By Tin-chee Lo (盧天赐)
When it comes to personal evangelism, our common excuse is, “It is not my strength.” But the fact of the matter is, evangelism is NOT a gift but a command, no more than “love” is not a gift but an edict even as we are commanded to love our enemies. Since evangelism is an unavoidable calling, the question is how can I make it doable at the very minimum and enjoyable at best. This is the purpose of this article to mutually encourage one another.
Christians all have a desire to spread the gospel. But the difficulty is that when we engage with people, we don’t know when to introduce the gospel message into the conversation. Even if the opportunity comes, we don’t know how to express it so that others will be interested and convinced. My experience is that every time I finish a chat, I always feel dissatisfied when I think about it after I get home, gradually I became discouraged. I am sure you too would share my feeling.
Some people use the “Four Spiritual Laws” as a bridge to the gospel. To Christians, this may sound good, but to non-Christians, they may feel that it lacks depth or appeal, and may even misunderstand the gospel as a transaction between belief and blessing, which is even more tragic because the true gospel is unknowingly being distorted by the audience.
This is the dilemma that every Christian can understand and relate to. Interestingly, if the gospel is NOT mentioned in your conversation, we will feel excited and happy without any pressure, as if you have made a new friend. One thing we must bear in mind: Before you finish your conversation, don’t forget to exchange contact information, such as a phone number or email address.
So, the question is when would you introduce the message of the gospel to your new friend? My answer to you is: Not at that time, but after you return home. If you do it this way, you will avoid all the difficulties I just mentioned.
How would you deliver the gospel message?
I would sent him a Gospel Article which i carefully wrote before hand and send it on email or Text him through the phone umber provided and let this person read and think about it slowly. In this manner, there would be no pressure on either side. But the prerequisite is that we must first prepare a good Gospel Article borne out of your hard work and be used in the future repeatedly.
Here is the “Gospel Bridge” I use for your reference. Feel free to use it.
「https://hocl.org/blogs/tincheelo/?p=1231」
If someone is unwilling to leave contact information with you during the chat, it’s because you haven’t established a basic relationship with that person yet. It is OK. In this case, you know that no matter what you say, he will not listen anyway , which also means that he is not the one God prepare for you to evangelize with, so don’t be discouraged.
The above “personal evangelism strategy” can be summarized as follows:
In our daily lives, we all unexpectedly encounter strangers from time to time. Try to chat with them, but don’t talk about the gospel, so that there is no pressure on both sides, only the joy of making friends.
Don’t forget to exchange contact information.
Send him your carefully crafted, pre-prepared gospel article so that your new friend can read and think about it without any pressure.
Leave the results to God Almighty and don’t worry if your efforts are in vain. Only God can give people spiritual life.
Isn’t this something every Christian can do in their daily life? So I call this strategy a “Gospel-Centered Lifestyle.” The rest are up to your imagination. Ask God to give you wisdom, and opportunity to meet people, and courage to take the first step.
