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Evangelism Workshop

Discipleship One
Lesson 12

Introduction:

Evangelism is working to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelism can be accomplished by preaching to many, by offering a Bible study to a few, or by simply sharing a testimony one on one.

There are many methods and styles of evangelism; knocking on peoples doors and ministering to them at their door, having open air meetings, preaching on a street corner, worshiping at the beach and offering prayer to the people who stop to listen, passing out booklets to strangers or by just living your life in a way that is honorable to God and trusting Him to give you opportunities to share one of your testimonies. There are many other methods and styles of evangelism, you can proabable come up with a few more of your own.

What is comfortable for one Christian would be totally intimidating for another. We each should find a way of sharing the gospel that is comfortable for us. If it is not comfortable to us, then we will not do it very many times. I have tried to force myself to do what others have thought is the best method of evangelism, only to hate every minute of it and not ever attempt it again. The best method for you is one that you will actually put into practice and will make an active part of your lifestyle.

It takes various methods and styles and techniques of evangelism to effectively reach all the different personalities of people. The method that one person will respond to will have no effect or will even anger another person. So don't feel bad about preferring one method or style over another. Your method and style will be perfect to reach the people that God wants to use you to reach.

The good news of Jesus is vast, but evangelism focuses on helping people to understand how they can be born-again and actually walking them through that process. That is what we are going to focus on in this lesson. This workshop is not intended to be followed word for word but is rather a sample of how to lead someone to Christ. Learn and practice the basic elements, then use it in any style or method you prefer. The Holy Spirit will help you.

I. Seed Planting Stage.

It is not normally effective to try to lead someone to Jesus "cold turkey". It is best if we can have time to plant some seeds into their hearts or in other words, soften their heart to the gospel message by sharing our testimonies with them. When we talk about who God is to us, which is non-threatening, people will listen and consider what we are saying. Especially if our lives back up what we say. When they see God moving in our own life, it will make them want to know Him too.

We should pray and know that God will use other people also to plant seeds into the hearts of those we are working to lead to Christ. He surely will. We should also pray that God will open the door and let us know when it is time to ask the person if they would like a personal relationship with Jesus.

In winning people to Christ, it usually is better not to push but rather to be patient and use discernment as to the right timing. If we spend time planting seeds, most of the time the person will ask what they need to do in order to have God be a part of their life too. We must be prepared and ready when they do ask or when we sense by the Holy Spirit that they are ready to commit to Jesus.

I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither is he who plants anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. So he planting, and he watering, are one, and each one shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For of God we are fellow-workers, a field of God, and you are a building of God. (1Co 3:6-9 MKJV)

There are many ways to "plant seeds" into people's heart. Here are a few:

Ask them if they want to be receive Jesus as their Lord or be born-again.

If they say no:

Let them know that you love them. Continue to pray that God will soften their heart to His message and open their eyes to truth.

If they say yes:

Key Scriptures to use in leading someone to Christ:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
 (Joh 3:3 KJV)

for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:23 MKJV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23 MKJV)

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
(Heb 9:22 ESV)

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Rev 1:5 KJV)

But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8 MKJV)

For everyone, "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Rom 10:13 MKJV)

Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.
(Rom 10:9-10 MKJV)

But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name, who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God. (Joh 1:12-13 MKJV)

Everyone whom my Father gives me will come to me. I will never turn away anyone who comes to me. John 6:3


III. Sample Sinner's Prayer.

Pray with them. You lead them and let them repeat after you.

Father, I believe you sent your son Jesus to pay the penalty for my sin. I believe that you raised Jesus from the dead. Please forgive my sins and receive me as your child. With your help I now turn from my sins, I renounce the hold that Satan has on my life. I will serve you and only you from this day forward. I invite you to be my Lord, my savior and my very best friend. Teach me your ways Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

IV. Follow-Up

1. Give them a hug and welcome them into the kingdom of God. You may tell them they are now your brother or sister in the Lord, that you share a heavenly Father.

2. Tell them the need to tell someone that they have received Jesus as their Lord.

3. Express to them the need to be baptized in water.

4. Express the need to them of attending church in order to grow spiritually. Offer to bring them with you.

5. Express the need for them to get rid of things that will cause them to sin. Example: books or movies that would not be pleasing to the Lord.

6. Express to them the need to surround themselves with Christian friends so that they can receive help to become a strong Christian.

7. Encourage them to begin to pray (talk to God). Assure them that God loves them and wants them to talk to Him.

8. Encourage them to begin to read the Bible. It is their Christian living manual. It will teach them all about God. Offer to give them a Bible if they don't have one.

9. Make an effort to pray for them daily and call them once a week or so to ask them how they are doing. Offer any support you can.

 

V. Practice

Use this lesson as your guide, pair off and practice leading someone to Jesus.

Final Note: This effort does not have to be perfect to be effective. Remember, it is God that does the work.

Closing Pray:

Lord, we thank you for your wonderful gift of salvation. We thank you for all the great things that you have done in our life and for all the things that you are going to do. Please help us as we seek to spread your fame, and bring others into your kingdom. Anoint us from on high with your power. Help us to live our lives in a manor that others will want to know our God. Help us to be ever mindful of you, your desires and your plans. Help us to love others as we should and to care about their pain. Create opportunities for us to reach out to others with the truth and the love of your gospel. Give us the eyes to see the doors that you open and the faith and courage to walk through them. Everything we do is for your glory. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Weekly Challenges:

Congratulations! You have completed Youth Discipleship One! We challenge you to continue to practice witnessing and leading people to Christ until you feel comfortable doing it.

We also challenge you to continue praying, reading your bible, memorizing scriptures and walking in a greater love with mankind and God. May God Bless you richly!

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