This is Part 3 (of 4 parts) of the EVANGELIST’S CODEBOOK developed for members of Ligaya ng Panginoon ESB. Click on the links below if you want to revisit the earlier parts.
In Part 1, we talked about the mindset of an evangelist. In Part 2, we listed a few essential behaviors that you would see a fully engaged evangelist would be doing. In this part, I just share a few general tips on how to begin talking “serious stuff” with your friends, but without turning them off, and them pushing you away. I hope this will help and that it will bear fruit for you.
- First of all, an evangelist draws power from on High and prays for discernment. He prays for a stirring heart in his friend. He prays for a breakthrough.
- He tries to understand where they are in their life journey (if new acquaintance), and demonstrates care for their personal circumstances. E.g., Asks what their prayer concern is, and prays for these.
- He creates curiosity and readiness. He awakens the person’s desire to seek truth. Curiosity makes people ask, “Could this be real?” and “What if I’m missing something?”
- Gives them something to chew on (a book, a testimony, a podcast video, a prayer, the gospel for the day, etc), and asks their views about these. He uses these to inquire where they are in their faith journey.
- He is able to use the appropriate evangelistic prompts — depending on where the person is in their faith and life journey — and to progress the conversation, depending on how the person responds.
- “Jesus said, ‘Who do you say I am?'” (Matthew 16:15)
- “If Jesus really rose from the dead, wouldn’t that change everything?”
- “Many great scientists and thinkers believed in God. Why do you think that is?”
- “What if faith isn’t blind, but actually makes the most sense of life?”
- He identifies if there are any serious barriers, e.g., intellectual (doubts, misconceptions), emotional (hurt, disappointment), or volitional (self-sufficiency, unwillingness to surrender to God’s will). He lovingly and patiently breaks these down. Example:
- “Christians are hypocrites.”
- “I believe in science, not religion.”
- “If God is good, why is there so much suffering?”
- “I’ve been hurt by the church before.”
- He looks for signs of spiritual hunger.
- He looks for signs of dissatisfaction or restlessness, and tests if their hearts are ready for deeper reflection. He asks life-provoking questions:
- “Do you ever wonder what happens after we die?”
- “What gives you real joy and peace?”
- “What do you think gives life ultimate meaning?”
- “If money, success, and happiness aren’t permanent, what’s left?”
- “Do you ever feel like something’s still missing, even when life is going well?”
- He doesn’t force an answer, but leaves a thought to linger in their mind.
- He is ready to share his personal story when appropriate. Example: “I used to struggle with worry all the time, but ever since I started trusting God more, I’ve had real peace.” He lets them see his faith in action; e.g., service others, patience in difficulties, and living a life that raises questions in their minds about what motivates him.
- He challenges them gently. When appropriate, he asks, “What’s holding you back from considering Jesus seriously?” This question forces self-reflection and opens the door for deeper discussion.
- At all times: he points to Jesus, not just Christianity (not just church or “community”). Many people have issues with “organized religion” but are intrigued by Jesus. Encourage them to look at who Jesus is rather than just their past experiences with Christians.
- He concludes with an open-ended invitation to discuss further.
God works differently in each person, and our role is to be faithful, patient, and Spirit-led in engaging them. THANK YOU and GOD BLESS US ALL.
To view the other parts of this Evangelist’s Code Book, click on the links below:
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