Reaching the Lost for Christ

Many of us know the plan of salvation. We know what a person needs to do to become a Christian. But we shy away from sharing our faith because we have bought into one or more misconceptions when it comes to evangelism. Unfortunately many believers are not comfortable in sharing their faith. And, there are several reasons for this but mainly I think it is due to the fact that most of us don't know how. We have simply never learned how to reproduce ourselves spiritually.

The importance of sharing the gospel with others cannot be over-emphasized! Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation (Mark 16:15-16). He has provided the gospel as God's power to save all who believe (Romans 1:16-17). But what is the most effective way to reach people today? The Institute For American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: "What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?" Their replies were:

a. I had a special need - 3%
b. I just walked in - 3%
c. I liked the minister - 6%
d. I visited there - 1%
e. I liked the Bible classes - 5%
f. I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%
g. I liked the programs - 3%
h. A friend or relative invited me - 79%

What can we learn from a survey like this? It confirms that gospel meetings as traditionally held have lost much of their effectiveness. It justifies churches' concern to pick their pastors carefully and to give special regard to the quality of their Bible classes. The obvious point of the survey is this: If churches are to grow, it will be through the efforts of individual members!

Pastors, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they will only maintain the size of the congregation. Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, however, for they can reach people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact. But the fact remains: The greatest potential lies with people who have some contact with members of the local congregation.

Two things are needed to utilize contacts made through members of the congregation. One is the concern for the lost by those members (Matthew 9:36-38; Romans 9:1-3; 10:1). Secondly, is the knowledge of how to increase opportunities to share the gospel.

Assuming the concern is there, here are seven simple steps to increase opportunities for sharing the gospel with relatives, friends, neighbors, and others. These steps are based upon observations of what has consistently proven fruitful in other places and are confirmed by the results of the above mentioned survey.

1. Do things which make for a caring, spiritually enlightened congregation. If we are going to be fruitful in the long run, we must make sure that we provide the right kind of loving and caring spiritual environment in the local church. When a congregation is filled with loving members who care for and edify it’s own, then I believe it is ready to be used by the Lord to reach out and care for others! Where does one begin in trying to reach the lost?
2. Make a list of those you would like to see taught the Gospel. With such a list, you will be constantly reminded of these people, and thereby more likely to do the things suggested next.
3. Pray for those on your list daily. Why is this important? It is God who gives the increase when it comes to evangelism (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). We are but servants whom God can use in His providential workings (1 Corinthians 3:5). So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us pray as though it all depends upon God! The next step will take the most time in effective evangelism.
4. Do things which demonstrate your love for them. "Hospitality" and "neighborliness" will go a long way to increase opportunities to share the gospel. When people see "the incarnation of the gospel" (the principles of the gospel lived out in the flesh), they will be more likely to believe in "the verbalization of the gospel" (the truth of the gospel in spoken or written word). After you have spent time being "hospitable" and becoming better acquainted, the next step is to...
5. Invite them to services. Why is this important? In the past, I might not have thought this to be very important, but I have come to think differently. There are several reasons for wanting people to attend church services. They will (should) have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action. Combined with your own demonstration of love as an individual, the demonstration of love by others should make a lasting impression! They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with the gospel of Christ. If they are attending regularly before conversion to Christ, they will more likely continue to attend after their conversion.
6. Be hospitable (neighborly) to visitors. By their presence, people are expressing an interest and/or willingness to learn. By your love and acceptance, you are preparing the soil of their hearts for the seed of the gospel. The Lord has provided "an open door"; dare we not take it? Finally, we are ready for the most important step in all our efforts...
7. Provide them an opportunity to hear the gospel. Only the Gospel is God's power to save (Romans 1:16). While love and hospitality may help prepare the "soil", the "seed" must still be sown. Ideally, this will come after witnessing a demonstration of the gospel in our lives by our love, hospitality, etc; both as individuals and as a congregation. If you feel confident in discussing it with them, then approach them yourself and suggest some sort of Bible study. If you do not feel you are yet confident in approaching them concerning a study, or in conducting it yourself, there is still much good that you can do. Bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing to teach. Provide opportunities for the teacher and the prospect to become better acquainted, and the teacher can take it from there.

In conclusion, these suggestions are offered with a firm conviction that if they will be carried out, opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly increased! They are also offered, with the hope that you will accept the challenge to implement these suggestions. This approach is not only the most successful in saving and keeping souls, it is also one of the most natural and easiest ways to reach the lost for Christ!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I pray that You will use me as an instrument to bring others to You. I pray that your Holy Spirit will guide my every word and deed so that I will say and do the right thing at the right time. I also pray that the light and joy of Jesus Christ will shine through their lives as a testimony of their Christian faith. Amen -thanks to Mark A. Copeland

God bless you,

Irene