Wesley understood human free will as relatively restricted. He acknowledged humans could exercise free will but also rejected the notion of absolute free will. This thought suggests that God's Grace is transforming and enabling, because humans realize the responsibility to invite Grace and respond to it. Knight also points out that Wesley did not actually use the word "evangelism" to describe his religious mission. It came into usage in the nineteenth century. But Wesley did practice evangelism, which for him was nothing more than "being a Christian" whose "life is marked by such holy tempers as love for God and neighbor, faith, hope, humility, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit" (p. 142). For Wesley, understanding the reality of God's love was the essence of Christianity.
Chapter 17
In "Three Types of Faith Sharing," Scott Jones explains the importance and types of faith sharing in evangelism. Jones begins his essay by referring to an evangelist in Sri Lanka who defined evangelism as "one beggar telling another beggar where to get food" (p. 255). This definition encapsulates the essence of faith sharing, as it is helping others to find spiritual food. Jones argues that such faith sharing, however, should be done the way Christ taught the disciples, by making clear that an act of graciousness is done out of pure heart and for the purpose...
And to make invitations to Christianity effective and in accordance with Christ's teaching, faith shares should possess the highest moral characteristics.
Jones argues that many forms of faith sharing can be grouped into three types: invitation, testimony, and mentoring. Invitations should be done properly, with respect to the feelings and rights of those being invited, in a gentle manner, and done in the right time and at the right place. The invitees should realize that there should be no direct repercussions for declining and they should enter the friendly relationship out of love -- but never out of fear or coercion. Testimony involves telling others what God had given to one in his or her life. Again, this should be done in an amicable manner and at the right time in the right moment. And mentorship refers to spiritual friendship to those who are in the midst of accepting Christ but are in doubt because of various social, intellectual, or relational matters. In these instances, mentors need to be increasingly vigilant and understanding to make the process of transition to New Life as smoothly as possible for the newcomers.
References
Gunter, W.S., & Robinson, E.A., eds., (2005). Considering the Great Commission: Evangelism and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit. Nashville: Abingdon Press.
