basic street evangelism need-to-knows ★

TDK wants to encourage and equip you to share the gospel effectively! So here are a few of the basic need-to-knows about evangelism:

1: You have GOT TO BE PREPARED.

Granted, you won't have the answer for everything. And that's okay; never be afraid to say the words "I don't know." Because the truth is, we DON'T have all the answers. But, that doesn't mean you should go out into the world to tell the world something you don't even know about! Think about it this way {from a Francis Chan sermon}:

What if a door-to-door marketing person comes to your house. The guy who stands there is selling vacuum cleaners. Now, what if he had no idea about his company? What if you asked him simple questions that he didn't even know. Or worse what if he told you the wrong thing? Well he'd be fired that's what! Luckily we have a merciful and loving God. But, the main point is: Be prepared! Get into the bible, pray for the lost you'll be speaking to and get prepared.

2: You've got to have a header/starter.

This one is pretty easy and I'm sure you already know this. If you're going to go out and start conversations with strangers about Jesus, then you're going to need a starter. Two of the most popular ways to start are:

Questions/comments or tracts.

Tracts are simply pieces of paper with the gospel message on them. You can hand them out to people and they serve as great starters to conversations. "Hey did you happen to get one of these?"

Questions/comments are a bit harder but nothing you can't handle. It may be intimidating to walk up to a stranger and ask them a question but, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you right? {Philippians 4:13} Some questions/comments you might use as starters are:

*points to an object {lets say its a oven}* Isn't it cool how that oven's purpose is to make our food? What's your purpose? {From a teen ReThink Apologetics camp}

Do you think there's a God or a higher being?

If I had three minutes before I die sir/miss, what would you tell me?

Can I ask you a question? When has an explosion ever created order?

3: Know the types of people you're speaking to.

Check out our other post, "The types of people you'll meet while sharing the gospel {not personal}."

4: Drop the GOSPEL bomb *chokes*

Sometimes, we tend to dance around the actual gospel. We mention Jesus but don't really explain who He is or what He did for us. But GUYS! That's the whole reason we get to call ourselves Christians! Whether we skip around the gospel because we don't feel worthy enough to share it, or whether we water it down because we are afraid they won't except it, doesn't matter. Our motto, Matthew 28:19-20 says this, "Therefore go and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you[.....]" There it is. It's a commandment. Not a choice. Drop that gospel bomb and drop all of it! Not just part of it.

4: I didn't think it would go this far!

So you did it. You came prepared, you had a great starter and you dropped the gospel bomb like it ain't nevah been dropped before!

And then.....they want to except Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Gahhhhh! You didn't think it would go this far! So what do you do? Let's turn to the four R's {from the G3 book, pastor Greg Laurie} :

1: Realize

Make sure they realize they're sinners.

2: Recognize

Make sure they recognize that the only way to be saved is through Jesus.

3: Repent

Make sure that they know they have to repent, not just trust God. They've got to turn from their sin and believe.

4: Receive

Pray over them and with them to receive Jesus and rejoice in your new sibling through Christ.

5: Don't leave them hanging.

Because of the creeps in this world we do want to suggest that you not give out any personal information. Instead give them a bible or invite them to your church that way its safe and you don't just leave them hanging. And who knows? Maybe this is a start of a budding friendship. *who even says budding gosh sam o my lanta sometimes i worry about you*

If you're going out in a group of friends check out our post "Group Evangelism." If you have any questions or need prayer for anything don't hesitate to contact us! Have a blessed day!