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Relationship Evangelism

Definition and Value. Relationship Evangelism. Review. Forces that hinder our personal evangelism efforts: Too many people Too fast and complicated lives Limited models of evangelism Misunderstanding separation The credibility gap Now let’s introduce a new model for evangelism.

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Relationship Evangelism

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  1. Definition and Value Relationship Evangelism

  2. Review • Forces that hinder our personal evangelism efforts: • Too many people • Too fast and complicated lives • Limited models of evangelism • Misunderstanding separation • The credibility gap • Now let’s introduce a new model for evangelism

  3. Saving the Lost • Evangelism is “spreading the good news” • The good news is salvation • What methods did God supply for us to get the good news of salvation to the lost? • The message (Rom 1:16) • The manifestation (e.g., 1 Pet 3:1-2) • We often start “personal evangelism” by putting the message first • Even with prospects we know, we treat religion as a separate topic

  4. Relationship Evangelism • Using the 2 means to best advantage • Starts with developing meaningful relationships • Must allow the beauty of the gospel to be demonstrated in our lives • The message flows freely and naturally as the relationship progresses

  5. Relationship Evangelism • What would it look like? • Initial contact • Becoming acquainted • Being a servant • Being a friend • Sharing your faith • Introducing the church (not the building) • Sharing the message of the gospel • The gospel’s invitation • Often we want to skip from 1 or 2 to 7 or 8 • We’ll discuss each stage in later lessons

  6. Relationship Evangelism • Will take time and effort • No quick fixes or shortcuts • Is available for use with all contacts • Everyone has acquaintances (step 2) so you’ve already started • You may already be at step 3 or 4 or 5 without even thinking about it as evangelism • Requires a total life commitment • Which is what God requires anyway (Rom 12:1-2)

  7. The Value of Relationship Evangelism • Its effect on our lives • Requires us to grow and develop spiritually • Other forms can be used by hypocrites or “casual Christians” as well as the dedicated • This form requires our lives to be an “open book” (2 Cor 3:2-3) • Motivate us to draw closer to God (Jms 4:7-10) • Will make us better Christians

  8. The Value of Relationship Evangelism • Its effect on the lives of non-Christians • Takes evangelism where the lost are • Let’s the salt mix with the food (Mt 5:13) • Let’s the light be seen where it is needed (Mt 5:14-16) • Can make our communities better places to live • Can improve the moral quality of our workplaces, schools, etc.

  9. The Value of Relationship Evangelism • Its potential for success • In the past, most Americans considered themselves Christian and worshipped regularly • Conversations could start with the message • Harris Poll (10/31/06) • Only 26% say they worship weekly • 46% attend a few times a year or less • (1998 poll) 94% believed in God • (2005 poll) 82% believed in God • (2013 poll) 74% believed in God • Often can’t start with the message

  10. The Value of Relationship Evangelism • Its potential for success • Poll of 10,000 church-goers (by IACG) • How / Why did you come to attend your church? • I had a special need - 2% • I just walked in - 3% • I like the minister - 6% • I visited there - 1% • I like the Bible classes - 5% • I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5% • I liked the programs - 3% • A friend or relative influenced me - 79%

  11. Conclusion • Relationship evangelism is NOT the only way to convert the lost • For some Christians, a traditional approach is easier • For some non-Christians a traditional approach works fine • But relationship evangelism • Is a natural result of Christianity • Makes us better Christians • Doesn’t scare off prospects • May lead to more success among the “unchurched”

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