Evangelistic Models, Methods, and Tools

As there are many different stylistic approaches to reaching people with the gospel (see previous post), there is also a variety of evangelism models, methods, and tools that can be evaluated and adapted to support and improve our efforts at evangelizing.

EVANGELISTIC MODELS¹

1. Information Transmission

This model of sharing the gospel is a one-way act of communicating facts. The relationship approximates a lecturer and a pupil. The aim is to impart correct information and secure mental assent (indoctrination). While truth may very well be presented, the question must be asked: What role does God’s written word have in the learning process? Without an open Bible, there is no sure way to verify whether or not truth is being conveyed. We no longer live in the first-century miraculous age when preaching the gospel was accompanied by confirming signs. There may be occasions when information needs to be orally transmitted, but unlike the period before the biblical canon was complete, this is no longer sufficient as the lone evangelistic model. 

2. Manipulative Monologue

Manipulative monologue relies on leading questions and emotional appeals. The relationship approximates a salesperson and a customer. The goal is to “close the sale” and get visible and immediate results, even if one is coaxed into doing something he or she is not ready to do. But how does this method engender deep and lasting faith? Once again, the question must be asked: What role does God’s written word have in convincing and converting? While emotion should not be totally divorced from communicating and learning about God’s love and expectations, it does not provide a solid foundation upon which saving faith is built.

3. Non-Manipulative Dialogue

Non-manipulative dialogue is a two-way course of interaction. The relationship approximates a friend to a friend. The aim is to share love and faith and influence. While this type of engagement can be positive and beneficial, without a mutually agreed-upon standard of authority it is essentially one opinion versus another opinion that often leads to unhelpful disputes or the dead-end of agreeing to disagree. Beyond friendly conversation and quoting from memory isolated Bible verses, what about approaching the Bible itself as the sole standard for learning and addressing misconceptions and disagreements? Relational communication is important, but without the written word of God, evangelistic attempts are incomplete and ineffective.

 

4. Self-Discovery

The aim of the self-discovery model is to point to the scriptures as the authoritative message of God, while encouraging and directing people to learn for themselves from what they read therein. The relationship approximates a guide and a learner. The purpose is to allow the Bible itself to do the teaching (deductive Bible study). With this methodology, God’s written word is the central focus and basis of instruction. There may be positive aspects of the other models (noted above) that can be incorporated into the self-discovery approach, but none of them is adequate by itself. In order to effectively guide a learner through the scriptures leading to salvation, one must either have a thorough knowledge of the Bible and relevant texts or have access to proficient and trustworthy Bible study tools.

EVANGELISTIC METHODS AND TOOLS²

1. Personal Bible Studies

God, through his word, is the one who ultimately saves souls (John 8:31-32, 51; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; Jas 1:21). Our immediate goal in evangelism should therefore be getting people into the word of God and guiding them through. If someone is not engaged in Bible study, there can be no genuine conversion. A number of Bible study tools are available to the brotherhood, including materials from House-to-House Heart-to-Heart School of Evangelism, Fishers of Men, Ivan Stewart’s Open Bible Study, Stephen Rogers’ Evangelism Made Simple, John Jones and Lance Mosher’s Make Disciples Training Program, to name a few. The more one conducts personal Bible studies and learns from personal experience, one may want to develop one’s own Bible study lessons.³

2. Virtual Bible Studies

When face-to-face study of God’s word is just not possible, technology enables us to personally engage with those from whom we are separated. While not as ideal as in-person interaction, it is the next best thing. Virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, and Vimeo provide real-time connectability that would otherwise be missed.

3. Digital Bible Studies

Although missing out on the personal interaction afforded by the above scenarios, a pre-recorded Bible study is surely better than no Bible study at all, plus there are topics already well presented that the evangelizer might feel inadequate to handle. Helpful resources are available through Apologetics Press, Truth for the World, World Video Bible School, Searching for Truth, Lance Mosher’s Topical Bible Studies, and Gospel Broadcasting Network. The tried-and-true Jule Miller Visualized Bible Study Series is designed to incorporate the pre-recorded materials into personal interaction and discussion.

4. Group Bible Studies

The concept of corporate evangelism is well documented in the NT. However, this method was better suited for the collectivist environments of the ancient Mediterranean world, whereas modern westernized cultures are more individualistic. Trying to study the Bible with a group of people today is therefore less-than ideal unless the group is relatively small and each person is intellectually, socially, and spiritually compatible with everyone else. Otherwise, this could serve as a channel to identify certain ones in the group for follow-up later in a more personal setting.

5. Bible Correspondence Courses

Studying the Bible by way of mailing lessons or online courses has been an effective means of outreach for certain ones who might not be reached otherwise. Helpful materials include the John Hurt 12-Lesson Bible Correspondence Course, World Bible School, Truth for the World courses, both printed and online.

6. Evangelistic Books

As a supplement to our evangelistic endeavors, or as a gift to someone who needs the gospel, a number of good books are available that can help stimulate interest and assist searching souls in finding the truth. Michael Shank’s Muscle and a Shovel <Link> has led to many conversions. Definitely worth reading and sharing are Lance Mosher’s Transformed: A Spiritual Journey and Searching for Brandon Bason <Link>.

7. Tracts and Pamphlets

While this may not be the most successful way to reach the lost, a well-written tract or pamphlet on a particular Bible topic can inform and create greater interest in learning more. For evangelistically-minded individuals and churches, these materials are always handy to have in one’s evangelism tool kit. Helpful printed and online materials are available through Newsletter Evangelism (combined with door-knocking), Truth for the World, and House to House Heart to Heart.

Conclusion

Some in the church may seem better than others at reaching souls with the gospel, but this is no excuse for any Christian to not even try. The only way to fail at evangelism, and the best way to ensure that a lost soul stays lost, is to say and do nothing. But with the Lord’s help, and with so many stylistic approaches, models, methods, and tools at our disposal, may we all be busy doing something!

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ The first three descriptions are adapted from H. Eddie Fox and George E. Morris, Faith-Sharing (Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 1986) 89-90. Flavil R. Yeakley, in his “Views of Evangelism,” assesses these three approaches and evaluates church growth in relation to each, <Link>.

     ² See Aaron Gallagher’s GBN interview with Rob Whitaker of House-to-House Heart-to-Heart School of Evangelism, “7 Effective Evangelism Methods” (2020), <Link>.

     ³ From Ivan Stewart’s Open Bible Study (OBS), to Rod Kyle’s Home Bible Study (HBS), to Kevin Moore’s Personal Bible Study (PBS), to Kent O’Donnell’s The Seed for Truth Seekers (TSFTS), we learn from each other and work together in a collaborative effort to win souls for Christ.

Related Posts: Evangelism: What, Where, Whom, How?, Evangelistic Approaches for Everyone

 

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Evangelistic Approaches for Everyone

While there is only one gospel (Gal. 1:6-9), there is not just one way to share it. Everyone is different. Personality-wise, no one should be expected to be someone he or she is not. Even those of us who are burdened by introversion, shyness, timidity, and fear have something to offer in sharing the gospel. The Bible presents a variety of evangelistic approaches that can effectively lead souls to the Lord.¹

Direct Confrontational Approach

On the Day of Pentecost Peter proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ in a very bold and direct manner (Acts 2:22-41). Along with scriptural confirmation he declared the death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus, pronouncing him as Lord and Christ, while openly confronting his listeners with the guilt of their sins. The forthright, unambiguous, confrontational approach with which he presented the gospel led to convicted hearts and the conversion of thousands. Some have the personality and oratory skills to use this approach efficiently with opportunities to speak to large groups, but not everyone does.

Intellectual Approach

Paul customarily “reasoned” with those he sought to reach with the gospel (Acts 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19; 24:25). Addressing sophisticated Greek philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:15-34), he began where they were in their spiritual journey and academic environment. He used logic and instructional techniques with which they were familiar and could relate to and understand, informing them about God, the resurrected Lord, and the coming judgement. Not everyone was convinced on this occasion, but the receptive ones were. Analytical thinkers with good reasoning skills can effectively use this approach, but it is not for everyone.

Testimonial Approach

Few begin their Christian walk with a thorough knowledge of the Bible or with practical experience in evangelism, but every baptized believer knows what he or she has learned, obeyed, and experienced in becoming a child of God. One cannot share what one does not know, but nobody in Christ knows nothing. When Jesus healed the Gergesene demoniac, he told the man, who had no theological training or evangelistic experience, “Go to your home, to your own [people], and announce to them how much the Lord has done for you and has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).² Apparently with great enthusiasm, “he departed and began proclaiming in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and all were amazed” (v. 20). How successful was this simple approach? Although Jesus was initially rejected in the Decapolis region, when he later returned, the people warmly received him “and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt. 15:29-31; Mark 7:31-37). If one has a story worth sharing, it ought to be shared (cf. Acts 26:1-29; 1 Cor. 5:9-10).

Serving Approach

Not everyone in the church has the same talents and resources, but we all have something to offer (Rom. 12:4-8). Tabitha (Dorcas) was “full of good works and charitable deeds,” making clothes for the local widows (Acts 9:36-39). The Bible commends those who raise godly children, have a persistent prayer life, live good moral lives, have a good reputation, are hospitable, serving, and benevolent, and pursue every good work (1 Tim. 5:3-10). “Let your light so shine before men so that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). People are drawn to Christ through humble Christ-like attitudes and behaviors.

Relational Approach

Every Christian has a unique circle of influence and is probably in a better position than anyone else to reach these particular souls. But some in the church are instinctively more social, extroverted, and people-oriented than others, and developing relationships that help connect people to the Lord is a natural gift. Before Matthew Levi set out on his apostolic mission, he made sure his friends and acquaintances had the opportunity to know Jesus (Luke 5:27-29). Andrew does not appear to have been as compelling and influential as his brother Simon Peter, but he is remembered for bringing people to Jesus (John 1:35-42; 6:8-9; 12:20-22).

Invitational Approach

Another soul impacted by the Lord was a Samaritan woman near the city of Sychar in Samaria (John 4:1-43). Although she was infantile in her faith with a sordid reputation in her community, her message was simple: “Come, see a man who told me all things whatever I have done. Can this be the Christ?” (v. 29). “Now many of the Samaritans from the city believed in him through the word of the woman testifying, ‘He told me all things I did.’ When the Samaritans therefore came to him, they were asking him to stay with them, and he remained there two days. And many more believed through his word. And they were saying to the woman, ‘No longer do we believe because of your words, for we ourselves have heard, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world’” (vv. 39-42). We see what can happen from a simple, non-confrontational, non-threatening invitation! You may not be able to lead someone all the way through to gospel obedience, but you can initiate the process with a gracious invitation to church services, Bible studies, and congregational activities.

Conclusion

There is not just one way to evangelize. Considering individual personalities, circumstances, and opportunities, each member of Christ’s body must determine which approach, or combination of approaches, works best. And the beauty of how the Lord’s church is designed, we work in a collaborate effort as co-laborers with God who ultimately gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:5-9).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Lee Strobel, atheistic-journalist turned Christian apologist, was influenced by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg’s book Becoming a Contagious Christian (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008). Drawing from biblical examples, Strobel shares these six evangelistic styles. See “Evangelism Styles and Your Personality,” EvangelismCoach.org (retrieved 14 Dec. 2025), <Link>.

     ² Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are the author’s own translation.

Related Posts: Foundation of Evangelism, An Unlikely Missionary, Evangelism: What, Where, Whom, How?, Evangelistic Models, Methods, Tools

 

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Evangelism: What, Where, Whom, How?

What is Evangelism?

The English word “evangelism” comes from the Greek euaggélion, a combination of the adverb eû (“well”) + noun ággelos (“messenger”), meaning “good news” or “glad tidings.” In English Bibles it is often rendered “gospel.” The verb euaggelízō means to “proclaim good news” or “announce glad tidings,” sometimes translated “preach the gospel.” Evangelism, when properly understood, is not what we do to people but what we do with the good news of the gospel message.¹

 

The Arena of Euaggelízō

Scripture documents various occasions when good news [euaggélion] was announced [euaggelízō]: (a) for an individual (Luke 1:19); (b) within a small group (Luke 2:10); (c) before a multitude (Luke 3:18). When the early church, comprised of both men and women, was forced to flee from Jerusalem, these scattered Christians went everywhere euaggelizómenoi (“declaring [the] good news”) of the word (Acts 8:1-4). No specific setting, situation, or environment is disclosed. Whenever and wherever it is appropriate for glad tidings to be proclaimed is an opportunity for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It is no more complicated than a beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.²         

Whose Responsibility?

In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, as Paul considers “anyone” who is a new creation “in Christ,” the first person plurals (“we,” “us”) are in reference to all who have obeyed the gospel, having been baptized into Christ.³ Speaking collectively the apostle observes, God “having reconciled us to himself through Christ” (v. 18a), “has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18b), “having placed in us the word of reconciliation” (v. 19b). “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ” (v. 20a) as God is “appealing through us, we implore on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God’” (v. 20b).

Unfortunately, a number of English versions have inserted the second-person pronoun “you” into v. 20b (ASV, CEV, ERV, ESV, NASB, NET, NIV, N/KJV, N/RSV, WEB), even though it is absent from the Greek text. Paul’s targeted reading audience had already been reconciled to God (v. 18), so he is not saying, “You do again what you have already done.” Instead, we who are in Christ, having been reconciled to God and having been given the ministry and the word of reconciliation, are Christ’s representatives as God pleads through us. “Be reconciled to God” is the message we are proclaiming,⁴ and the same pronominal reference continues through v. 21.

Whomever has been reconciled to God through Christ not only has access to every spiritual blessing and the privileges this affords but has also been given the responsibility, as Christ’s feet, hands, and mouthpiece, of fulfilling the God-given ministry of reconciliation, inviting those around us to be reconciled to God. “Evangelism is not a special activity for special people at special times; it is a normal activity for all church people all the time.”⁵

Everyone in Christ’s Body is Involved

In the previous letter to the Corinthians, Paul had described the church as a body comprised of many different parts (1 Cor. 12:12-27). In consideration of the collective whole, “each” member has a contribution to make and an active role to play. The body of Christ, while diverse in its composition, functions as a unit (vv. 14-20). With mutual dependency (vv. 21-24), any discord or non-involvement is indicative of an unhealthy body (vv. 25-26). “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (v. 27).

In view of what Paul says in 2 Cor. 5:17-21 (noted above), every member of Christ’s body has a ministry to fulfill that enables others to have the same opportunity to be reconciled to God through Christ. None of us is exempted from this ministry. Each must therefore determine, according to individual capabilities, opportunities, and circle of influence, how contributing to this very important work can be effected.

In the next post we will consider various approaches that afford every member of Christ’s body opportunities to be more evangelistic.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ H. Eddie Fox and George E. Morris, Faith-Sharing (Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 1986) 54.

     ² Paraphrasing Daniel T. Niles, That They May Have Life (New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1951) 96.

     ³ Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 12:13; cf. Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27. Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are the author’s own translation.

     ⁴ “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God’” –Christian Standard Bible. “We are therefore Christ’s representatives – as though God were urging action through us; on Christ’s behalf we implore [people], ‘Be reconciled to God’” –Richard K. Moore, “2 Cor. 5.20b in the English Bible,” The Bible Translator 54.1 (2003): 146-55.

     ⁵ While attributed to George E. Sweazey, the statement is almost identical to what David Dunlap published: “Evangelism is not a special activity for special people at special times. It is the normal activity of all Christians as the Lord gives opportunity,” in “Door to Door Evangelism,” Plymouth Brethren Writings (retrieved 12 Dec. 2025), <Link>. See also Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 8:1-4; 11:19-21; 18:26; 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Pet. 2:1-10.

Related Posts: The Great Commission, Evangelistic Approaches for Everyone, Evangelistic Models, Methods, Tools

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