Personal Evangelism in Today’s Society

In preparing to evangelize, the most important thing is to ask the Lord to help us, and to open the hearts of those we witness to. When the apostle Paul witnessed to King Agrippa, he did not know that the response would be, “thou hast almost persuaded me.” We do not know what others responses will be, but we must do our part: we must be witnesses.

The Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20 is that we should go throughout the world, preaching and teaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “ye are my witnesses.”

We need the power of the Holy Ghost to be effective witnesses. The baptism of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost transformed Peter from a timid and fearful individual who had denied the Lord into one who stood to proclaim with power in his soul that Jesus was Lord. The Spirit can energize us for evangelism, too.

In addition, a good witness will have a few key salvation scriptures handy, such as John 3:16, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23. Then, it is good to have some basic salvation tracts handy. Keep some in your pocket, purse, vehicle or briefcase. It might help to keep some tracts by your door to hand to people who stop by. The very moment that you do not have one, is the moment you need one. It never fails.

So many young people do not witness because of fear. They are afraid of how they will be perceived by the person being witnessed to, they fear that they will be rejected, and they fear that they are not smart enough, or good enough, to witness effectively. But God has not given us the spirit of fear. II Timothy 1:7. Saints of God are to face their fears, and not be paralyzed by them. Anyone can be a witness.

There are three simple “S” rules: Smile warmly…pay a sincere compliment…and invite them to a church service. A very effective witnessing tool is your own testimony, given with feeling and conviction.

Here are some basic observations, tips, and suggestions:

• A smile lifts the spirits and warms the hearts of an individual, and a compliment opens the way for someone to listen to what you have to say.
• Never argue; it is nearly impossible to win people you have offended by arguing with them.
• Keep it simple. Avoid the temptation to reveal your extraordinary knowledge of the Bible. If you are expounding on the great doctrines of the Bible to someone you just met, you may well turn them off.
• People do not care what you know, until they first know you care. Doing a favor for someone in a time of need is still a great way to witness.
• Incorporate the 3/12 rule: 1. your appearance should be nice from 12 feet away; 2. your first 12 words need to be friendly; and 3. your breath should be fresh from 12 inches away.
• You can leave a tract with your generous tip at the restaurant, and send one with the prompt payment of your bills.
• I have found and returned wallets and purses (with the money) and at least one dog to the rightful owners. Each person also received a tract and a warm invitation to come to visit my church.
• The witnessing of two people, or a husband and wife together, is very effective.

Witnessing can be work, but it is far more rewarding that you can ever dream. Make a conscious decision to make it a part of your daily life. But be sure your listener knows just how real this is to you; show them the intensity of your encounter with Jesus Christ, and that you believe what you are saying beyond a shadow of a doubt. You will someday lead another person to the very throne of God.