Choosing the Best Evangelism Method

By Jason Smith (EvangelismHelp.com)

Whenever we are going to share the gospel with lost-people, there are many methods of doing it. When choosing which method to use, we need to consider why we are choosing it. For example:

• Are we choosing certain methods solely on how comfortable it is for us? If we are most focused on how we feel when doing evangelism, we may not really be denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following Christ. In my experience the methods that are used that are most comfortable are not even evangelism because the message of the gospel is never proclaimed to the lost person.
• What do the statistics show? Many people choose a method solely based on what other peoples’ experiences have been and what surveys have said. But honestly, you have no clue what the best evangelism methods are unless you try them. Don’t take peoples’ word for it. Most statistics show that “evangelism” methods in which the gospel is not always proclaimed are the most “effective” methods. Some methods are only more effective because they are practiced by the majority of believers. IF the other, less popular methods were done just as much as the popular ones, we would see that they are just as effective. The Gospel being shared is ALWAYS effective, no matter which method you use (as long as the gospel is shared). If your method doesn’t share the gospel, it is not evangelism.

These are the big two criteria that people use when choosing an evangelism method. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with doing things that are more comfortable (I do them), and I do not have a problem with using methods that have been proven to be effective (I do them also), but the things I take issue with are:

• When the gospel is not proclaimed. Once again, if your method does not lead to the gospel being taught, it is not Biblical.
• Not having a desire to get out of our comfort zones. Having a desire to only do things that are comfortable is not denying self, and it does not show love to those who you are neglecting to share the gospel with.

With these things in mind, here are some helpful criteria to use in picking an evangelism method:

• Make sure it gives the opportunity to a lost person to hear the gospel. You fulfill the Great Commission when you “proclaim” the message.
• Choose a method that gets YOU active in evangelism. Don’t brush off the responsibility on other people, such as the evangelist/preacher or pastor. You are commanded to proclaim the gospel also.
• Make sure it is Biblical. Is it done in scripture? If Jesus, Prophets, and the Apostles did it, we know it is a method that brings glory to God.
• Does it show you believe in the power of the gospel? For instance, If you have to bribe people to come hear the gospel using fun, games, and food, your faith in the power of the gospel may need checked, and you more than likely will lose those people if you ever stop offering those things. The Apostles and early disciples preached the gospel no matter how they thought the people would respond. Timothy was commanded to preach “in season and out of season” (2 Tim 4:1-5).

Lord willing, there will be more articles placed on this website in the future regarding different evangelism methods which are used today.