S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM

S.P.i.N EVANGELISM Card

Simple Discipleship presents the newest method of sharing Christ.

There are many declining churches in the U.S. and at times the data have suggested that over 3,500 churches close each year. However, when new church starts are factored into the numbers, there is a net 500 to 800 new churches started each year. That may sound promising but the same church leaders tell us that to keep up with population growth, 13,024 new churches are needed each year. I believe that the decline of the church is two-fold: 1) Christians have not been discipled, and 2) as a result of #1 few Christians are sharing Christ and many have come to expect evangelism as only the work of ordained clergy. Where are the evangelists for Jesus?

CORPORATE EVANGELISTS

As I was researching to write this post, a friend sent me the most remarkable article concerning Microsoft Corporation. They recently made a major realignment in their corporate strategy and now have representatives in each state with the word “evangelist” in their titles:

• Developer Evangelists
• Architect Evangelists
• User Experience Evangelists
• Partner Evangelists

Consider that we now have secular corporations “stealing” and redefining words that only the church used for the last 2,000 years. The word “evangelism” comes right out of the Greek New Testament “euaggelistou” (transliterated Greek from 2 Timothy 4:5 which says “do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” The meaning of the word Christians lifted out of the Bible to describe the work of spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus has belonged exclusively to the church to describe part of the work of the Great Commission of Jesus. It is troubling that Microsoft Corporation has more “evangelists” promoting their business than many churches combined in the 21^st century. Where are the evangelists for Jesus?

WHY S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM?

Many Christians seem to approach evangelism as if it is a non-relational rapid transactional event in which the evangelist shares a memorized program of sharing Bible verses after which the recipient instantly prays a prayer. The evangelist quickly moves to their next prospect. I realize the description is rather cold but this is one reason evangelism is not working today.

I recently read a book titled SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham. After extensive research, Rackham found that rapid transactional selling works well enough for small consumer goods and services. However, his study also found that big-ticket items require multiple-meeting relational selling and that rapid transactional selling fails to work effectively for the big-ticket items. I believe the same is true today as applied to evangelism. The 21^st century church is faced with the most educated and skeptical audience ever. The fact is that salvation is not a small-comodity-rapid-transactional decision and thus requires that the evangelist use the multiple-meeting relational sharing approach that I call S.P.i.N. Evangelism.

WHAT IS S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM?

S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM uses a multiple-meeting relational sharing approach that leads the recipient deeper toward a spiritual decision to receive Christ using a progressive question process. Rather than a “push” method which inundates the recipient with various Bible verses, S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM asks questions in a conversational way that coaches the recipient deeper toward a decision. The questions have a tendency to cause the recipient to continue thinking about their spiritual status. The beauty of the method is that the evangelist leverages the work of the Holy Spirit as the issues that are raised by the questions continue to “spin” in the mind of the recipient. As the evangelist begins to answer any questions with Bible verses, the recipient may move toward a decision for Christ. The method uses the following acronym:

SPIRITUAL SITUATION

Questions:

• What is your spiritual situation?
• What are you relying on to get you into heaven?
• How does your religion or faith assure you a place in heaven?

PROBLEM OF SIN

Questions:

• What does your belief system do with the problem of sin?
• Are you satisfied with your faith not having a remedy for your sin?
• Would you consider another option that solves your sin problem?

ETERNAL iMPACT

Questions:

• What is the implication or impact on you if you have unresolved sin when you die?
• What is the impact on you if you have resolved your sin before you die?
• The sin problem has been solved. Would you be interested?
• If I could explain how your sin problem could be solved, what would you do?
• What if you knew that your sin had a remedy that assured you a place in heaven?

SPIRITUAL NEED

Questions:

• What would your life be like if you had assurance of forgiveness of sin?
• What if you could know that you have eternal life?
• How would assurance improve your quality of life now?
• What would be the benefit in the future of assurance of salvation?
• Why is it important for you to solve this problem?
• Would you like to choose to put your faith in Jesus Christ right now?

The reader may notice that S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM addresses two issues directly—sin and its once-for-all remedy. Too many methods fail on these two points. One of the greatest failures of the modern church is the belief that we can make the gospel of Jesus non-offensive to the world.

One of the greatest failures of the modern church is the belief that we can make the gospel of Jesus non-offensive to the world.

Some cases may allow for the evangelist to lead the recipient to a decision in one meeting, but most of the time the work of the evangelist may require three or more encounters. The method is especially useful for chaplains but many others will find it effective. The challenge is that S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM employs a cultivating gardening approach—preparing, cultivating, planting, and watering. Not many modern day evangelists have developed the patience for such a process but the “payoff” could be great for Christians who learn and use such a process.

I am currently teaching S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM as I receive invitations to churches. I have developed a simple card that I use to teach the method. There are many other evangelism coaching questions that are a part of the process. The method is fluid and the evangelist takes the cues from the Holy Spirit and the recipient during the process. The evangelist may use the card as a prep tool depending on where they are in the sharing process. It is conversational because there is nothing to memorize. Sharing of faith should come from the heart and not from a memorized speech. I am writing an ebook on the method that will be available soon.

I challenge you to learn to employ S.P.i.N. EVANGELISM and report your results to me at tom@simplediscipleship.com or in the comments section below this post. I look forward to seeing a new Great Awakening in our time!

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He has 20 years experience as a  pastor, and is an author, certified professional coach and coach trainer, leadership specialist, and a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

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DO OTHERS SEE YOUR FAITH?

Know Christ!

The Simple Discipleship process includes four primary value dimensions based on the four color fields or quadrants surrounding the cross—Worship (red), Word (blue), Ministry (yellow), and Missions (green). The words summarize four broad dimensions of the Christian life and may also be stated—Know Christ, Grow in Christ, Serve Christ, and Share Christ. Much, if not all, of the Bible may be categorized using these four broad value-based dimensions. The following is a Simple Discipleship devotional.

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Do other people see your faith? I am not suggesting that Christians should draw attention to themselves. In fact, Jesus’ method was not to do good things just to get attention. However, sometimes your best way to earn an opportunity to share your faith is through the authenticity of your faith as others see you live life. We might consider that others see and sense your faith.

Christians who visit our home say they feel a sense of harmony and safety. They sometimes use the word “haven” to describe it. People who are not particularly active in the Christian faith also say much the same thing. However, people who are antagonistic to the Christian faith clearly feel uncomfortable in our home. We have no Christian icons or decorations and while we do have prayer at meals, we do not have other worship activities in our home other than private individual devotional time. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit creates an environment of harmony for Christians and non-Christians sense it as discomfort that is actually conviction. The point is that people sense and see the authenticity of our faith. I only share this to make a point. Consider the passage:

Genesis 21:22-34 (SD- WORSHIP)

²²And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying,”God is with you in all that you do. ²³Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” ²⁴And Abraham said, “I will swear.” ²⁵Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. ²⁶And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.” ²⁷So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. ²⁸And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. ²⁹Then Abimelech asked Abraham,”What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?” ³⁰And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” ³¹Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. ³²Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines. ³³Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. ³⁴And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days. NKJV

In the text, Abimelech is a Philistine and told Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.” (Genesis 21:22) He and Abraham made a covenant of peace and apparently gave him the opportunity to settle in Beersheba. Abraham immediately planted a tree and worshipped the Lord in that place to commemorate God’s blessing on his life. Presumably, Abraham planted what became an oasis that was dedicated to God.

SD CrossPoints                          

1. Is your house a place to sleep or is it a haven of rest that is dedicated to God?  

2. Is your house an escape from reality for just you and your family or is it a place of spiritual respite for ministry to help others?

3. Would you consider your home to be just a structure or a blessing provided by God to use to minister to others?

Simple Discipleship Blessings!

Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He has 20 years experience as a  pastor, and is an author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

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BREAKING THE EVANGELISM CODE by Victor H. Benavides

I met Victor Benevides when we attended doctoral seminars together at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a contagious spirit for sharing Christ. I love being with him in public places just to see how easily he engages in sharing Christ with others in authentic yet inventive ways. While sharing my faith does not come so easily as it does for Victor, as I observe him, I do not feel inadequate. Rather, I feel inspired as I realize, “I could do that too!” or “Why didn’t I think of saying that?” Victor makes evangelism look easy without being pretentious. I have read many books on the subject of evangelism and Victor’s book is among the best and most practical book on the subject. Buy it, read it, apply it!                  …Tom Cocklereece

 

Learn How to “Break the Evangelism Code”

Have you wondered if evangelism still works? Why does it seem that so many people are down on doing what Jesus Christ commanded His followers to do, “Go make disciples” ? Since surrendering my life to Jesus, I have had a desire and passion to share Christ. I began with my co-worker. I shared the best way I knew how to express what God had done in my life.

Not having been trained I shared with friends and family. When I heard that my church was offering evangelism training I signed up for a 13 week class. It was tough but I managed to learn because I wanted to be obedient to Jesus command to go.

Over the years I have been shocked to hear church staff members and ministers make the statement that they were not sure if evangelism worked anymore. Denominational leaders have gone as far as discouraging the pastors and churches which they served that evangelism did not work in their state. Other leaders have written books dispelling the methods some used in the Bible as being ineffective. God forbid that His Word and commands not be effective and we disobey the Great Commission of making disciples.

“Over the years I have been shocked to hear church staff members and ministers make the statement that they were not sure if evangelism worked anymore.”

I became frustrated after attending meeting with denominational leaders and some pastors and hearing them exclaim that evangelism did not work in their state or city. I knew that these leaders were, mislead, not taking the correct approach, or tried once and failed, so they gave up. In some cases I had just led a team of missionary evangelists for a week and we had seen over two hundred people saved in their state or in a metropolitan center. I knew that evangelism worked. Evangelism is hard work. We must ask ourselves “How much effort did Jesus exert to pay for our sin, to the point of death?” Evangelism is hard work.

“Breaking the Evangelism Code” will encourage the reader to obey Jesus command to go witness. You can witness. You can go share your faith. You can obey Jesus’ command and go evangelize lost people and see people born into God’s kingdom.

“Evangelism is hard work. We must ask ourselves “How much effort did Jesus exert to pay for our sin, to the point of death?””

If you are looking for a book that will encourage and give you hope to fulfill the Great Commission, then get a copy of “Breaking the Evangelism Code.”

Buy the book: Breaking the Evangelism Code

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

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DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: #12 – PROCLAMATION DISCIPLESHIP

Proclamation Discipleship

This series of articles explores thirteen major methods that are effective for making disciples. Keep in mind that in a ubiquitous (all encompassing, everywhere present) disciple-making process, virtually each method is not only encouraged but is planned into the church ministries. Here is a list including links to articles that have been completed in the series:

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

Evaluate how you and your church are doing in the 13 methods of discipleship: Copy of 13 Ways to Make Disciples_Evaluation

WHAT IS PROCLAMATION DISCIPLESHIP?

Also known as open air preaching, street preaching, mass evangelism, and public preaching, proclamation discipleship has been used effectively for centuries…that’s right…centuries. There are three common elements of this discipleship method: 1) a large group of non-Christians or unchurched, 2) a compelling evangelistic message, and 3) an invitation to repent. Consider several biblical examples of proclamation discipleship:

• Jonah reluctantly went to preach to the people of Nineveh as recorded in the Bible book Jonah. His mission was ultimately successful as the whole population repented.
• Jesus Christ effectively used proclamation discipleship on many occasions but a specific example is The Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5-7. Though there appears to be no invitation given, Jesus’ clearly implied that he expected a clear decision of repentance.
• The book of Acts records several examples of proclamation discipleship by the apostle Paul. One such example is found in Acts 17:16-34 where Paul proclaimed the gospel to the Athenians.

Extra-biblical examples of proclamation discipleship include mass preaching events lead by well known leaders such as George Whitefield, John Wesley, Luis Palau and others. Luis Palau claims to have preached to audiences totaling one billion people at evangelistic events. Perhaps the most well known example is Billy Graham who has preached to live audiences of over 200 million people in 185 countries with estimated additional 86 million media listeners. Many people received Christ as a result of these well known major leaders who perfected proclamation discipleship. There are many others who have practiced this method of discipleship or evangelism and their efforts have certainly enlarged the Kingdom of God.

PROCLAMATION DISCIPLESHIP IN THE 21^ST CENTURY

Proclamation discipleship was used effectively by the leaders mentioned in the previous section and received prominence during the growth of the early church and during the period of the 17^th through the 20^th centuries. It does however seem that the use of this method of discipleship/evangelism is declining. Billy Graham and Luis Palau used the method most effectively through the end of the 20^th century but as yet there has not been a prominent evangelist to succeed them.

Much of what is called evangelism is directed to people who are already Christians. 

The people of the world are spiritually hungry and are searching for something to fill their void. For many people, the message of Christ by proclamation disciplists was the answer. Perhaps the massive church meetings in stadiums by a few mega-church pastors are seen as a movement that replaces a movement but they are not the same. A large mass meeting of church members is not the same as a crusade targeting many unchurched and/or non-Christians. The end of the 20^th century saw many “evangelists” focus their efforts on local church revivals instead of open-air-preaching to reach the unchurched and non-Christians. This writer sees this as a devolution or degeneration of true mass evangelism or proclamation discipleship. There is room for a new servant to emerge who will succeed the proclamation disciplists of previous generations.

 QUESTIONS:

1. Do you agree with the term “proclamation discipleship” as being the same as mass evangelism?
2. Reflect on the recent development of evangelists targeting church revivals instead of the unchurched and non-Christians.
3. Do you see a new major proclamation disciplist emerging?

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching Site

THE DISCIPLE-MAKER’S OATH

What is the intent of The Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18-20? Many Christians in the 21^st century fail to see themselves as disciples of Christ and some may not comprehend the meaning of being “followers of Christ.” It is obvious to most Christian leaders whether they serve in volunteer or vocational ministry that Jesus intended for all Christians to be disciples and more than that, he intended for all Christians to be disciple-making disciple-makers. His desire is that immediately upon receiving Christ and being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, every Christian is to make disciples.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO MAKE DISCIPLES?

For many Christian leaders The Great Commission is a two-step process—baptism (conversion/evangelism) and teaching all that Jesus Christ commanded (discipleship). In a sense, Jesus never intended for making disciples to be a two-stage process. Even so, it is tragic that so many Christians, leaders, and churches appear to focus on just one side of the making disciples equation—evangelism. Making disciples means that we baptize, then disciple new Christians at least to the point where they may spiritually feed themselves. To that end the ministry of Simple Discipleship seeks your partnership to launch a discipleship revolution, a Great Commission Resurgence, a Great Commission Initiative, and a new Great Awakening.

THE GREAT RE-COMMISSION

Copyright: qingwa / 123RF Stock Photo

The Great Re-Commission is a two prong process. It begins with forming a ‘Discipleship Special Ops Team” to change the status quo of the congregation and then leading people to “step-up” by renewing their commitment .

1)      Granted that Jesus’ Great Commission is perfect, but we have misunderstood it, disobeyed it, or refused to apply it. The Great Re-Commission is an effort to awaken the masses of Christians who are not engaged in the effort of winning the world to Christ. The Simple Discipleship ministry recommends that every church create a Discipleship Special Ops Team. This team of four discipleship coaches will launch a one-year focus on discipling every person in the congregation and seeking to change the culture of the church. The problem is that many Christians fail to see that when they received Christ and were baptized, they simultaneously took an oath and were commissioned as disciple-makers…evangelists and disciplists. “The Disciple-Maker’s Oath” is printed in “The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit.”

2)      Consider planning a Great Re-Commissioning service to create urgency and spiritual movement. Leaders might consider using The Disciple-Maker’s Oath as a part of the service. I patterned “The Disciple-Maker’s Oath” from The Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ as part of a series of messages titled “Discipleship Special Ops.” Use these ideas as the Lord leads you but please share results and testimonies with me.

 

The Disciple-Maker’s Oath

I _______________________, a disciple of Jesus Christ do solemnly swear

On the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ,

As I am going I will make disciples of all people I meet,

Regardless of race, national origin, or social standing,

I will encourage them to be baptized,

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

I will teach them to observe all the teachings of the Lord,

And I will rely upon his presence, strength, and power,

until the end of my earthly life. Amen.

by Dr. Tom Cocklereece

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QUESTIONS:

1. How would you word your own Disciple-Maker’s Oath?
2. Do you agree that church leaders and churches need to focus on both evangelism and discipleship?
3. How might the two prong plan suggested in this article change the culture of your church?

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is the author of Simple Discipleship: How to Make Disciples in the 21^st Century which was published and released by Church Smart Resources in November 2009. It is not a self-published book. To learn more about Simple Discipleship and to order the book, follow the link below:

http://www.simplediscipleship.com

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC

Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book  | Coaching Site

WHY DON’T SMART PEOPLE GET JESUS? (REMIX) Guest Post by Rachael Fox

This article was originally posted on October 7, 2008. It brought the highest traffic rating to the Simple Discipleship blog for one day, 550 on July 4, 2009—a record that remained until December 2011. Some in the blogging community reacted harshly even to the point of insulting the guest writer, Rachael Fox who was a minor at the time. I removed the post as the comments became more insulting tirades rather than respectful discussion. She is not making a case that we should not seek knowledge, but she is saying that we should not begin our knowledge of a particular discipline without first building a foundation that holds the “high walls” and advanced knowledge. Rachael is now a very articulate college student who continues to hold my deep respect. I decided to repost the article, as it represents a worldwide internet discussion about faith and reason.

                                                                                    Dr. Tom Cocklereece

June 29, 2011

Recently  (October 2008) I preached a message by the above title as the third message in a series QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED (John 3:1-21). Like many of my pastor friends, we often preach a message that we think is less than brilliant, and God does something unexpected with it. My last article touched on the subject of how God’s Holy Spirit works (https://drthomreece.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/global-warming/). The message discussed herein was one of those messages through which the Holy Spirit worked to inspire spiritual gold in the life of a teenager in my congregation. I have chosen to follow her remarks with a brief outline of the message to which she refers. Our guest blogger for this post is Rachel Fox, and I was moved and encouraged when she sent the following thoughts to me. Her words demonstrate Christian core values and spiritual growth for which I can take little credit. However, I stand amazed at what the Holy Spirit can do with the simple messages I offer on Sunday. I hope the readers will enjoy Rachel’s article.

Why Don’t Smart People Get Jesus?

The following is a response to a sermon by Pastor Tom Cocklereece. It does not exactly follow the sermon, but considering the content of it brought me to these thoughts.

Why don’t the people who search the Bible to understand the “deep” things find Jesus? Why is it that the people who want to learn and reason out the Bible are not the ones living for God? It seems they’ve out-thought themselves, gone too far with their knowledge. And yet, Proverbs tells us to “know wisdom and instruction…understand words of insight…Let the wise hear and increase in learning…” Isn’t it good to understand and learn? Isn’t it bad not to learn? “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will…fools hate knowledge?” Proverbs tells us that foolishness and lack of knowledge will be the death of these fools. Why, then, are those who seem to heed these words often the farthest from God?

While you ponder that, I will pose another question: Why does Jesus call for faith like a child’s? Mark’s gospel records Jesus saying, “Truly…whoever does not receive thekingdom ofGod like a child shall not enter it.” Children do not “reason out” God’s Word. They know that He loves them, that He sent Jesus to die for their forgiveness, and that Jesus came back to life. They know the “ABC’s” of salvation and all the VBS songs to go with them. When a child “accepts Christ”, all he knows is that God loves him; God forgave him; and he loves God. Therefore, Jesus is telling His disciples that they need to accept Him for simple reasons: His love, His forgiveness, and their love for Him.

However, Jesus is constantly teaching His disciples to understand the Scriptures in deeper ways. The Sermon on the Mount is full of insight and new perspectives. Through parables, Jesus instructs His disciples to think critically about things they hear.

How exactly, then, does this simple faith compare with 1) Jesus teaching His disciples to have insight and 2) Proverbs declaring the huge necessity of understanding?

Now we have come to a dilemma. Either Proverbs is wrong in calling for understanding, knowledge, and wisdom; or Jesus is wrong in calling for a simple faith. Right? “Of course not!” you’re probably thinking. “The Bible doesn’t contradict itself!” Ok…but why? I Corinthians13:11 says “when I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” When Paul speaks of “childish ways,” he is not speaking of them as a negative state. A child cannot be expected to act as a man would. A child should speak, think and reason like a child. However, when the child grows up, so should his level of speaking, thinking, and reasoning.

Faith is no different. Jesus calls for us to have faith like a child. We ought to “reason out” our faith as a child would: without theological textbooks, without doctorate degrees. Just as a child would: simply, very simply. However, we certainly ought not to stop there. Once we have laid our foundation, once we have salvation for the simple reasons, we are commanded to grow. We should search deeper in Scripture, learn more from education, seek to understand and gain knowledge. But only if we have laid a strong, simple foundation. Hebrews 5 illustrates this point:

“¹¹ We have much to say about [Christ’s life], but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. ¹² In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

We should reason according to the beliefs we already have, according to our simple faith. We should learn about Christian beliefs and other worldviews with the understanding that what we already believe is completely true. I Corinthians 13 goes on to say “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully…” As we grow, our basic knowledge does not change, it only grows in understanding and wisdom. We know the same things; only as we grow we understand them better. When we gain knowledge, it should be scrutinized by our beliefs and by the Scripture in which our foundation lies.

Now then, returning to the initial question, why don’t smart people get Jesus?

Simply because they lack a child-like faith. Instead of beginning with the foundation, they attempt to begin by building the high walls of theology and education. Just as the man who built his home on the sand without a foundation lost it [Matthew7:24-27], so will those who begin the gain of knowledge without the simple, but strong, foundation. Reason without God’s solid foundation will lead you astray. Man is far from perfect, and so is his reason and understanding unless it is founded on God.

By Rachel Fox

 

The Message: Why Don’t Smart People Get Jesus? John 3:1—21

Don’t let your “world view” get in the way of salvation. 

Nicodemus filtered his beliefs about salvation through his Jewishness. He thought he already had salvation. He probably thought, “I’m a Jew; a descendant of Abraham, and Jesus tells me I have to be born again?”

1. Presently we live at a time when the world view of many educated people is a “one world, all religions lead to the same place ideas.” Let me challenge that thinking. Do a comparison of the major religions by placing their primary claims side by side to see if they are truly the same.

John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus said, “You must be born again.”

How do Jesus’ statements stack up to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and so on?

1. Some educated people hold to an idea that atheism and agnosticism are superior world views. They tend to only really respect others who hold that view. They sometimes look down on the faithful simple people as well as educated people who hold allegiance to Christ.
2. Another world view can be “all Americans are Christians.” In AK I was doing premarital counseling for a couple. They were both PHD’s and taught in the universities. The bride was from Japan and was anxious to get baptized. When I explored the reason, I discovered that she thought to become an American she would have to also become a Christian and be baptized.
3. Some people think that because I’m from a Christian home, go to church, or was baptized as an infant I must be a Christian.

What does Jesus say about this? You must be born again.

Don’t let your goodness get in the way of salvation.

Don’t let your skepticism get in the way of salvation. 

You don’t have to be educated to be jaded or a professional skeptic of Christianity. By the time we become adults, we have collected many experiences, relationships, and hurts that often leave us jaded and skeptical of Christianity. Being jaded describes a person who has been involved in a religious experience, Christian or otherwise, that did not work for them. As a result they become cynical about it.

So what is the answer?

1. Come to Jesus as a child–with all of your knowledge but with the innocent and open attitude of a child.
   Mark 10:13-16 
2. Realize that your own education, worldview, pride, experiences, goodness, and thinking may be the greatest obstacle to faith.
3. Understand that your cautious skepticism can be your greatest help or hindrance to considering ideas that challenge your thinking.
4. Suspend judgement at least enough for objective thinking. Your worldview is shaped by your accepted community that expects your thinking to “fall in line” (conform) to theirs. Suspending judgement allows for you to be objective.

Satan has created a false reality for people today.

Even you think you are controlling your own life, but many people, especially those who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, are imprisoned in the virtual reality of their own desires, lusts, and sinful passions that may be proped up by their accepted community.

• Sin does not exist
• If it’s fun and I want to do it, then it must be ok.
• All religions lead to the same place.
• All religions are irrelevant.

Young people today have grown up with virtual reality. Video games, movie and TV special effects, and even friends are not real. They live a significant part of their lives in virtual worlds that are real to them. They have few close genuine friends, but “collect” friends to cover over their emptiness.

Receive Jesus Christ and be born again. Romans 12:2; Romans 10:9-10 

 Pascal’s Quadralemma Wager

1. If God does not exist and I do believe in him then I will have lost nothing.
2. If God does not exist and I do not believe in him I have likewise lost nothing.
3. If God does exist and I do believe in him I have gained everything.
4. If God does exist and I do not believe in him I have lost everything.

You choose.

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist (Now offering DiscipleCoach Certification Training; go to the “Disciple Coach Training” tab for information)

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the strengths of Rachael’s argument?
2. What are the weaknesses of Rachael’s argument?
3. How might one’s “accepted community” filter one’s worldview and openness to reasonable debate?
4. Explain how Christ expects us to be life-long learners while at the same time “come to him as a child?”
5. Why do communities of those who object to this discussion react as they do with condescension and insults instead of reasoned and respectful discussion?

——————–
Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching Site

NAPKIN EVANGELISM

Napkin Evangelism by Dr. Tom Cocklereece

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During early church times the gospel of Jesus was shared orally from person to person, in small groups, house churches and assemblies. Inexpensive printing in the 20^th century allowed for the introduction of tracts as the method of choice. Many tracts could be produced at a low cost and provided for whole congregations. By the end of the 20^th century every church, pastor, and evangelist seemed to have written their own tract that was customized to their liking. The 21^st century has brought some changes. Many unchurched began to see Christian witness tracts in the same light as junk mail or multi-level marketing promotion brochures. It’s time for Christians to change approaches to witnessing.

ORALITY EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP

Before his death, Avery Willis developed a new ministry called The International Orality Network which focuses on sharing the gospel of Jesus orally—as it was shared in Jesus’ time. Why is this important? In the USA, 28% of the population is either illiterate or functionally illiterate. Another 44% of Americans never read a single book (1993 Department of Education, USA, (http://www.efmoody.com/miscellaneous/illiteracy.html). That means that as many as 72% of Americans would not be able to read a gospel tract or would not trouble themselves to do so. Many of them do have mobile phones on which they often communicate by texting, so they do read short phrases.

Most people will not even begin to read a Bible tract. It is foolish for Christians to feel they have done their evangelistic duty simply by leaving a tract.

The time has come for every Christian to learn to share their faith orally. Oral evangelism may involve simple drawings and writing to hold the attention of the one with whom the gospel is being shared. “Napkin Evangelism” is one method of oral sharing of the gospel. There is nothing more effective in sharing the gospel than to personally CONNECT by sharing while looking into the eyes of the one who needs to receive Christ. The pictographs on the napkin serve to keep both–the sharer and the listener–focused.

There is nothing more effective in sharing the gospel than to personally CONNECT by sharing while looking into the eyes of the one who needs to receive Christ. The pictographs on the napkin serve to keep both–the sharer and the listener–focused.

EVANGELISM TWOFER

My dad was a salesman who loved to meet people at the local coffee shop of his day–Waffle House. I sometimes watched as he interacted with a client or even a student salesman as he wrote pithy notes on the back of a napkin. I saw that his method kept both he and his listener engaged. In fact there is a little book on the subject written to salesmen–The Back of the Napkin.

Don’t negate the use of drawing and writing on a napkin. Besides, I have discovered that a waiter or waitress may read a napkin that is left behind and receive Christ. While they may quickly throw away Bible tracts, they may be just curious enough to look at your doodling. Imagine that your lunch partner received Christ and then the waitress also received Christ! With God, all things are possible.

Please share your “napkin evangelism” stories as comments.

(Napkin and Oral Evangelism are included in my Make Disciples Conferences. Consider hosting a conference at your church.) This training will also be included in the soon to be published Simple Discipleship: Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit.

Make disciples!

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

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Simple Discipleship: How to Make Disciples in the 21^st Century was published and released by Church Smart Resources in November 2009. It is not a self-published book. To learn more about Simple Discipleship and to order the book, follow the link below:

http://www.simplediscipleship.com

——————–

Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC

Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book

Evangelism without Discipleship

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF A SAMPLE DISCIPLESHIP PLAN FROM SIMPLE DISCIPLESHIP.

Click Here—> “DISCIPLESHIP PLAN“

My readers know that I am passionate about disciple-making and it pains me when other Christian leaders accuse proponents of full discipleship of being less than zealous of penetrating lostness by saturation evangelism. I am just as zealous of evangelism as I am about the teaching part of the Great Commission. However, I am also against what I call “Constantinian evangelism” which is evangelism without discipleship. Allow me to explain.

CONSTANTINE’S CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY

Chi-Rho Symbol

In the spring of A.D. 311, Constantine and his force of about 40,000 troops marched toward Rome to confront the more numerous forces of Maxentius. In the evening Constantine saw a vision in the sky which was described as a bright cross with the words “By this sign conquer.” According to Constantine’s account, Jesus Christ told him in a dream to take the cross into battle as his standard. Constantine reportedly had his commander to mark every soldier’s shield with the Chi-Rho symbol- thought to be an early Christian sign identifying allegiance to Christ (Christianity Today).

CONSTANTINE SET THE STAGE FOR EVANGELISM WITHOUT DISCIPLESHIP

Constantine

Stories continue to circulate that Constantine supposedly marched his army through a river for a ritual mass conversion to Christianity or gave them a sprinkling baptism as they marched under a bridge. There is scant evidence that such a mass conversion event occurred. It is well documented in history that Constantine himself remained a superficial Christian at best during the rest of his life. The standard practice of that day for new converts to Christianity was a rigid discipleship course lasting up to three years followed by baptism. Constantine refused any such course of training and even refused baptism until he was close to death.

By his victory at the Milvian Bridge using the Chi-Rho symbol, many soldiers likely adopted the mark in a superstitious way. They accepted the symbol of Christianity while never seeking to really know the Savior Jesus Christ. Thus began what might be called “Constantinian evangelism” or evangelism without discipleship. Constantine may have instituted mass conversion of his military by the use of an indoctrination prayer:

Constantine’s Army Prayer
Emperor Constantine ca 320

We know Thou art God alone;
we recognize in Thee our king.
We call on Thee for aid.
From thee we receive victory,
through thee we are made greater than our enemies.

We recognize thy grace in present blessings
and hope on Thee for the future.
We all beseech Thee, we implore Thee
to preserve our king Constantine
and his pious sons safe and victorious to the end or our days.

Constantine’s Prayer

In A.D. 303 it was illegal for a soldier in the Roman army to be a Christian; by 416 it was mandatory for a soldier to be a Christian (Adventist Review). The possible use of a prayer for either mass conversion (which converts no no one) or represents compulsory religious conversion by the state should send chills down the spiritual spine of any evangelical Christian. However, it does raise the question for evangelicals: “Do we use what is known as “the sinner’s prayer” in a similar manner?

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” The Sinner’s Prayer

Certainly evangelicals do not approve of or use the sinner’s prayer for state compulsory or mass conversion but the focus on evangelism and baptisms without an equal focus on discipleship raises concern.

INVESTING IN EVANGELISM FUTURES

Process Discipleship

I am not a proponent of a several year discipleship process before one is accepted as a genuine Christian. However, if only by default, many evangelical Christian leaders today may have unintentionally accepted a powerless form of Christianity—evangelism and conversion without discipleship, i.e. Constantinian evangelism. I am for all evangelistic efforts PLUS discipleship.

Discussions rage about the decline of evangelical churches and much of it centers on the need for more evangelism. However, undiscipled Christians are often poor evangelists. Consider that an original document is printed and then successive photo copies are made from copies of the original. Eventually the document will be unreadable. Undiscipled Christians may be like the illustration and fail to make new disciples. On the other hand, good discipleship of new Christians is an investment into future evangelism and real church growth.

Good discipleship of new Christians is an investment into future evangelism and real church growth.

It is time for the evangelical church to return to making disciples as the Great Commission commands—baptizing AND teaching. Church leaders should connect all discipleship ministries in an intentional process as well as cultivate a church culture where people are motivated to follow through in the growth process. The process must include missional opportunities that encourage hands-on ministry experience. Churches that do this are revitalizing their ability to do effective evangelism, as they create needed sustainability.

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QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT

1. When Jesus commands his church to make disciples, to what degree does the responsibility belong to the church and to what degree is it the individual Christian’s responsibility?
2. Do you think that some evangelists use “the sinner’s prayer” as Constantine may have used “Constantine’s Army Prayer?”
3. What process does your church use to make disciples?
4. Does your church focus on evangelism without a viable plan for discipling new believers?
5. Does your church take a passive laissez-faire approach to discipling new Christians?
6. How may your church improve the discipleship process?

Simple Discipleship Blessings!

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

The Simple Discipleship blog is read by Christian leaders in over 66 countries. Pray for this ministry as God has enlarged our territory!

________________________

Simple Discipleship: How to Make Disciples in the 21^st Century was published and released by Church Smart Resources in November 2009. It is not a self-published book. To learn more about Simple Discipleship and to order the book, follow the link below:

http://www.simplediscipleship.com

——————–

Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching

Got Style? Evangelism in Particular- by Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson

This article is part 2 of a virtual book tour for Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson and his new book Got Style? Personality-Based Evangelism. The author challenges the reader on why sharing the greatest message in the universe makes many feel burdened and overwhelmed because they are sharing out of guilt instead of grace. Dr. Johnson establishes a case that people will evangelize more frequently as they do so using their natural style that is related to their God-given personalities. This article gives readers a taste of the book and the need for rethinking biblical evangelism that avoids the traditional cookie-cutter methodology. Most of my readers have received some kind of evangelism training which sometimes gives the impression that Christians are robots going from one person to another and playing a recording. Sharing our faith is to be anything but rote impersonal repetitive encounters with others who need a personal relationship with God. Dr. Johnson serves as the National Director of Evangelism and Church Planting for the American Baptist Churches, USA.  …Dr. Tom Cocklereece

Personality Based Evangelism in Particular:

The stories of Andrew and Phillip-and the experiences of other people I have known-have always led me to wonder exactly what it is that allows or enables people to share their faith with others so freely and so immediately after their conversions. It seems clear that a believers’ early communication then and now is about a personal encounter and experience with Christ, not really a doctrine or dogma. Why? It certainly is because the Holy Spirit leads and moves people, and the Spirit’s role cannot and will not be minimized. But is there also some God-given something in people the Holy Spirit works with that enables them to be early and effective witnesses, even without special training? I believe there is. My study and experience have led me to this conclusion.

More than anything else, personality is the human component involved in effective evangelism. By personality, I mean much more than the traditional dichotomy of extrovert vs. introvert, which pits three-fourths of population against the other fourth, respectively. Extroverts and introverts can be found in varying degrees in any of the personality styles. By personality I mean God’s inherent wiring as to how people generally engage and interact with the world.

People seem to instinctively know this even if they have different ways of expressing it. A recent informal poll found only 8 to 10 percent of Christians regularly share Christ with others. When asked, “Why don’t Christians share Christ?” several responses were given:

• 33.5% – Afraid of being rejected, embarrassed
• 21.7% – Afraid of not having answers
• 19.2% – Rarely think about the need
• 17.3% – Don’t know what to say
• 8.3% – Haven’t found a way to share that fits personal style (In other words, it’s not comfortable or natural.)

Though the last response names “personality” specifically, personality seems to be behind the other responses; people are really saying they haven’t found a way to do evangelism naturally – as a part of how they are “wired.” Because evangelism has become associated with something unnatural or forced, it feels “bad.” I never understood why sharing the something so good makes so many feel so bad until I realized most people are doing evangelism in a way contrary to the way God made them. We are called to do evangelism out of “grace, not guilt. It can be enjoyable, not just an endurable experience”

I began searching the inspired pages for how Scripture views and values evangelism. While contemporary examples are helpful, they cannot replace New Testament examples. What I began to see was evidence that we all have this “personality thing” and it influences how we share Christ with others. One of the most striking examples of Spirit-used personality is in the book of Acts where we read about Saul, whom we come to know later by his Greek name Paul. Examining some of Paul’s story will give us a glimpse of how the Spirit works with personality, not only to find faith (Evangelism) but to mature in it as well (Discipleship), but that’s content for another book at another time.

Paul was, from Scripture’s earliest references, a passionate persecutor of those who held the new Christian faith. He was present at the martyrdom of Stephen and, though only watching over the outer garments (coats) of those who stoned Stephen, he was guilty by association.

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him [Stephen], dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul (Acts 7:57-58 NIV).

Paul’s passion finds further expression as he traveled north to Damascus to, in his words, “persecute the church of God” (1Corinthians 15:9) and “try to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). It is clear that for Paul, this was more than completing a job task. He took his responsibility personally. Personality is very personal. For each of us, it is unique. It defines who we are and directs how we interact with others. And yet it was en route to Damascus to carry out this persecution that Paul had a life-transforming encounter with Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.”Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:1-5 NIV).

The record goes on to tell us that after only three days, Paul walked south on the same road, but he was changed from Christianity’s greatest persecutor or Christianity’s greatest promoter!

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 9:19-22 NIV)

What strikes me about Paul’s story is this: it was only three days between the time he was an enemy of Christ and when he became a first-class friend of Christ. More striking is he attended no online training program, no school of evangelism, no workshop or seminar. What did God’s Spirit tap in Paul to move him out to promote that which he passionately and intensely had persecuted days before? God used Paul’s inherent assertive personality. Surrendering his entire life to the Spirit, personality included, was a part of his transformation. With the same vigor, the same personality, Paul promoted the very thing he tried to destroy.

Paul’s conversion was evidence of the Spirit’s working in his heart. Paul shared the Gospel using his personality as he surrendered himself to the Holy Spirit. This was just one example in Scripture. I wondered if there were other kinds of evidence for how the Spirit views or uses personalities, so I searched Scriptures further. This is what I found:

Whoever speaks, does so using the words God provides, and whoever serves, does so using the strength God provides, so that in all these things, God might be acknowledged” (I Peter 4:11 NIV, italics mine).

This verse indicates everyone in the world fits into two broad groups: those who naturally engage the world by what they say and those who naturally engage the world by what they do. The first group uses words (verbal or written) and emphasizes the head. The second group uses works and emphasizes the hands. There are three styles I believe under the “Words” and three styles under the “Works” with a couple substyles under a few. These two groups describe how we all are generally wired as God created us.

Looking further in Scriptures, 1 Peter 3:11 gives additional insight into the styles of presence: “…won, without a word, by their conduct” (NIV). Here, it is not what is said, but what is done that can win people over. People who are basically doing people get their hearts and hands dirty in their evangelistic efforts. But just so there is no misunderstanding: words also have a vital place. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us “we should be ready always to give the reason for the hope that is within us” (NIV). This verse assumes our lives will cause people to want to know “why” – and we need to be ready with words to explain because they will initiate the conversation and ask the questions.

It must also be understood here that evangelism is not about convicting, convincing, or converting the non-Christian. That is the work of God through the activity of the Holy Spirit in a person’s heart. Evangelism is about introducing people to Christ through persuasive presentation, using both speech (lips) and actions (life) to share the Good News. Presentation only appeals to a need already present in a person or that can be perceived during the encounter. Thus, evangelism is really about conversing with the person in such a way that communicates the Gospel. Again, words and works are the two basic ways we can evangelize. God wired us with one or the other of these broad based personality categories.

Though I have been touting this dichotomy for years, the most concise descriptors I’ve read that contrast between words and works are presented in Irresistible Evangelism. Below are several pairings, representing two sides of a continuum; word or proclamation styles are on the left and works or presence styles are on the right.

• Monologue … Dialogue
• Presentations … Conversations
• Our language … Their language
• Count (quantity of) conversions …Count (quality of) conversations
• Front door approaches … Back door approaches
• Fishing from the bank … Swimming with the fish
• Scripted … Spontaneous
• Winning … Nudging
• Gospel presentations … Gospel experiences

To hear more about this, check out Jeff’s book, Got Style? Personality-Based Evangelism at http://www.judsonpress.com. It is turning traditional evangelism on its head.

Got Style? Evangelism in General- by Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson

It is my pleasure to participate in a virtual book tour for Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson and his new book Got Style? Personality-Based Evangelism. I have always thought that there are differences in the natural style each Christian as related to sharing Christ with others. Being of the melancholy/beaver personality type, I tend to appeal to logic, reason, and the Bible. My wife, Janice is the choleric/lion personality type and tends to cut to the chase and quickly attempts to influence a decision for Christ. Dr. Johnson establishes a case that people will evangelize more frequently as they do so using their natural style that is related to their God-given personalities. This article gives readers a taste of the book and the need for rethinking biblical evangelism that avoids the traditional cookie-cutter methodology. A subsequent article next week will focus on specifics of Got Style? Personality-Based Evangelism. Dr. Johnson serves as the National Director of Evangelism and Church Planting for the American Baptist Churches, USA.

Evangelism in General: In nearly twenty-five years of ministry, I have heard repeatedly preached and presented that an individual Christian needed to know their spiritual gifts in order to be effective at sharing their faith. That seemed to me to stifle the energy and enthusiastic a new believer brought to the conversion, especially if they are not the much biblically literate or historically churched at the time of their commitment to Christ. So that got me thinking … “What is it that people have inherently and innately within themselves at their point of conversion that God can use to enable them to share their faith effectively?” I came to the conclusion … it’s personality. Though spiritual gifts can enhance a person’s witness, they are not a requirement to be a witness. It seemed to me that the early church did effective evangelism for decades, actually seeing larger scale conversions than we have witnessed today and without the benefits of the lists of or training about spiritual gifts. It was centuries later that lists were widely disseminated for comparison purposes. When the gifts are presented in the Bible, it is always in connection to building up the Body of Christ, not reaching people outside the established Church.

This false premise of the relationship of evangelism and gifts needs to be replaced with better understanding of witnessing. Surprising as it might sound, the term “witnessing” is not a scriptural term. Being a witness is entirely scriptural. Witnessing is something you do. Being a witness for Jesus is something you are. Witnessing is a verb, a mechanical process. Being a witness is a noun, an organic reality. What qualifies you to be a witness for Christ is spending time with Christ.

At this point, you may be aware of an assumption I make about evangelism in general: I believe there is some point in time when a person makes a conscious decision to follow Christ. This can happen in any Christian tradition or outside all Christian influences. The decision may happen suddenly, as in Paul’s case, or it may happen gradually, as in Timothy’s case where he grew up with a believing mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). However it happens, becoming a disciple of Jesus is something people choose and accept rather than something that “just happens” to them from the outside. I believe that people come into God’s family by their own choices, not the words or choices of others. God has no spiritual grandchildren, just daughters and sons. Since that is the case, every person needs an opportunity to make that decision. Our evangelistic efforts give them that opportunity.

Growing up in Christ and mature use of the gifts does include acquiring some knowledge of the Bible. When people come to faith in Jesus Christ, their biblical literacy and knowledge vary widely. But, they all have a natural inclination to somehow share their new found faith. Expecting people to wait to share their faith until they have a general, adequate understanding of Scripture is problematic in two ways. First, who gets to decide what is adequate? Second, learning Scripture basics take time. And if people have little or no knowledge of the Bible when they come to faith in Christ, they might wait months or years to build that foundation. In the meantime, the energy and enthusiasm inherent in their conversion becomes stifled; passion wanes. New believers often become only “hearers” of the Word and not doers (James 1:22). New believers generally have twelve people in their spheres of influence who are not yet believers while long term Christians have about four on the average. Taking new believers out of their spheres of influence for any length of time substantially limits the reach of the Kingdom.

From a Biblical point of view, however, there is no time limit when it comes to sharing the Gospel. From the moment people experience salvation, they become witnesses, expected to share their faith experience, to introduce others to Christ. The Scripture’s witness in John 1 records that within hours Andrew shared his encounter with Christ– and with his own brother Peter. The next day, Philip – within hours of meeting Jesus – introduces his friend Nathanael to Christ. Studies show the closer one’s conversion to Christ is to one’s conversation about Christ, the more often one will share one’s faith over the course of time. The greater the lapse of time between eternal conversion and eventual conversation about it, the less likely people are to evangelize and evangelize regularly, if ever. Some studies say that as many as 50% of believers have never shared their faith with another person. What would account for this? Perhaps if we are honest, we will admit that the more leadership roles people take on in the church in order to “use their spiritual gifts,” the less time they have for connections with people who are not yet Christian believers.

To hear more about this, check out Jeff’s book, Got Style? Personality-Based Evangelism at www.JudsonPress.com. It is turning traditional evangelism on its head.

Purchase Dr. Johnson’s book at the link above to Judson Press or at Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Got-Style-Personality-Based-Jeffrey-Johnson/dp/0817015558/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258646452&sr=8-1