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Personal Evangelism 101 Personal Evangelism 101 Mitchell Skelton Midway church of Christ Personal evangelism can be one of the most rewarding ministries in which you will ever be involved. Yes there will be rejection and sometimes disappointment but with the proper attitude and support you will overcome these minor "bumps" in the road. VITAL TOOLS 1. Prayer 2. A bible. (Make sure you and the person you are studying with use the same translation.) 3. A positive attitude. SOME DON’TS OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM 1. Don't over or psychoanalyze people or their motives. 2. Don't argue with people about religion. 3. Don't denounce or ridicule another person's church or religion. (Matt. 10:16; 1 Peter 3:15) 4. Don't begin with criticism. 5. Don't act superior. 6. Don't be a "know it all." 7. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know. 8. Don't feel the need to answer everything the other person says. 9. Don't do all the talking. (James 1:19) 10. Don't use too many passages of scripture. 11. Don't get angry! 12. Don't talk negative about other members, the preacher, the elders or petty difficulties in the church. SOME DO'S OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM 1. Do pray for your studies and for the person with which you are studying. 2. Do put yourself in the other person's place. 3. Do prepare yourself for study. 4. Do speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15) 5. Do listen to the other person and write down questions they have. 6. Do spend the majority of your time in the scripture. 7. Do remain positive (but don't be "false—positive.") 8. Do build up the church. 9. Do set an appointment for another visit. 10. Do pray before you leave. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19—20a Gaining Interest and Asking "The Question" Obviously, the most important part of personal evangelism is having someone with which to study. This sounds like the easy part, but often, getting someone to commit to a personal bible study is the hardest task. GAINING INTEREST 1. We must spend the time getting people ready to hear. Some people are ready to hear but others have needs that must be met first. A good rule to remember is, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." 2. Be genuinely interested in other's interests. You are interested in sharing the gospel with that person why would they be interested in that if you are not interested in them? 3. Take notice of children. 4. Invite non—Christians to eat with you. 5. Engage in "play" with non—Christians. 6. View all situations with someone you don't know as an opportunity. ASK "THE QUESTION" To set up studies, to capitalize on the contacts you have made, you must "seal the deal." This question has proved to be effective at arousing interest in further bible study, no matter how the person responds. "What if the Lord were to come right now; would you know for sure, nothing doubting, that you would go to heaven?" Introduction to Church Growth A Study of the Growth of the Church in Early Church History Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:47 And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 4:4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. Acts 5:14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Church of the First Century: 1. Had an “all creation” concept of evangelism and teaching (Mark 16:15). 2. Taught daily and additions daily (Acts 2:47; 5:42; 20:31). 3. Taught publicly and from house to house (Acts 5:4 |