Relational evangelism. I've heard a whole spectrum of definitions for this. At one extreme is, "I just live my life, and maybe someone will notice something different about me." At the other extreme is what we call "missionary dating" by which you get a boyfriend or girlfriend who you intend to convert. Neither is a good healthy way to carry out evangelism as the Lord commissioned us!

But that first definition sounds like it would work. Why do I call it unhealthy? Well, it's not in one way. It's good to live a life that's different and that honors God. Actually, it's more than good--it's necessary! Where this definition goes wrong, though, is when it's all we ever do to share the Gospel.

Evangelism is something that all Christians are called to engage in. Some of us have a knack for it, and some of us just do it out of obedience. But I believe all of us can engage in "relational evangelism." My definition involves sitting down and talking to a person about life (whether you know them or not)--engaging in who they are and what they believe--and then gently sharing the truth in love. I've seen it work so many times!

One of my favorite questions when I meet someone new is, "What's your biggest question about life?" People usually give a funny look for a moment and then spill the beans.

The first time I asked a new acquaintance this question, he replied, "Wow...I don't know..." I began to wonder if there would be a reply. Then suddenly he poured his heart out: "What's the point? Why am I here? Why am I so depressed all the time? Why is my life such a wreck"

Now we had some conversational material! I replied with, "Would you to talk about some possible answers?" The men I was with and I shared the Gospel with this gentleman for the next three hours, leading him to relationhip with Jesus Christ.

I've come to learn that sharing the Gospel is far easier than one might think. Just look for any opportunity in a conversation to bring up God--even generically--and you'll often see people reach out for more of your thoughts on God. That's where you gain an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how He is the only way, truth, and life.

I like to mostly ask questions because it conveys how much I care about what the other person believes. And when they try to trap me with fruitless debates, I follow the example of Jesus and respond with another question. For example, I was once asked, "How can a loving God send people to hell?" My response: "Do you believe there is a hell?" Suddenly the tables turned and we were dealing with a whole new topic. This brought the opportunity to talk about the righteousness of God, the justice of God, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ that is freely accessible to everyone.

Don't be afraid to form friendships like these with people who do not believe--those are the ones we're trying to reach! Jesus hung out with corrupt tax collectors, prostitutes, and drunkards. Are you willing to associate in public with alcoholics, corrupt businessmen, and promiscuous women? (Please note that I'm NOT suggesting you spend any time alone with these women, unless you too are a woman and it is safe! Always go in teams, and always stay out in public whenever possible. Just some practical advice.)

Based on the example of Jesus and personal experience, I highly recommend that you carry out the ministry of evangelism on a relational scale. Meet people where they're at, and minister in love.

And above all, do it in the power of the Holy Spirit!

One of my favorite examples for true evangelism came from a sudden realization that rocked my world. Here it is:

Suppose I go to a party and take my dad with me. Then I meet you and say, "Hi there! My name is Art. I have a dad--he's a great guy. He's a car salesman, too. In fact, he's one of the top Ford salesmen in the United States because he's so honest and selfless. If you ever need a great deal on a car, just let me know, and maybe I can take you to the dealership to look at cars." All the while, my dad is standing silently behind me IN PERSON!

How often do we do this with God? If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, then we have Him right there with us. And yet we say things like, "I have a God...let me tell you about Him. If you're interested, I'll take you to church and let someone else tell you about Him."

When are we just going to introduce people to our God?

"I have a God, here He is!" Let's pray for people. Let's express love in practical ways. Let's demonstrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit to heal, work miracles, prophesy the words of God, and share personal revelations from the Holy Spirit! Let's cast out demons and raise the dead in the name of Jesus Christ!

Let's introduce people to our God!

Evangelism is not handing someone a "Gospel tract" or saying "Jesus loves you." That's called planting a seed. Not that there's anything wrong with that--it's actually a good and necessary part of the Christian life. The point is that if all you ever do is plant seeds and never seize the opportunities the Lord is granting for actually introducing Him, your effectiveness will be sadly limited.

Go in the power of the Holy Spirit, and expect the Lord to minister alongside you!

Mark 16:19,20--After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it (NIV).

--Art--

Introducing the New Evangelism Blog

Want training in how to reach those in your sphere of influence? This new blog will be regularly filled with valuable content on how to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A good friend of mine, Pastor Shane Fritz, has a very clear calling as an evangelist, which Ephesians 4:11,12 tells us is "for the equipping of the saints." Pastor Shane has been actively involved in evangelism and training others for several years, and I highly recommend his ministry.

Pastor Shane has agreed to participate in writing on this blog, and I couldn't be more excited! If you're looking for solid Christian teaching on how to reach the lost and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit, this is a great place to start!

God bless!
--Art--