Effective Personal Evangelism

Personal Evangelism:

  1. Personal Evangelism involves:
  • Discussing with a friend about Christianity or studying God’s word.
  • Canvassing for a gospel meeting.
  • Teaching a Bible class in someone’s home.
  • Gathering your neighbour into your home for a Bible class.
  • Planting God’s word in someone’s heart.
  • Encouraging a new member.
  • Bringing a friend or colleague to the church.
  • Telling a fellow worker or student about Jesus and the way to heaven.
  • Encouraging a weak hearted person to be strong in the Lord.
  • Encouraging a person to take a decision in the Lord.

II     Biblical Basis for Personal Evangelism:

  • God wants all men to be saved (1 Tim.2:4), and does not want any one to 3:16,  2Pet.3:9).
  • Gospel is a mandate (Mat.28:16-20).
  • God commands all people to repent (Acts.17:30) because all have (Rom.3:23).
  • One God,  One Mediator gave as a ransom (1Tim.2:15)
  • For there is only one way. (Jn.14:6)
  • Except a man is born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. (Jn.3:3)
  • The wages of sin is death  (Rom.6:23)
  • Hell is real. There is eternal separation – judgement. (Lk.16:19-31, 9:47,48, 1cor6:9,10,  Rev.20:8,15,21).
  • For without  hearing  the Gospel, no one can believe.  (Rom.10:9)
  • Woe unto me if I donot preach (1cor.9:16)
  • Jesus is inviting   “come unto me all that labour and heavy laden.  I will give  you the rest”  (Math.11:28)
  • Gospel is GO(D)  SPEL(T).

Why we should do Personal Evangelism?

It has more advantages and effective than any evangelism.

Who can we do PE?

  • Because only a few can preach in congregation but all people can do PE.
  • Every Christian with average skills can do PE.
  • Every situation in life offers opportunities to do PE.
  • It demands no pulpit, meeting house or large crowds.

Where can we do PE?

  • PE can be done in our office, school, factory, living room car park, jail, market, morning and evening walks, practically everywhere etc.

When can we do PE?

  • Preaching time is very limited but PE can be done anytime of the day at the convenience of other person.

Whom does it affect ?

  • Those who cannot be reached by any other way will be reached with the Gospel.
  • Those who cannot attend Church services due to various problems.
  • Many people who have been unmoved through open evangelism are convicted through PE.
  • PE is direct and personal.

Why God is calling you and me for PE?

  • Christ commanded me to do it (Matt.28:18-20).
  • Faithful children of God are to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2).

Hindrances to Personal Evangelism:

  1. No interest or commitment for the lost:
  • Seeking and saving was the primary concern of Jesus Christ. (Lk. 19:10)
  1. Ignorance:
  • Faithful men are to teach others. (2 Tim. 2:2)
  • The parable of talents (Matt. 25:14-30). The master dealt with the servants individually, not as a group.
  • Go therefore and make disciples… (Matt. 28:18-20).
  • It is not optional, but mandatory.
  1. Waiting for the Church to organize programs:
  • As believers we have the responsibility to seek out and teach the lost souls.
  • We should not wait for the Church directive or programs.
  1. Improper attitude towards PE:
  • People are filled with ego and self-righteousness. (Lk.18:9-14).
  • Having the attitude of prodigal son’s elder brother (Lk. 15:25-32).