can I share how my life was changed?"

Hear This Story... | Biblical

The evangelist Steven believed that the history of God's actions was all the context that was needed (Acts 7:2-53), and so he retold the story of Israel from Abraham to Jesus in a way that he believed his people would understand. For Stephen, this approach ends in his martyrdom, but in a modern western context, the worst it will get is likely ostracism. Asking "would you be interested in reading the Bible together?" can be a great entryway for this method.

Have You Thought About...? | Philosophical

There are some for whom a philosophical apologetic will be the best method. Paul quoted poetry, Greek mythology, philosophers, and even utilized contemporary object lessons (Acts 17:22-31). Paul noted their interests and made their interests into issues that found resolution in Jesus.

The point here is simple. There is no "one right way." Just go! 1-2-3 Go!

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to obey Your call and share the Gospel. Help me not to overthink the method but to simply go and make disciples. Open my eyes to opportunities, my heart to compassion, and my mouth to speak truth in love. Whether through invitation, testimony, Scripture, or reason, use me to point others to You. Let me trust in Your power, not my own, knowing that You are the One who saves.