Evangelism
Evangelism
Being a primary vehicle for the spread of the gospel, evangelism plays an integral part of life at HSEC. We believe every person has God-given gifts and abilities to carry out this mandate that falls into one of these six evangelistic approaches: Direct, Intellectual, Testimonial, Relational, Invitational and Service.
With these styles present within the church community, each member working together and using their gift has become effective at sharing the message of Christ everywhere we go. Discover your approach, join the team, Do the work of an Evangelist!
We learn of this approach from the ministry of Peter in Acts 2 where he addresses the crowd on Pentecost. This style is characterized by its bold and direct proclamation of the gospel. The message isn’t forced but the person who uses this approach often directs the conversation to a discussion on faith and Christ.
This approach is best evident with the Apostle Paul in Acts 17 as he reasoned with philosophers and deep thinkers in Athens.
Intellectual hinderances have been a major obstacle in receiving the gospel through faith. There are many who will not simply respond to a declared gospel but to one that is defined and defended. 1 Peter 3:15 “…ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (CSB)
This approach uses a very organic, conversational way of evangelizing. It is sharing personal experiences of one’s own walk with Christ. John 9 is a great example of Testimonial Evangelism. After being healed by Jesus, the blind man was asked who healed him, he replied, “Whether or not he’s a sinner, I don’t know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see!” When faith is contested, personal experience is difficult to debate.
Some people’s evangelistic abilities come from the natural ability to relate to others. This person uses their love for being with others as a way to share Christ.
Jesus calls Matthew in the book of Luke 5:27-29 and Matthew immediately leverages his relationships with others by inviting them over at his house to have dinner that night with Jesus.
Using this love for building and valuing relationships give evangelism great flexibility seeing it can be used whether at work, social or community events. Any place relationships are built evangelism can be done.
This approach is similar to the Relational Approach. However, it is characterized predominantly by inviting people to church events, such as services, retreats, bible studies and other faith-based activities. This is particularly helpful to those who feel like they don’t have the right words for direct evangelism.
If without effort you find yourself noticing the needs of others, then this might be the perfect way to share your faith. A person who prefers this approach enjoys sharing their faith and love of Christ with others through deed over word. They allow the grace of God to flow through their lives as they demonstrate their Christlike nature to those around them.
The apostle Paul explains that it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we demonstrate this goodness, we partner with God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
(Ref: Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels & Mark Mittelberg)