Church of Christ evangelism methods and ideas
This page has various effective methods that are divided into sections.
Section one:
"Door Knocking"
Section two:
"Public Study Evangelism"
Section three:
"Friendship Evangelism"
Section four:
"Cold Approach Evangelism"
Section five:
"Career or Hobby Evangelism"
Section six:
"Temple Evangelism"
Section seven:
"Muscle and Shovel Evangelism"
Door Knocking
People keep saying Door knocking is ineffective in the Kingdom. Maybe that's because they do it once or twice a year on a Saturday and think results will flow. Mormons and Jehovah Witness's are the fastest growing religions in America because they Door Knock. Alot. Here are some Stat's. "Whenever door-to-door evangelism is mentioned, people invariably think of Jehovah’s Witness and, to a lesser extent, Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Whereas only a tiny proportion of Mormons undertake two years’ missionary work, all Jehovah’s Witnesses (whether baptized or not) are expected to take part in the door-to-door work. They are referred to as “publishers.” They have to report their activity, which includes the number of hours spent each month going from house to house and in conducting Bible studies with interested people. In 2012, with 7.5 million publishers, the Jehovah’s Witnesses saw over 260,000 people baptized into their organization. On average, it takes 6,500 hours of activity to generate one new baptism. On that basis, door-to-door evangelism is a hugely time-consuming activity." Source http://www.gotquestions.org/door-to-door-evangelism.html
Fact: Flavil Yeakly, Jr. reported in a 1980 to 1995 report that while U.S. population grew 17% the (Lords) church grew 1.7%. Oklahoma had the largest decline of church members, Missouri had the largest decline of congregations and Tennessee had the largest decline of adherents (Members, children, and visitors). (Evangelism and Church Growth, Clayton Pepper, Vol. 2, No. 4; August, 1999; Clayton Pepper Center for Church Growth)
Fact: Jehovah’s Witness numbers in the U.S. have increased from 565,309 in 1980 (1981 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses) to 988,469 in 2000 and number over 6,000,000 worldwide (ibid., 2000).
Fact: The Mormon Church has grown from two million in 1963 (about the number of members of the churches of Christ) to three million in 1971, four million in 1978 and now about 11 million with over 5 million in the United States. During this time the numbers in the churches of Christ have remained essentially the same.
Fact: Recent Mormon Church statistics show that they knock 1000 doors before they typically set up ONE study.(Mormon newsletter for missionaries shown to James Palmer of We Care Ministries by a Mormon Elder)
Fact: We Care Ministries under the direction of White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, LA has found that on average, during their campaigns, someone is found home for every six doors knocked. A study is set up for every three doors where someone is found home. When studies are set up, one-half of these studies result in a baptism into Christ. This means that on average, a conversion is made, a soul is saved for every 36 doors that are knocked on in We Care Campaigns. (Note: different results/stats for different areas and approaches).
The ratio of doors knocked to studies set up for We Care Ministries (one out of 18) compared to that of Mormons (one out of 1000) is striking. What we should see as embarrassing however, is the fact that in spite of their relatively unfruitful door-to-door evangelism, the Mormon Church is one of the fastest growing religious bodies in the U.S. today while churches of Christ have had essentially zero growth in the U.S. for many years. Mormon numbers have more than doubled in just over 20 years; Jehovah’s Witness numbers have increased 75% in the U.S. in the last 20 years. To what do the Mormons attribute their growth? Door-to-door evangelism. To what do the Jehovah’s Witnesses attribute their growth? Door-to-door evangelism.
Fact: Door-to-door evangelism works in the Memphis/Bartlett area. According to the web site for Central North Church which is located at 5955 Yale Rd, in May of 1982, "John Latimer felt the Lord tugging on his heart and telling him to start an independent, Bible-believing church for Christians living in outlying suburbs north of Memphis, Tennessee."
It goes on to say that he "was then pastor of Oaklawn Baptist Church near Shelby Forest. He approached several members of Oaklawn and the successful Central Church, which had recently relocated from East Memphis to a larger facility on Winchester Road in southeast Shelby County, with the idea of starting a nondenominational church closer to their homes in Bartlett, TN. They felt that he was right on target. As a result, some 35 Christians began meeting in one another's homes for worship. Just three weeks later they rented a storefront in Raleigh Oaks Plaza Shopping Center at Austin Peay and Yale Rd." "Just six months later attendance had grown to 130 people after the church had hosted a successful revival, and members had knocked on the doors of 7,000 residents." It goes on to say that by July of 1992 the church had grown to a membership of 1500.
There has been a lie going around in churches of Christ for the last 20+ years, undoubtedly promoted by Satan, saying that door-to-door evangelism doesn’t work. Brothers and sisters, these facts don’t lie. They are undeniable. We should be ashamed!
I have actually had it suggested to me, even stated flatly by leaders of some congregations, that they don’t want a lot of new babes in Christ. They don’t think the church can nurture an influx of new Christians properly. In other words, effective evangelism would be a bad thing! When I hear this, I wonder if they would have asked Peter not to get carried away in his first sermon. How could only a handful of Christians handle an influx of 3000? The below source talks more about this and friendship evangelism, I'd encourage you to read the whole article. Personal relationships are the best approach to have positive outcome in sharing the Gospel. Door knocking and friendship evangelism: http://forgiveninchrist.org/doortodoorevangelism.shtml
I will share my two cents: Preachers and Christians unintentionally regurgitate the lie that Door knocking does not work, probably from folks who devoted a few Saturdays, for a few hours, or for a day in the sun passing out Gospel meeting flyers or handouts for events and then decided to give up. This compares to an overweight person in the gym working out for a day or two, not seeing six packs and 100 pound weight lose and saying exercise does not work. NO, it simply requires investment of time, discipline, dedication and effort to see results. However, the statistics show that it can happen with the necessary effort.
For door knocking, using flyers, tracts, and door hangers are a great method of spreading the Word. :) Business cards are cheaper.
Soliciting signs are from what I see, 40 percent of the time up in communities. Usually upper class. Lumping the word, "soliciting" for religion, politics, or charities is a gray line though, since such groups are not trying to sell, aka solicit money from people. But share data, take polls, promote a cause, or in our case, get a study. When I door knock in such places that have these signs, no one I interact with at home, really cares about the signs. The neighborhood board, etc makes such decisions, not the individual home owners. Also week days are not as good with finding people at home. Also they are not as friendly as they are in the weekends, (Saturday's and Sunday's.)
Mormons and JW ask for studies. That's the main focus, not passing out materials, like flyers, etc. That is where the studies come from. This should be the main focus.
Simple and effective approach to door knocking, is to knock, when the door opens, to introduce yourself, by name, and to extent your arm to shake their hand. Then give context to why you are there. My church at the (name) and I are doing such and such. Ask openers, (questions that require social engagement of the other party). If you want a Bible study, ask questions centered around that, if you want to invite them to church, or a church event, ask questions centered around that. The goal is to get social interaction. Once such discussions have taken place. Then ask them if they would be interested, in either a study or in visiting your church or church event. For more good info on Door knocking, see this link www.bible.ca/evangelism/e-door-knocking.htm
To learn more about door knocking, please see my evangelism blog and my evangelism Book manual on door knocking.
People keep saying Door knocking is ineffective in the Kingdom. Maybe that's because they do it once or twice a year on a Saturday and think results will flow. Mormons and Jehovah Witness's are the fastest growing religions in America because they Door Knock. Alot. Here are some Stat's. "Whenever door-to-door evangelism is mentioned, people invariably think of Jehovah’s Witness and, to a lesser extent, Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Whereas only a tiny proportion of Mormons undertake two years’ missionary work, all Jehovah’s Witnesses (whether baptized or not) are expected to take part in the door-to-door work. They are referred to as “publishers.” They have to report their activity, which includes the number of hours spent each month going from house to house and in conducting Bible studies with interested people. In 2012, with 7.5 million publishers, the Jehovah’s Witnesses saw over 260,000 people baptized into their organization. On average, it takes 6,500 hours of activity to generate one new baptism. On that basis, door-to-door evangelism is a hugely time-consuming activity." Source http://www.gotquestions.org/door-to-door-evangelism.html
Fact: Flavil Yeakly, Jr. reported in a 1980 to 1995 report that while U.S. population grew 17% the (Lords) church grew 1.7%. Oklahoma had the largest decline of church members, Missouri had the largest decline of congregations and Tennessee had the largest decline of adherents (Members, children, and visitors). (Evangelism and Church Growth, Clayton Pepper, Vol. 2, No. 4; August, 1999; Clayton Pepper Center for Church Growth)
Fact: Jehovah’s Witness numbers in the U.S. have increased from 565,309 in 1980 (1981 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses) to 988,469 in 2000 and number over 6,000,000 worldwide (ibid., 2000).
Fact: The Mormon Church has grown from two million in 1963 (about the number of members of the churches of Christ) to three million in 1971, four million in 1978 and now about 11 million with over 5 million in the United States. During this time the numbers in the churches of Christ have remained essentially the same.
Fact: Recent Mormon Church statistics show that they knock 1000 doors before they typically set up ONE study.(Mormon newsletter for missionaries shown to James Palmer of We Care Ministries by a Mormon Elder)
Fact: We Care Ministries under the direction of White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, LA has found that on average, during their campaigns, someone is found home for every six doors knocked. A study is set up for every three doors where someone is found home. When studies are set up, one-half of these studies result in a baptism into Christ. This means that on average, a conversion is made, a soul is saved for every 36 doors that are knocked on in We Care Campaigns. (Note: different results/stats for different areas and approaches).
The ratio of doors knocked to studies set up for We Care Ministries (one out of 18) compared to that of Mormons (one out of 1000) is striking. What we should see as embarrassing however, is the fact that in spite of their relatively unfruitful door-to-door evangelism, the Mormon Church is one of the fastest growing religious bodies in the U.S. today while churches of Christ have had essentially zero growth in the U.S. for many years. Mormon numbers have more than doubled in just over 20 years; Jehovah’s Witness numbers have increased 75% in the U.S. in the last 20 years. To what do the Mormons attribute their growth? Door-to-door evangelism. To what do the Jehovah’s Witnesses attribute their growth? Door-to-door evangelism.
Fact: Door-to-door evangelism works in the Memphis/Bartlett area. According to the web site for Central North Church which is located at 5955 Yale Rd, in May of 1982, "John Latimer felt the Lord tugging on his heart and telling him to start an independent, Bible-believing church for Christians living in outlying suburbs north of Memphis, Tennessee."
It goes on to say that he "was then pastor of Oaklawn Baptist Church near Shelby Forest. He approached several members of Oaklawn and the successful Central Church, which had recently relocated from East Memphis to a larger facility on Winchester Road in southeast Shelby County, with the idea of starting a nondenominational church closer to their homes in Bartlett, TN. They felt that he was right on target. As a result, some 35 Christians began meeting in one another's homes for worship. Just three weeks later they rented a storefront in Raleigh Oaks Plaza Shopping Center at Austin Peay and Yale Rd." "Just six months later attendance had grown to 130 people after the church had hosted a successful revival, and members had knocked on the doors of 7,000 residents." It goes on to say that by July of 1992 the church had grown to a membership of 1500.
There has been a lie going around in churches of Christ for the last 20+ years, undoubtedly promoted by Satan, saying that door-to-door evangelism doesn’t work. Brothers and sisters, these facts don’t lie. They are undeniable. We should be ashamed!
I have actually had it suggested to me, even stated flatly by leaders of some congregations, that they don’t want a lot of new babes in Christ. They don’t think the church can nurture an influx of new Christians properly. In other words, effective evangelism would be a bad thing! When I hear this, I wonder if they would have asked Peter not to get carried away in his first sermon. How could only a handful of Christians handle an influx of 3000? The below source talks more about this and friendship evangelism, I'd encourage you to read the whole article. Personal relationships are the best approach to have positive outcome in sharing the Gospel. Door knocking and friendship evangelism: http://forgiveninchrist.org/doortodoorevangelism.shtml
I will share my two cents: Preachers and Christians unintentionally regurgitate the lie that Door knocking does not work, probably from folks who devoted a few Saturdays, for a few hours, or for a day in the sun passing out Gospel meeting flyers or handouts for events and then decided to give up. This compares to an overweight person in the gym working out for a day or two, not seeing six packs and 100 pound weight lose and saying exercise does not work. NO, it simply requires investment of time, discipline, dedication and effort to see results. However, the statistics show that it can happen with the necessary effort.
For door knocking, using flyers, tracts, and door hangers are a great method of spreading the Word. :) Business cards are cheaper.
Soliciting signs are from what I see, 40 percent of the time up in communities. Usually upper class. Lumping the word, "soliciting" for religion, politics, or charities is a gray line though, since such groups are not trying to sell, aka solicit money from people. But share data, take polls, promote a cause, or in our case, get a study. When I door knock in such places that have these signs, no one I interact with at home, really cares about the signs. The neighborhood board, etc makes such decisions, not the individual home owners. Also week days are not as good with finding people at home. Also they are not as friendly as they are in the weekends, (Saturday's and Sunday's.)
Mormons and JW ask for studies. That's the main focus, not passing out materials, like flyers, etc. That is where the studies come from. This should be the main focus.
Simple and effective approach to door knocking, is to knock, when the door opens, to introduce yourself, by name, and to extent your arm to shake their hand. Then give context to why you are there. My church at the (name) and I are doing such and such. Ask openers, (questions that require social engagement of the other party). If you want a Bible study, ask questions centered around that, if you want to invite them to church, or a church event, ask questions centered around that. The goal is to get social interaction. Once such discussions have taken place. Then ask them if they would be interested, in either a study or in visiting your church or church event. For more good info on Door knocking, see this link www.bible.ca/evangelism/e-door-knocking.htm
To learn more about door knocking, please see my evangelism blog and my evangelism Book manual on door knocking.
See my video for more details on door knocking
Public Study Evangelism
(Also known as Starbucks evangelism)
This technique simply comes from reading your Bible by yourself or in a small group in a public place, like Starbucks, or in a social setting, where folks interact, like Creamery's, parks, town outside eatery places, et., or even in a small restaurant may get interest, such places, are great for getting interaction. I did this a few times, with positive results. Since it is a non professional approach, unlike flea market, or canvassing, and more personalized, people have their guard down. First time I did this had someone talk with me about the Bible for 3 hours.
Also a zealous young man, named Jared Greer, who goes to the same church I do, does this and has one Bible discussion, per the 3 times he does public studies a week. Which is really good numbers. He talks about the Bible then gives them a church card or Bible soul saving content. This style is like fishing. You study and wait for people to come up. They do, it works.
I've heard of great successes from preachers doing this format. Andy Cantrell is a good guy to go to for learning this method.
I recorded Luke Heard, (a friend of Andy). He shared the advice he got. I also encourage you to check out Andy Cantrell's evangelism interview.
Also a zealous young man, named Jared Greer, who goes to the same church I do, does this and has one Bible discussion, per the 3 times he does public studies a week. Which is really good numbers. He talks about the Bible then gives them a church card or Bible soul saving content. This style is like fishing. You study and wait for people to come up. They do, it works.
I've heard of great successes from preachers doing this format. Andy Cantrell is a good guy to go to for learning this method.
I recorded Luke Heard, (a friend of Andy). He shared the advice he got. I also encourage you to check out Andy Cantrell's evangelism interview.
Recording
| advice_from_luke_heard_he_got_fron_andy.m4a |
Luke Heard (is a young married man in his 20’s). Luke has learned “Coffee shop evangelism” from Andy Cantrell. Luke goes to the University church of Christ, where I attend. He let me interview him and pick his brain on this method, (that was taught to him by Brother Andy). Here is the recorded clip if you want to listen.
Andy showed Luke how to do Coffee shop evangelism. The clip details this but I want to write this down as well. Andy has had success with doing this method. Luke said his Brother in Law, (who is also a preacher) has had success as well with using this outreach format.
Method:
Andy says the key in doing evangelism is in genuinely caring about people, about their souls, their lives, what they’re going through, about who they are as uniquely created men and women of the Creator. Saving a soul is not about trying to get a notch to put on the belt. It’s not about trying to get people to “join our church.” It’s about helping people find Jesus. Evangelism is about letting people know you care. Having empathy towards others is a powerful tool in connecting with people and in getting them to emotionally invest in you and in what you’re sharing.
Andy showed Luke how to do Coffee shop evangelism. The clip details this but I want to write this down as well. Andy has had success with doing this method. Luke said his Brother in Law, (who is also a preacher) has had success as well with using this outreach format.
Method:
- Andy goes to the same coffee shop at the same time, 2-3 times a week.
- He sits down at a table, gets out his Bible and opens it up.
- Andy sits and (casually) looks at people coming in.
- If they make eye contact with him, he’ll smile. And wave to them. If they wave back, Andy will try to say something to them. Like ”hi” “good morning,” etc.
- Usually, they are dismissive. But if they look at him, Andy thinks…”Alright I’m going to try to get this person to sit down.”
- The person can see Andy has a Bible and its open, so the individual knows Andy is studying the Bible.
- If Andy gets interaction he will invite that person to sit down and offer to buy them coffee.
- When it comes to money, Andy has a “kingdom fund” where he sets money aside every single month. Just for that specific service.
- Andy has also developed connections with the staff and those who work at the coffee shop.
Andy says the key in doing evangelism is in genuinely caring about people, about their souls, their lives, what they’re going through, about who they are as uniquely created men and women of the Creator. Saving a soul is not about trying to get a notch to put on the belt. It’s not about trying to get people to “join our church.” It’s about helping people find Jesus. Evangelism is about letting people know you care. Having empathy towards others is a powerful tool in connecting with people and in getting them to emotionally invest in you and in what you’re sharing.
Rule of thumb…the more personal the more effective. When a saint makes that kind of connection with someone, each recommendation they make is worth $100 in advertisement.
If they connect with 10 folks that way, at least 1 will obey the gospel.
Ricky Shanks
Friendship Evangelism
Causal interactions with people from waiters, friends, family, co workers, cashiers, people you see regularly and meet, daily, in day to day duties, are people who can be approached with a Bible invite. Doing neighborhood community Halloween parties, cookouts, or having families over, building bonds and bridges, personal interactions, can lead to a personal connection and can build into a causal friendship. This can lead to a Bible invite. Also Bible study invites to those in the neighborhood, at ones home, inviting local folks in your community are just some ways to build bonds and invite people too. The following is for people who CAN AND WANT to spend time in everyday social settings to reach others. Friendship evangelism is a method of inviting people you interact with, to a church meeting or to a Bible study. Or in this pursuit you can be sharing such Bible items.
Personal Friendship Evangelism methods.
______________________
Friendship Evangelism Method 1.
I've heard of churches growing by 20 members a year when 10 percent of it's members do 90 percent of the work.
People who head such work and have pioneered successful methods, are folks like Brent Hunter.
Method: invite people to hear a popular presentation like the "Big Picture of the Bible." Have a handful of people ready to share that presentation with the invited. Brent has two groups, a larger group that invites people when these members are in casual settings, like restaurants, jobs, get togethers, etc, to say something like this during the conversation, "My Bible group is doing a great Bible Presentation on how the whole Bible from Old Testament to New Testament comes together for one theme and one plan God has for your life...and my life." Enthusiastically invite the person to the presentation. You may choose to give a card with Big Picture content and ask them if they would be interested, having them give their number on the back.
This group (around 30) can invite friends, coworkers, waitresses, cashiers, family members, etc, to hear the Big Picture and another smaller group (3-7 people) who will receive their contact information and will contact them for a presentation. This actually happened- 20 souls added in a year, with only 10 percent of the church helping. Imagine if 100% of church were involved!!
_____________________
Friendship Evangelism Method 2.
Another useful method is home Bible study invites.
Darlene McCray, a elderly lady, I have great respect for, has converted at my church a great number of souls in our congregation.
She uses the direct approach with family members, neighbors, friends, people she comes across and meets. She has a regular ladies Bible study class at her house and is ever inviting folks to her home for a meal and to hear/study with the ladies a Bible lesson. She talks to them first, if they are strangers and builds a rapport or invites folks she already knows. She get's alot of no's, but every now and then she get's a yes.
Evangelism is not a box to be checked but should come from a true desire to interact with a person because you truly care about his or her soul. We are commanded by Christ in the Great Commission to share His soul saving Gospel. This should be our focus because we so appreciate our own salvation and want to bring others to know God in this way too. Let it not be said that we will not seek the lost and save them from Hell.
For evangelism, new years day seems to have the best results.
Royce Bell
"Cold Approach" Evangelism
For people daring enough to try and do this, doing "cold approach" evangelism, it's basically learning how to talk to a wide variety of people, that you don't know. And is focused on outreach outside of just normal comfort social settings, like with friends or family at home barbecues gatherings, for example. Like Friendship Evangelism, it's geared for social situations. But unlike Friendship Evangelism, Cold Approach is focused more on generating conversation and interactions from people who are not well know or not known at all. It's similar in alot of respects. But where Friendship Evangelism is about interactions with friends and family, Cold Approach has contacts who are less close in mind or even strangers as its main focus.
Advice with Cold Approach evangelism: Find your comfort zones, push your limits in these zone and you will ever be growing. Know the things you can do that are hard, do them till they are not emotionally difficult, then find the next thing that is hard, repeat. What seemed impossible to do, will be possible, if you slowly progress forward by doing the hard things you can do. With time, this progression will get you to what was once called "impossible."
When it comes to approaching a stranger for a indirect conversation, it's not much different then asking a girl/guy out you see somewhere, you approach, make conversation, talk about different stuff, but instead of asking that person out, you change the conversation to spiritual things and turn it to a Bible invite. It's work and requires time and energy, BUT WORTH IT!!! AGAIN it's first starting a conversation, like you would asking a girl or guy out, and steering it to...instead of asking for their number, giving a Bible invite. Remember anything in life that you felt uncomfortable doing, and kept doing, what happened, after a while, you got desensitized, and adapted, you internally got comfortable. This is the same. Easiest for me in beginning Cold Approach, was to begin by talking with professional folks at stores, Walmart, Publix, Walgreen's, Dry Cleaners, Taco Bell, etc. If that’s to much start with family or friends.
To learn more about Cold Approach Evangelism, see this evangelism sites store to access our evangelism method book.
Also you can watch a video on Cold Approach.
Advice with Cold Approach evangelism: Find your comfort zones, push your limits in these zone and you will ever be growing. Know the things you can do that are hard, do them till they are not emotionally difficult, then find the next thing that is hard, repeat. What seemed impossible to do, will be possible, if you slowly progress forward by doing the hard things you can do. With time, this progression will get you to what was once called "impossible."
When it comes to approaching a stranger for a indirect conversation, it's not much different then asking a girl/guy out you see somewhere, you approach, make conversation, talk about different stuff, but instead of asking that person out, you change the conversation to spiritual things and turn it to a Bible invite. It's work and requires time and energy, BUT WORTH IT!!! AGAIN it's first starting a conversation, like you would asking a girl or guy out, and steering it to...instead of asking for their number, giving a Bible invite. Remember anything in life that you felt uncomfortable doing, and kept doing, what happened, after a while, you got desensitized, and adapted, you internally got comfortable. This is the same. Easiest for me in beginning Cold Approach, was to begin by talking with professional folks at stores, Walmart, Publix, Walgreen's, Dry Cleaners, Taco Bell, etc. If that’s to much start with family or friends.
To learn more about Cold Approach Evangelism, see this evangelism sites store to access our evangelism method book.
Also you can watch a video on Cold Approach.
Career or Hobby Evangelism
How? Learn something that teaches another, creates social interaction, makes people invest in you, helps them, creates personal authority and trust. After teaching/training/helping a person or couple, invite to further talk with them about spiritual things, (related delivery dialogue to chosen skill) that can help them, from the Bible. Its especially helpful if the skill is related to moral or spiritual themes. If a person is a Marriage Councilor, Social Worker, Funeral Director, Councilor, Teacher, Care Giver, etc, such roles, especially authority roles, that create investment and dependency, are key to building trust and interest. I know of preachers who learn Marriage Counseling and do funeral services, (interview family, give funeral speech, coordinate service,) who have won many souls to Christ. Once you learn a second career skill or hobbie, promote your skill, advertise it, (Google Adwords, FB ads, etc) create professional circles that can help you with referrals and you them, etc.
Temple Evangelism
What is the NT example of evangelism? Where did Jesus go? Our Lord went to the street and busy areas to preach the gospel. Jesus went to towns and places where the people were.
In this day and age that would be college campuses, flea markets, busy street walk ways, parks, etc. Jesus also went to the places where people are religious in nature. Our Lord went to the temple and the synagogues to share truth, (John 18:20).
Paul discussed truth in the markets and in the synagogue, (Acts 17:17). Even in pagan area's of worship. When Paul saw people worshiping, he spoke the Word and shared truth, (Acts 17:23). In this age that would be the same as us going to denominational congregations to create Bible discussions.
I am not saying to worship at these places. Paul in Acts 17 was distressed to see such worship. But it was a opportunity to share Jesus. Going to such religious oriented places are good locations for generating discussions. As Paul did in Acts. These are good places to visit to ask for Bible studies.
Brother Timothy Sparks is a faithful gospel preacher. He works at the Springwoods church of Christ. From our discussions I can see this to be a powerful method.
Timothy and his wife, Janice go to religious gatherings, when their local church is not meeting. Some religious groups meet on Thur instead of Wednesday, or on a Friday or Saturday instead of a Sunday. Religious groups also have revivals and religious events that can be visited.
Also, on Sunday different groups meet at different times.
The Springwoods church does not meet on Sunday evening. They only have one service in the morning. So that opens up opportunities too. The focus of going to such places is to ask for studies and generate connections.
The Method: Brother Timothy and his wife visit such places and ask, "is their someone here we can talk to about having a Bible study?" From his experiences, due to the culture of religious interest in such places, Timothy says, "its batting 1,000" to do this format. People are eager and interested in creating dialogue and spiritual interaction.
I encourage you to visit Timothy's website. He has articles on this topic at https://timothysparks.com/evangelism.
In this day and age that would be college campuses, flea markets, busy street walk ways, parks, etc. Jesus also went to the places where people are religious in nature. Our Lord went to the temple and the synagogues to share truth, (John 18:20).
Paul discussed truth in the markets and in the synagogue, (Acts 17:17). Even in pagan area's of worship. When Paul saw people worshiping, he spoke the Word and shared truth, (Acts 17:23). In this age that would be the same as us going to denominational congregations to create Bible discussions.
I am not saying to worship at these places. Paul in Acts 17 was distressed to see such worship. But it was a opportunity to share Jesus. Going to such religious oriented places are good locations for generating discussions. As Paul did in Acts. These are good places to visit to ask for Bible studies.
Brother Timothy Sparks is a faithful gospel preacher. He works at the Springwoods church of Christ. From our discussions I can see this to be a powerful method.
Timothy and his wife, Janice go to religious gatherings, when their local church is not meeting. Some religious groups meet on Thur instead of Wednesday, or on a Friday or Saturday instead of a Sunday. Religious groups also have revivals and religious events that can be visited.
Also, on Sunday different groups meet at different times.
The Springwoods church does not meet on Sunday evening. They only have one service in the morning. So that opens up opportunities too. The focus of going to such places is to ask for studies and generate connections.
The Method: Brother Timothy and his wife visit such places and ask, "is their someone here we can talk to about having a Bible study?" From his experiences, due to the culture of religious interest in such places, Timothy says, "its batting 1,000" to do this format. People are eager and interested in creating dialogue and spiritual interaction.
I encourage you to visit Timothy's website. He has articles on this topic at https://timothysparks.com/evangelism.
Article on "Temple Evangelism" by Timothy Sparks
| evangelism-what-is-it-how-do-we-measure-it-8-4-19.pdf |
Muscle and Shovel Evangelism
Muscle and Shovel: What is it?
This is a book written by Michael Shank. It is his chronicled story. A story that will take you on a journey to finding Christ and help you learn key Bible truths, on salvation, Bible authority, and the church. It is great for saving souls and for grounds them in the fundamentals. This book is also something Christians in general should read. It can really help them grow!
Michael Shank's book the "Muscle and the Shovel" is a powerful tool for the church. The book has a 1 out of 12 conversion ratio, in just handing the material out. The book is structured around scripture and has converted through the Word, 50,000 plus people since it came out in 2011. Simply give it to someone who is spiritually inclined, and let them read the story within. It has been saving many and bring new souls into the kingdom. Sharing this is pretty easy. You just read it, if you like it, say to a friend, I read an amazing book, that has helped me spiritually, or whatever your experience with it is. Words like, this book has encouraged me, helped me grow in the Word, etc. Or you can just stick with this is an amazing spiritual book.
Then offer the book to that person to read. If they are interested give it to them. It can convert and ground in the Bible passages given in the booklet. And is a very riveting story in the process.
If someone says no, then offer it to someone else, a friend, co worker, neighbor, family member, etc.
That's one way to do this. Want to step it up, see this file. This was shared by Michael Shank. Since the book came out a preacher has used this technique to converted 90 people using this book. Click on document file below to learn the method. (Note: if mentioned location seems undesirable, then find a place that you are comfortable with or a place you can get comfortable with, like a college, a park, down town, a recreation area, a fair, etc. Getting comfortable first might mean you'll do something less hard like, handing out flyers in the area first.)
This is a book written by Michael Shank. It is his chronicled story. A story that will take you on a journey to finding Christ and help you learn key Bible truths, on salvation, Bible authority, and the church. It is great for saving souls and for grounds them in the fundamentals. This book is also something Christians in general should read. It can really help them grow!
Michael Shank's book the "Muscle and the Shovel" is a powerful tool for the church. The book has a 1 out of 12 conversion ratio, in just handing the material out. The book is structured around scripture and has converted through the Word, 50,000 plus people since it came out in 2011. Simply give it to someone who is spiritually inclined, and let them read the story within. It has been saving many and bring new souls into the kingdom. Sharing this is pretty easy. You just read it, if you like it, say to a friend, I read an amazing book, that has helped me spiritually, or whatever your experience with it is. Words like, this book has encouraged me, helped me grow in the Word, etc. Or you can just stick with this is an amazing spiritual book.
Then offer the book to that person to read. If they are interested give it to them. It can convert and ground in the Bible passages given in the booklet. And is a very riveting story in the process.
If someone says no, then offer it to someone else, a friend, co worker, neighbor, family member, etc.
That's one way to do this. Want to step it up, see this file. This was shared by Michael Shank. Since the book came out a preacher has used this technique to converted 90 people using this book. Click on document file below to learn the method. (Note: if mentioned location seems undesirable, then find a place that you are comfortable with or a place you can get comfortable with, like a college, a park, down town, a recreation area, a fair, etc. Getting comfortable first might mean you'll do something less hard like, handing out flyers in the area first.)
Download file here
| muscle-instructions.pdf |