Procedures in Presenting the Gospel

Note:

Over the next couple of weeks I need everyone to be on the lookout for guests & visitors making sure that they 1) are given a Connection Card and encouraged to fill it out and 2) that guests - after the service - are given a gift.

Opening: Last week we wrapped up looking at “Presenting the Gospel.”

Always look for opportunities to share the Gospel.

This week we want to look at “Procedures in Sharing the Gospel.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV 1900

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

As our President selects and then commissions individuals to be ambassadors to the various nations around the world, there are certain procedures that those individuals will be given that they are to follow in the execution of their responsibilities as an ambassador.

Although a knowledge of Scripture and the Gospel message, along with a planned approach to presenting the Gospel, are important, the soul-winner should also possess proper manners and etiquette.

While it is not my desire to overemphasize the “externals,” it is important that we maintain a proper outward testimony toward the world.

As I would often say to the teenagers when we would get off the bus at a restaurant,

“Remember that you represent the Lord, yourself, and South Charlotte Baptist Church.”

I would then go on to give them specifics of how they should act while they were in the restaurant.

Have Good Manners

1 Corinthians 15:33–34 KJV 1900

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Titus 3:1 KJV 1900

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Titus 3:8 KJV 1900

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Titus 3:14 KJV 1900

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Never cut across someone’s yard.

Always use the sidewalk or walk along the edge of the street. Some people are very particular about their yard.

When you are with a partner, be sure to stay together.

This is a matter of safety and accountability.

Be cautious while approaching.

If the homeowner is working in the yard, in the garage, or otherwise occupied, be cautious in approaching them. You do not want to startle or scare them.

If, while you are approaching, the homeowner is either getting into their car to leave or just getting out of their car, be aware that that moment may not be the best time to try and speak with them. Remember, “some plant; some water; but God gives the increase.” You want to leave the “door open” for someone else who may come after you.

“No Soliciting”

If the home has a “No Soliciting” sign on the door, do not knock or leave any material. Also, observe any signs which may be posted such as, “Please don’t ring door bell, baby is sleeping.” In those situations simply leave a Gospel tract on the door.

Stay Visible

When knocking on the door, be sure to station yourself in a way that, when the resident comes to the door, you are immediately visible to the resident. Again, you and your partner should stay together. Your partner shouldn’t be standing back in the driveway. That will cause the resident to be suspicious of your intentions.

You are not the delivery boy!

While this may sound strange, do not pick their newspaper up and bring it to the door. For some individuals this again will cause the resident to be suspicious of your intentions.

Be polite and courteous and properly introduce yourself and your partner.

Although soul-winning is confrontational in nature it still gives you no grounds to be rude or argumentative.

Have Good Manners

Next…

Dress Appropriately

We must remember that we are representing Jesus Christ every day, not just when we participate in “Soul Winning Saturdays.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Since the unsaved world cannot look at a Christian’s inward appearance, it is important that his outward appearance is becoming of a Christian.

A good philosophy to follow is that a soul-winner’s appearance should reflect the holiness of God.

1 Peter 1:13–16 KJV 1900

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Romans 12:1–2 KJV 1900

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We will never win “the world” by seeking to be like “the world!”

…and that includes in the area of our dress and appearance!

The “MILK” Principle of Dress

Modest

Modest: Not drawing the wrong kind of attention to yourself or too much attention to yourself.

Illustrating Godliness

Again, we do not want to imitate the world in what we wear or how we wear it. We want our outward appearance to illustrate the holiness within.

Men, we also want to illustrate the fact that we are men and Ladies, you should illustrate the fact that you are a lady. Men, act like and dress like a man. Ladies, act and dress like a lady.

Loose Fitting

Knee Length

Appropriate

As you think about Soul Winning Saturdays…

“Are you going to Carrowinds or are you going soul winning?”

Here are some practical tips for applying these things…

As with all of our activities and ministries, I as a pastor would ask that men wear a nice pair of pants (not jeans) and a collared shirt. I would ask ladies to wear a nice skirt and blouse or a nice dress.

Remember that when choosing what the wear, it shouldn’t just be a matter of comfort, convenience or conceitedness.

If needed, iron your clothes. Wear clothing that is in good condition and good repair.

When you are participating in “Soul Winning Saturdays” it would be a good idea to wear a good pair of walking shoes.

Men, if needed, shine your shoes.

Men, be clean shaven and comb your hair. Ladies, look nice but don’t be excessive in your makeup, hairdo, or perfume.

Always observe good hygiene.

Don’t chew gum.

Don’t wear sunglasses.

Dress Appropriately

Use Appropriate Vocabulary

Colossians 4:6 KJV 1900

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Ephesians 4:29 KJV 1900

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Prior to the 1970’s, most Americans were familiar with Biblical terminology.

However, with America’s departure from Biblical principles, most people aren’t even remotely familiar with the Bible vocabulary that most “active” Christians use on a daily basis.

Many terms which are used on a regular basis in church may only cause confusion if used during a “soul-winning” call.

As such, if you encounter an individual who seems familiar with the Bible and “church vocabulary” you must not assume that they are saying the same thing that you are. You must ask further questions to find out what the individual means by those words.

You might ask a person if they are saved and the person might respond, “Yes,” yet upon further questioning you find that the individual means, “Yes, God saved me from a terrible care wreck that everyone said should have killed me!”

Be discerning as you speak with others. Especially in our multi-cultural city, it is best to fully explain things as opposed to simply “assuming” the individual knows what you are talking about.

Use Appropriate Vocabulary

Finally, a word about…

The “Partner”

Mark 6:7 KJV 1900

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 KJV 1900

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Invite someone to go with you on Soul Winning Saturdays!

Use Soul Winning Saturdays as an opportunity to get others involved in the purpose of South Charlotte Baptist Church!

A regular, soul-winning partner will help keep you faithful.

A faithful soul-winning partner is a great means of support and encouragement.

A partner will help you avoid trouble.

Example: false accusations, etc.

As we discussed in a previous week…

One of the greatest helps a partner can offer is that of prayer.

A partner can help with distractions. (Children, animals, etc.)

In conclusion,

Procedures for soul-winning will vary depending on the time and place but our main objective should never change.

Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing, and the main thing is soul-winning!

However, these standards will help us to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in an appropriate and blameless fashion.

As ambassadors for Christ let’s heed these words…

Ephesians 4:1 KJV 1900

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,