The early disciples, eyewitnesses of the Resurrection, could not help speaking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20). Today, 1900 years later, though our situation is slightly different living in Christianized countries, we are still expected to be “ready to give an answer” and to act as “fishers of men” (1 Peter 3:14-15).
The Holy Spirit is able to call those who have been exposed to the Gospel (John 6:44). In fact, you may have already been practicing personal evangelism but just never been aware of it. Here are five ways we see this at work across Scripture:
Passive Evangelism – signs, billboards, flyers, ads, etc but especially by well-doing, living a godly life, letting our light shine (1 Peter 2:15). The Holy Spirit in us makes us attractive over time.
Extra Effort/Good Works – Notice how a seamstress named Dorcas and her humble acts of giving helped broadcast the faith in Joppa (Acts 10:36-43). We can get involved in community outreach and get to know and be known by people in our Circle of Influence. In fact, Scripture encourages us to do so (Romans 16:23).
“Coffee-Cup” Evangelism. This is something to be aware of when talking to people in the lunch room at work, at the mall, during break times or even with our children (Acts 18:24-26). Our new booklet on Trinitarian Theology shows our children are included in God’s generous reaching out. By inculcating principles of courage, respect, good manners, helping out around the house and at church we are training our children as good future citizens (Proverbs 20:11). We expose them to values that pass down the generations (2 Timothy 1:5). Children learn to contribute, to not always be on the receiving end. Notice how early Samuel began in ministry (1 Samuel 2:24).
Organized/Corporate “Big Tent” Evangelism (Acts 2:41). Billy Graham etc. This is the most commonly perceived way to do evangelism in our culture and still works.
Invitational Evangelism – a Glendora/Rancho Cucamonga specialty. Whether it’s Xmas Plays, MLK Day, Hispanic Heritage Day, Thanksgiving, Summer Camps – special events can be a valuable tool for inviting people to see what the church is all about. “Come and see,” was a phrase coined by the earliest disciples (John 1:46).