Six Foundations to Effective Personal Evangelism

Even the Apostle Paul failed occasionally. We often think every time the gospel is shared effectively that

someone should respond. If they don’t, somehow we failed and are ineffective as evangelists. As a result, we

don’t try. But there are some keys to remember in getting ourselves ready to share the gospel that will help us

move through our fears.

Compassion Drives Evangelism. Try reaching the lost without loving them. You can’t do it, can you? Lost

people are all covered in sin and wrapped up in themselves and this world. They are also dying! Unless we

love them like Christ, we will not be able to overcome our fears and hang-ups. I believe that if we get this part

right, the rest will fall into place.

Edification Informs Evangelism. Try reaching the lost without knowing God’s Word. You can’t do it, can you?

Sure, you might be able to “reach out and touch someone,” but you can’t lead them to the cross unless you

know the way yourself and can explain to others. Study and meditation on the Word of God will fill your words

with love, grace, and power.

Prayer Focuses Evangelism. Try reaching the lost without praying for the souls you are to reach. You can’t do

it, can you? We can treat the gospel like fertilizer in a broadcast spreader, but how much more effective would

it be if we asked God to guide us to the soul that He has prepared, give us the words to speak, and give us the

courage to follow through. Prayer opens our eyes and focuses our attention on those who need to hear the

gospel message.

Fellowship Empowers Evangelism. Try reaching the lost by yourself. You can’t do it, can you? Not even the

Apostle Paul tried on his own. He had Barnabas and Luke and others traveling with him. Even in prison he had

people around him to support and strengthen him. Find someone to work with and assemble with others who

are like-minded in their desire to reach the lost.

Living Supports Evangelism. Try reaching the lost while living like the lost. You can’t do it, can you? You have

to be in the world, but you can’t be of it; at least that’s what Jesus said. Your lifestyle gives credibility to your

testimony, your plea for righteousness, and your “Christ”-like love for the lost. “I love you with the love of the

Lord” doesn’t sound so authentic when you are living like the Devil!

Speaking Fulfills Evangelism. Try reaching the lost without sharing the Gospel. You can’t do it, can you? Well

of course not. Evangelism literally means the “announcing of the good news.” We can prepare ourselves. We

can psyche ourselves up. We can pray daily. We can live faithful lives, but we aren’t being evangelistic until

the words, “Jesus saves,” leave our lips.

The challenge to these six keys is that they must all occur at the same time! I know; usually articles on

evangelism say try one of these techniques. Well, these aren’t techniques; they are foundational realities.

Like soldiers having to turn two keys simultaneously to launch a missile, all six of these keys have to exist

simultaneously for evangelism to be truly effective. But don’t get discouraged; if you are being a disciple

yourself then the first five “keys” should already be present in your life!