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, Evangelism for Introverts, Evangelism Mistakes to Avoid

 

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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, Evangelism for Introverts

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The Great Commission

What has traditionally been labeled “the Great Commission” is by no means limited to the final chapters of the Synoptic Gospels. The entire biblical revelation portrays our Creator as an outgoing, missionary God relentlessly seeking, sending, and demonstrating the deepest love for fallen humanity. Ultimately “Christ Jesus,” having been sent,¹ “came into the world to save sinners …” (1 Timothy 1:15, NKJV). His work on earth is characterized by the diligent pursuit of lost souls, with the same passion inherited by His faithful followers (Mark 1:17, 38; 16:15). As Christ’s mission unfolds chronologically in the biblical record, a four-stage development of the great commission emerges.

STAGE ONE: SEE THE NEED

Having initiated His ministry in the predominantly Jewish territories of Galilee and Judea, the Lord journeyed through the otherwise shunned region of Samaria (John 1:43–4:5). After a religious conversation with a sinful woman near the city of Sychar, He stressed to the apostles the importance of doing the Father’s work without delay. With a crowd of Samaritans approaching, He then declared, “Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35b). Seeing people through the eyes of Jesus is to be ever mindful of their paramount spiritual needs and the evangelistic opportunities afforded.

STAGE TWO: PRAY

The following year, while Jesus was teaching and healing in Galilee, He was moved with compassion for the multitudes, “because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36). This prompted Him to say to the twelve, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (vv. 37-38). Being aware of the destitute human condition ought to generate Christ-like compassion that drives us to our knees. A Christian’s prayers are not limited to petitions for self and immediate loved ones, but for “all men …. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

STAGE THREE: TAKE ACTION

Back in Judea the Lord gathered about thirty-five pairs of disciples and repeated what He had said the previous year to the twelve: “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). While the directive is essentially the same, on this occasion the very next word from His lips was “Go” (v. 3). Prayer is surely effective, and God hears and answers the calls of the righteous (James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12). Nevertheless, the Lord of the harvest often responds providentially through the agency of His righteous laborers (Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Our prayers for souls are most effective when put into action.

STAGE FOUR: UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE COMMISSIONED TO DO

Following His death, burial, and resurrection, on at least four occasions in the biblical narrative Jesus outlined what is expected of His disciples.

The Mandate

In Jerusalem, on the evening of the resurrection day, Jesus said to His soon-to-be emissaries, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). The Lord has never asked His people to do anything He was not first willing to do Himself. Followers of Christ are sent to do what Christ Himself was sent to do: proclaim God’s kingdom, call sinners to repentance, seek and save the lost (Luke 4:43; 5:32; 19:10).

The Method

Later, on a mountain in Galilee, “Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20). The word translated “Go” in the English text is an aorist participle in the Greek text, better rendered, “Having gone ...” Rather than giving a command to “go” (which is the implied imperative of John 20:21), here Jesus assumed His disciples would already be on their way. As they are going, therefore, they are to “make disciples” by the twofold process of “baptizing” and “teaching.” One cannot be a disciple of Jesus without baptism (Acts 2:37-38; 8:12, 36-39; 22:16; et al.), and one cannot be a disciple of Jesus without having been sufficiently taught (Luke 14:25-33; Acts 2:40; 8:12; et al.). This is not only the process but the inherent duty of discipleship.

The Means

Back in Jerusalem, as the eleven sat at a table, the Lord reminded them of what is to be announced to “all the world.” The universal message of the gospel (“good news”), founded on Christ’s death and resurrection, engenders faith, repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins unto salvation (Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-48). The power is not in the natural abilities of the proclaimers but in the divine message itself that is proclaimed (Romans 1:15-17; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7).

The Model

On the Mount of Olives prior to Christ’s ascension, the apostles were instructed to remain in Jerusalem to receive the Father’s promise (Acts 1:4), “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (v. 8b). As they devoted themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (6:4), the rest of the book of Acts records the next thirty-two years of the great commission being carried out in Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria, and beyond. The testimony of Christ begins where His people already are, then branches outward: locally, surrounding environs, neighboring regions, and across the globe.

CONCLUSION

By the time the historical record of Acts closes, Christ’s testimony had been diffused “in all the world” (Colossians 1:5-6, 23). Whether this is to be taken literally or hyperbolically, the extent of the gospel’s proclamation appears to have been much greater than what is specifically documented in the New Testament. The incredibly widespread dispersion of the Christian movement in just a few decades cannot be denied. Almighty God, through our first-century brethren, accomplished this extraordinary feat without the modern conveniences of air travel, motorized vehicles, advanced health care, or mass media.

We serve the same Lord, preach the same message, and have the necessary resources to get the job done. All we need is a brotherhood viewing the world through the compassionate eyes of Jesus, praying fervently, and taking action according to the mandate, the method, the means, and the model He has provided.² Instead of complaining about all that is wrong with the church, why not present ourselves as willing instruments in God’s capable hands and experience first-hand all that is right with the church?

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Matthew 10:40; 15:24; 21:37; Mark 9:37; 12:6; Luke 4:18, 43; 9:48; 10:16; John 3:16, 33-34; 5:23, 24, 30, 36-38; 6:29, 38-40, 44, 57; 7:16, 18, 28, 29, 33; 8:16, 18, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36; 11:42; 12:44, 49; 13:20; 14:24; 15:21; 16:5; 17:3, 8, 18, 21, 23, 25; 20:21; Romans 8:3; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 4:10, 14.

     ² After delivering a series of lectures in Nashville, Tennessee in September 1910, urging churches to seek out, send, and support missionaries, J. M. McCaleb wrote, “The chief end of the church on earth is to impart the knowledge of life to a perishing world…. The conquest of the world for Christ is a cause of sufficient magnitude and grandeur to engage the activities of the greatest minds” (Christ the Light of the World [Nashville, TN: McQuiddy, 1911] v).

*This article was originally written for the Gospel Advocate not long before the magazine ceased publication.

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