Effective evangelism beyond door-to-door witnessing and personal example

Evangelism

Walking in the Word

Evangelism is vital when it comes to walking in the Word. Every Christian has a duty to evangelize, but there are many different ways in which this can be done (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). Some denominations still go around, knocking on people's doors and trying to talk to whoever answers about Jesus. Most are met with resistance, and some with rudeness and even threatening behavior (McRaney, 2003; Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). This generally takes place because people do not like to be disturbed in their own homes. They want to be left alone, even if they do believe in Jesus, and they want to come to Christ or explore religion on their own terms (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). That can make things difficult for those who wish to evangelize, because they are uncertain how they can proceed if they continue to get turned away at the front door.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways a follower of Christ can evangelize without the need for door knocking and other behaviors that might not be taken too kindly by people who do not want to be bothered by others at inconvenient times. That is not to say there is no place for knocking on doors in an effort to spread the word, but only that it might not be the most effective option (Fay, 1999). There are many other ways to get the Word out to people who want to hear it or who may be receptive to it if it was presented to them in the right way. One of the things that can be done is to step back and take a look at one's own life and how it is being lived (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; Fay, 1999). If a person is not being a true witness for Christ by the way he or she is living life, that person cannot really expect to evangelize successfully (Earley & Wheeler, 2010).

What Evangelism Involves

For example, a person who comes to your door on Saturday morning, asking if you believe in Jesus, should not be seen drunk and rowdy at the bar on Saturday night. It sends a conflicting message, and one that many people may not appreciate. It can even turn some people away from Christianity because it sends the message that Christians are no different from anyone else, or that they do not take their religion and their salvation seriously. That lack of consideration for their religion may be true of some Christians, but that is not the way it should be -- and certainly not the way it is for those who are truly interested in evangelizing and/or having or building a ministry. Evangelism is not something a person does one morning a week by knocking on doors in order to fulfill some kind of religious obligation (Whaley & Wheeler, 2011).

Instead, evangelism is about the whole of life and how it is lived by people who have a deep reverence for Christ and people who want to share their joy with others (McRaney, 2003; Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). If a person is not able to live his or her life according to Christian principles, that person should not be evangelizing. It sends a message that is not accurate. There are many ways in which evangelism can be addressed, though, and it does not require any door knocking. A person should think about how he or she is living life, and the kinds of things that are important to him or her (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). It is also important to think about where the person generally goes during any given day, and what kinds of things the person does while at those locations.

Evangelizing can be an impromptu thing when the right opportunity presents itself, but it is generally better to have a plan (Fay, 1999; McRaney, 2003). Once one is clear on a day-to-day routine and what is offered at particular locations, that person can begin to consider how he or she can work evangelism into the normal activities of the day (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). From the moment a person leaves his or her house and comes into contact with others until that person returns home again, there are opportunities to evangelize (Fay, 1999; Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). That does not have to mean talking with others about Christ, and does not even have to mean saying anything at all.

How a person lives his or her life and how he or she does things can speak volumes about whether he or she is a Christian without a word ever being uttered (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). This is not to suggest that a person "take the easy way out" and insist that enough evangelizing is being done because life is being lived according to Christian principles. However, it is an excellent starting point and highly valuable when one considers that people do notice what others do in many cases (McRaney, 2003). If a person tries to talk to someone about Christ but is seen an hour later yelling at a clerk for a mistake at a grocery store register, the conflict between the two issues can be very upsetting.

Not every Christian sees evangelizing the same way, and it is certainly possible for even the most Christian person to lose his or her temper at times. Many factors can contribute to that, and it is part of being human. However, those who are truly committed to a Christian life will take care to avoid problems with temper, temptations, and other difficulties that would not be seen as problems for those who were not as committed to their faith or who were not seeking to follow Christian principles (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). Everyone who wants to evangelize has the opportunity to do so.

How a person lives his or her life can be an excellent testament to Christian beliefs, but it is not the only thing a person can do (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). It is also possible to let others know about Christ without asking them specifically if they believe, knocking on their door, or reading to them from the Bible (Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). Many evangelists are relatively quiet and humble about what they believe (Fay, 1999). As a result of that, and as a result of the joy and peace they seem to exude no matter what the circumstances, people seek them out (McRaney, 2003; Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). When people come to them, it is clear that those people want to find out more about Christ.

Issues With Christianity Today

Two of the biggest issues addressed where Christians are concerned seem to be that non-Christians feel Christians are hypocritical and judgmental (Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). There is some truth to this in some cases, and that is giving many Christians a bad name. The reason these issues have been presented is that it is important to consider whether one is being judgmental or hypocritical so the behavior can be corrected. Without correcting the issues, someone who wants to evangelize may not be able to do so successfully (Fay, 1999; McRaney, 2003). That is why it is important to live a life of integrity according to Christian principles, so it can be seen that a person is not branded in ways that many Christians are branded (Fay, 1999). To be judgmental and hypocritical is to give those who dislike Christians more fodder for their arguments, and to make them appear to be correct in their assumptions -- both of which should be avoided (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; McRaney, 2003).

Christians have also been characterized as pushy in their evangelism, which is something those who seek to evangelize should be mindful of when they are making determinations of how they want to live their life and how they are going to offer the Word to others (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). Relating to the community where a person lives, plays, and works is very important if he or she is to evangelize in any way that others will be receptive to (McRaney, 2003). That comes from understanding the community, because one cannot relate to something one cannot understand. It can be difficult for someone who is devoutly Christian to understand a community that is not, because there is often little in common. However, that does not mean that evangelizing cannot take place -- and in a way that works for both sides of the equation (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; Fay, 1999).

The Successful Evangelist

People who evangelize successfully do so by understanding the audience they want to reach (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; McRaney, 2003; Whaley & Wheeler, 2011). They find out the interests of that audience, and focus on what that audience wants and needs (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). What that audience is missing in their lives becomes an important concern, so the Christian planning to evangelize can look for ways in which he or she can talk about Christ and can show others that they are missing Him. This is among the best ways to evangelize, because it shows how Christ can meet an important need (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). If done correctly, it can also show how being Christian is highly valuable, and that there are numerous things in this life that Christians can do.

Many people seem to believe that being Christian means a person cannot have any "fun," and that is a stereotype that can and should be changed. In order for people who evangelize to show that Christianity can be valuable, he or she has to be able to show the intended audience how Christianity can be applied to their lives and how it will make their lives better (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; Fay, 1999). Without being able to do this, most people will not be interested in committing their life to Christ and making a change. They want to know what is in it for them (Earley & Wheeler, 2010). For people struggling with their life, or for people who are really enjoying having many carnal types of fun, the promise of eternal life in the future may simply not be enough of an incentive.

Conclusion: Building a Ministry

For those who see the value of a commitment to Christ, there is another opportunity. The original evangelist can build a ministry and bring others onboard who will be witnesses for Christ. This can be done through official or more commercial channels, but it can also be done through a more casual, grass-roots movement (Fay, 1999). Both options work well for evangelizing and building a ministry, but it will largely depend on the location and the types of people one encounters. Some people respond very well to direction and organization, and some are just enthusiastic and want to get out and spread the word without any formal effort (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; Fay, 1999).

Either way, the main point is to reach out to others and bring them to Christ. That is the goal of evangelizing, and the focus of those who are committed to teaching others about what Christianity has to offer to them (Fay, 1999). It may not be an easy road, but the more people get involved in a ministry the more of a difference they will be able to make in their community. Once they have done as much as they can in their local area, they may even be able to branch out to other locations that also need to hear the Word of the Lord (Earley & Wheeler, 2010; Fay, 1999). This can be done through missionary work, but can also be done through evangelists for a particular ministry relocating to other areas and taking what they have learned with them (Earley & Wheeler, 2010).

When they take the knowledge they have and carry it to others, they help to spread the Word to those who may need to hear it, and they continue the growth and development of the ministry. Many people are afraid to share the Good News of the Gospel (Fay, 1999). However, being part of a ministry that is expanding can help them learn to express themselves without fear (Fay, 1999). From that point, they will show others what they have learned, and that will mean even more people for the ministry. Over time, something that began as one evangelist with a message can turn into something far larger. Many people can be saved and come to know Christ, and they can be reached in workplaces, grocery stores, parks, and all other places in a community. Evangelism does not have to conjure up visions of people knocking on doors or handing out pamphlets, because it offers so much more than that. It is a testament to a life lived for the Lord.