Week 7: Evangelistic Contexts

Week 7: Evangelistic Contexts 

Q: Cold/Street Evangelism vs. Relationship Evangelism – Either/Or or Both/And? (Both/And!)

Cold Evangelism

[Discuss reason against] An apologetic for the value of Cold/Street evangelism:

Faithfulness to Jesus (Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”)

Investing in the greater harvest (John 4:35–38 “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.””)

Strengthens you spiritually (Ephesians 6:15 “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”)

Prepares you for Gospel conversations in your longterm/ongoing relationships (Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”)

God’s Word and Spirit has power everywhere (Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” ; Acts 17:34 “But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”)

Relationship Evangelism

[Discuss challenges and dangers in Relationship Evangelism] The Key in both contexts is the same:

Bold, Wise Speaking and Persistent, Consistent Genuine Love (Ro 1:16, Col 4:6; 1 Cor 13). This was the character of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and it is the character of His ministry through us as we imitate Him (1 Cor 11:1). 

[Discussion: what do you find difficult about speaking? Loving? Action: pray daily this week for these graces in your witnessing relationships.]

Important Principles in all contexts

Aim for the person’s heart and mind (John 4:7-26)

The difference between speaking at and speaking to

Speaking to involves listening, to understand where a person really is (Pr 20:5), so that Gospel truth can be targeted. 

Communicate the Gospel in language that is intelligible

In an increasingly unchurched culture, many don’t understand basic biblical and theological words (e.g. justified, repentance, etc.)

Define words

Ask Questions! [Discuss the value of questions]

None of these is a substitute for prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit.