How to Evangelize

Goal: Develop Skills and Practices

Main Objective

Help students move from simply believing evangelism is important to actually knowing how to start spiritual conversations and share the gospel in real life.

This lesson is built heavily from the evangelism PDF material, especially lessons from Alan Webster, Hiram Kemp, Matt Wallen, and the “Columbo” approach discussed in the sources.

Key Theme

“And Philip ran thither to him…” – Acts 8:30

Big Idea

Evangelism is not mainly about winning arguments.

It is about loving people enough to start conversations that point them to Jesus.

Opening Illustration (5 Minutes)

Billy Hudson and the Farmer

Tell the story from the PDF:

A preacher visited an older farmer every week for two months. He did not immediately force a Bible study.

Instead, he talked about:

family,

crops,

equipment,

and life.

He built trust first.

Finally, after weeks of building a relationship, he asked to study the Bible.

The farmer’s wife later said:

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for somebody to ask us.”

Point

People are often more open than we think.

But relationships build bridges strong enough for truth to cross.

Section 1 – It Starts with Relationships (10 Minutes)

Scripture Reading

1 Thessalonians 2:8

“...being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls…”

Teaching Points

People listen better when they know you care.

Evangelism is relational.

You do not have to become worldly to reach people.

Christians should insulate themselves from sin, not isolate themselves from sinners.

Key Principle

People often will not care what you know until they know how much you care.

Illustration – The Single Mom Car Clinic

From the PDF:

A congregation offered free oil changes and car care for single mothers.

No tricks. No pressure. Just love.

Many women cried because they had never experienced that kind of kindness.

Point

Serving people opens doors for spiritual conversations.

Discussion Questions

Why is it easier to talk to people we already know?

What is the difference between being “friendly” and genuinely loving people?

How can Christians spend time with lost people without becoming like the world?

Section 2 – Ask Questions, Don’t Just Preach (15 Minutes)

Main Idea

Conversations work better than speeches.

This section comes heavily from the “Columbo tactic” material.

The Columbo Tactic

Step 1 – “What do you mean by that?”

Use this question to clarify what someone believes.

Example

Person:

“All religions basically teach the same thing.”

Response:

“What do you mean by that?”

Step 2 – “How did you come to that conclusion?”

This gently asks them to explain their reasoning.

Often people repeat slogans they have never actually thought through.

Step 3 – “Have you considered _____?”

Now you can gently introduce truth.

Example

“Have you considered what Jesus said in John 14:6?”

Teaching Emphasis

The goal is not to “destroy” people.

The goal is to help people think.

Illustration – Diplomacy, Not D-Day

From the PDF:

Evangelism should usually look more like diplomacy than an invasion.

Questions lower defenses. Arguments often raise them.

Key Principle

Be curious before trying to be “right.”

People open up when they feel heard.

Roleplay Activity (10 Minutes)

Split students into pairs.

Give scenarios like:

“I think all good people go to heaven.”

“I don’t think baptism matters.”

“The Bible was written by men.”

“I believe in God but don’t go to church.”

Have students practice:

Asking questions,

Listening,

Then gently responding with Scripture.

Section 3 – Use Scripture, Not Opinion (10 Minutes)

Scripture Reading

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful…”

Teaching Points

God’s Word changes hearts.

Opinions cannot save people.

Scripture has authority.

We should let the Bible speak for itself.

Illustration – “He Never Told Me His Opinion”

From the PDF:

A woman once complimented her Bible teacher by saying:

“He never told me what he believed. He just showed me what the Bible said.”

Point

That is powerful evangelism.

Illustration – The Gospel Gun

You do not need to rely on cleverness.

The Word of God is the weapon.

Romans 1:16

“For it is the power of God unto salvation…”

Practical Tool – The Legal Pad Method

From the PDF:

When studying with someone:

Keep a notepad nearby.

Write down “rabbit trail” questions.

Promise to come back to them later.

Point

This keeps the study focused and prevents confusion.

Discussion Questions

Why do people trust personal opinion more than Scripture today?

Why is it important to show verses instead of just summarizing them?

What makes using Scripture intimidating sometimes?

Section 4 – Know Your Audience (10 Minutes)

Scripture Reading

Acts 8:30-35

Philip started where the eunuch already was.

He did not begin randomly.

He began with the scripture the eunuch was reading.

Teaching Points

Different people need different starting points.

Some people struggle with belief in God.

Some misunderstand salvation.

Some have church hurt.

Some have never opened a Bible.

Key Principle

Find where someone is spiritually before trying to move them forward.

Illustration – “How Were You Saved?”

From the PDF:

Ask someone:

“How were you saved?”

Then listen carefully.

Write down their answer if studying with them.

Later, compare their answer to Scripture gently and respectfully.

Point

People often discover inconsistencies themselves when they compare their beliefs with the Bible.

Section 5 – Everyday Ways to Evangelize (15 Minutes)

Main Idea

Evangelism does not always begin with a formal Bible study.

Often it starts with simple moments.

Practical Evangelism Ideas

Wear Conversation-Starter Shirts

Bible verse shirts

Shirts with phrases like:

“Made for More”

“John 14:6”

“Forgiven”

“Meant for Good”

Point

People naturally ask questions.

Read Your Bible in Public

Coffee shops. School. Campus. Waiting rooms.

People notice.

Philip Style Evangelism

If you see someone reading a Bible:

“What are you reading?”

Or:

“Do you understand what that passage means?”

The Waiter Prayer

From the PDF:

When eating out, ask:

“Is there anything we can pray for you about?”

Point

People are hurting more than we realize.

Be Different for Christ

1 Peter 2:12

People should notice:

your kindness,

your purity,

your joy,

your honesty,

your language,

your reactions.

Discussion – Living Differently

Ask:

What should look different about Christians?

Why do people sometimes mock Christians?

What fears keep us from standing out?

Illustration – Paul and Silas Singing in Prison

Acts 16

Most people complain in suffering.

Paul and Silas worshiped.

Their response was so unusual that it led to conversion.

Point

Your attitude during hardship may be your strongest evangelism tool.

Section 6 – What Will Be Hard About This? (10 Minutes)

Honest Discussion

Talk openly about:

fear of rejection,

awkwardness,

losing friends,

not knowing enough,

saying the wrong thing.

The “Stone in the Shoe” Principle

From the PDF:

You do not always have to “close the deal.”

Sometimes your goal is simply to leave someone thinking.

A single question may stay in their mind for years.

Key Encouragement

You are not responsible for converting everyone.

You are responsible for planting and watering.

1 Corinthians 3:6

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Weekly Challenge

One Conversation Challenge

This week: Have ONE spiritual conversation you normally would not have had.

Ideas:

Ask someone what they believe about God.

Invite someone to worship.

Ask someone if they pray.

Share something you learned in Bible class.

Ask someone if you can pray for them.

Closing Challenge

Final Thought

Evangelism is not reserved for preachers.

Ordinary Christians changing ordinary conversations can lead to eternal results.

God uses:

kindness,

courage,

questions,

Scripture,

and relationships.

You do not have to know everything.

You just have to care enough to start.

Colossians 4:5-6

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without… Let your speech be always with grace…”