Evangelism 101 - Todd McCauley

It's that time again, time to read through the New Testament. I absolutely love reading about the life of Christ.  I now find myself in John chapter three. Jesus and a few of his followers accompanied Him to Jerusalem to attend the annual Passover celebration (cf. John 2:13ff). John 3:1-2 states that a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Ruler of the Jews came to Jesus at night. When Nick (let's call him Nick) meets Jesus he begins to lavish on the Christ compliments, "Rabbi (i.e. Teacher) we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him".  Jesus responds in an interesting way, instead of Him entertaining the compliments which many of us WOULD do, he cuts to the chase and addresses the question that Nick doesn't ask with his lips but is in his heart. "Nicodemus, unless you are born again, you CAN NOT see the Kingdom of God".

The rest of John 3 then records Jesus's evangelistic conversation with this LOST Pharisee (Jewish religious leader).  This Chapter as well as John Chapter 4 reminds me of our own evangelistic responsibility.  Let me write this as plainly as possible, EVANGELISM ought to be one of our highest priorities as followers of Christ.  You say, "I know that Todd, I just find evangelism difficult and awkward". Also, "If I'm being honest, it scares the living be-jeebies out of me", and "Yes, evangelism intimidates the heck out of me".  You know what?  I get it. Evangelism is NOT the most comfortable activity.  But, be that as it may, it is NOT an activity that we can ignore or put on the back burner because of how it makes us feel.  Here is the good news, Jesus promised us that when we obediently engage in Disciple-Making (of which Evangelism is part) He promises to give us everything we need to be successful (cf. Matt 28:18-20).

Evangelism is NOT something that you should OVER THINK, it's something that you just do and trust God for the results. Our job is NOT to put people in Heaven, Our Job is NOT to make or force people to believe. Our job is NOT to argue people into believing, or Scare people into believing, Our job is NOT to manipulate or TRICK people into praying a prayer, our job is NOT to get people to join the church.  Our Job is to simply share the GOOD NEWS.  Our job is simply that of seed planting (cf. John 4:35-38).

I want to give you a simple four-step process for sharing your faith effectively.

Step one: PRE-EVANGELISM (Here is where you ask the two Diagnostic questions. These questions help you determine where a person is spiritual)

1. If you died today, where would you go?

2.  Suppose you were to die today and you stand before God and He asks you, "Why should I let you into MY Heaven", how would you answer?




Step Two: PERMISSION (Ask for Permission to continue the discussion)

"May I talk to you about someone who changed my life and is STILL in the life-changing business?

(At this point he/she will tell you "Yes or No".  If they answer "No" then you shake their hand and move on.  If they say "Yes" then you're free to proceed to Step Three)

Step Three: PRESENTATION (This step utilizes the excellent tool called, "The Four Spiritual Laws" a little yellow Gospel Booklet produced by Campus Crusade for Christ.  Just start with the cover of the booklet and begin reading it to him/her.  "Have you ever heard of the 4 spiritual laws"?  Toward the end of the booklet you will read and ask this important question, "Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, I invite you to pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.  The person will answer either "Yes or No".  If "No" then close the conversation and leave them the booklet with your contact info.  If  "Yes" then pray with them to receive Christ).








Step Four:  POST-EVANGELISM (Another name for Post-Evangelism is Follow-up. Follow-up means that we don't leave people hanging.  Receiving Christ is just the first step in a life-long journey.  Read to him/her the remainder of the booklet that read, "Now that you have received Christ".  Write your contact info on the back of the Booklet and contact them within

48 hours.  Listen, Discipleship is meant to be a TEAM sport, so get your church involved in helping this new convert grow).

I told you this process would be simple.  The toughest thing facing you right now is your own fear and insecurity. Go for it.  Jesus said in John 4:35, "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ALREADY white (i.e., ready) for harvest". Jesus has got you back.

Soli Deo Gloria

Todd