It has been probably around 3 years since I had last gone out into the streets and public places in order to engage in evangelism. A lot has changed since I last actively pursued participating in the Great Commission. Before I was a Dispensational Baptist who was slowly becoming a 5 point Calvinist, now I am a full-fledged Presbyterian. Previously Bush was in office and almost every left winger that I spoke to about the Gospel was not only naturally antagonistic, but also thought I was trying to get them to be baptized by Sean Hannity into Bushianity. But now politics and what is deemed by secularists as “Evangelicalism” (Whatever that means) are not as tightly bound in our society’s political consciousness. Most importantly, 3 years ago I lived in what has been deemed the most liberal metropolis in America[1], now I live in what many have called a Calvinist ghetto. In the few experiences I have had since I began evangelizing again I have learned a few things. Some of it includes new realizations, but most of it are lessons I had learned before which have ‘come back’ to me since I started engaging in evangelism again.
1. As Piper and many other Pastors have emphasized, preach the Gospel to yourself daily. Your evangelistic appeals will become more natural and believable as the Evangel itself becomes the heartbeat of your life. You are a sinner and need the Gospel too, even in the midst of any attempt at sharing it with others. You are a sinner who has received grace going out to share with others what has been given to you.
2. Do not be afraid to simply pass out tracts. I know to many people they seem chintzy and often get a bad rap, especially in our theologically-centered reformed environment. However, good gospel tracts can go a long way in planting many seeds without one’s personality getting in the way.
3. Our primary aim in passing out tracts is to use them as “icebreakers,” or a means to facilitate a conversation with a stranger which otherwise would be difficult initiate. Learn to become comfortable interacting with and greeting strangers with a winsome attitude so that you can come across as approachable.
4. DO NOT try and force people into conversations. Many people are on a limited time schedule, or just simply do not wish to talk to strangers. It will be better off if they read your tract later when they have time, rather then be turned off by feeling hassled or forced into an awkward conversation.
5. Do not rely heavily upon certain methods of presenting the Gospel, while keeping in mind that certain truths need to be communicated in order for the encounter to be considered Biblical Evangelism. If we are too focused on methods we often do not truly connect with people as individuals, and subsequently loose credibility with them and they stop listening.
6. In order to understand the context of the individuals that you do converse with, use questions to help facilitate a healthy/natural conversation. Listen attentively and be genuine, people LOVE to talk about themselves.
7. In street evangelism most people will initiate a conversation with you by asking about the tract which you are handing to them. This makes it quite easy to bring up the Gospel, by simply answering honestly to them that it is a Gospel tract and asking them if they have ever had it explained to them and/or if they believe it.
8. In door to door evangelism you are initiating a conversation with them 100% of the time if they actually answer the door. Therefore, you must be prepared to introduce yourself and your partner and establish credibility by stating the church or organization that you are representing. From there you can ask them a question such as, “do you currently attend church?” or “have you ever had the Gospel explained to you?”
9. Just because someone says they are a Christian, it does not necessarily mean that they are. You also do not want to play the role of the elders of the Church and try to determine on the spot whether they have a credible confession or not. If you prod around on issues such as their church attendance, zeal for the Gospel, and knowledge of the Gospel you can usually tell whether or not you are dealing with a well grounded believer. Every individual is different, so be aware that if a professing Christian does show you evidence which concerns you, it may be due to a failure in shepherding or hurt from being sinned against. It does not necessarily mean they are unregenerate.
10. If your witnessing encounters, especially the first few, do not go as you had hoped, avoid dwelling on it or beating yourself up. Remember, we are just instruments planting seeds and that it is God who provides the increase (1 Cor. 3:6,7). God will use us in our weakness as long as the content of our message is Biblical; because His word will not return to Him void (Is. 55:11). Satan will be seeking to dissuade you from the task of evangelism; do not give him a foothold!
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