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?
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