Sharing Christ

Evangelism That Works

Evangelism That Works

Evangelism That Works by George Barna - selected notes

7 Step Strategy of Willow Creek (p. 87)

1. Believers must build relational bridges to the unchurched.
2. Onc e those relationships are secure believers are expected to share their faith with their non-believer friends.
3. To capitalize on the non-believer's curiosity the believer may invite the non-believer to attend a weekend seeker service which is meant to support the evangelistic efforts of those who have built relationships with non-Christians.
The spiritual needs of the believer are addressed in a midweek service of worship and instruction. Should a non-believer accept Christ as Saviour the midweek services supplement what is received from the weekend seeker services.
4. Every believer is expected to participate in a small group of believers that meets during the week for fellowship accountability discipleship encouragement and support.
5. Believers are expected to be involved in ministry not merely to attend events and to observe the activity of the church. This is a primary outlet for a person's gifts.
6. Believers are called to be good stewards of their resources as an act of discipleship and worship.

Churches on the Edge (pp. 89-90)
1. Senior pastor emphasizes evangelism - it drives the church - without the senior pastor emphasizing it evangelism does not get first priority
2. Philosophy of ministry in which evangelism is the centerpiece.

Philosophy of Ministry (p. 91)
1. Every person is an evangelistic agent - explicitly set out that individuals not churches are evangelistic.
2. Evangelism is a lifestyle not a program. Every program/ministry should fully integrate evangelism into its purpose and efforts.
3. Evangelistic success is defined differently. The cutting-edge evangelistic churches have a different slant. Their definition of success in evangelism is that the people active in the church are intentionally and obediently sharing their faith with non-believers.

Common Characteristics of Evangelistic Churches (pp. 93-98)
1. The weekend services are central to winning souls.
2. The ministry focus of the congregation is constantly directed to local outreach.
3. The church uses events to reach people.
4. To foster effective evangelism these churches study what other churches are doing and adopt and adapt liberally.
5. Evangelistic churches rely upon the people to do evangelism but they also allocate an above-average amount of money for evangelistic activity.
6. These churches are unique in their evangelistic structures systems and strategies and they do not seek to copy any other church.

Value of Diversity (p.104)
Churches serious about reaching people for Jesus must have a multitude of alternatives or entry points accessible to non-believers. There also must be a range of churches that address spiritual needs from distinctive perspectives. No single strategy can stand-alone.

Social Change and Youth (p. 108)
1. Most young people reject absolute truth.
2. Young people reject the imposition of beliefs.
3. Young people are world-class sceptics.
4. Young people think differently.

Four Effective Methods to Influence Baby Busters (p. 112)
1. Cell groups provided they are discussion oriented non-confrontational and non-impositional.
2. Social welfare-ministry opportunities that utilize a soft sell.
3. Lifestyle evangelism strategy.
4. Socratic evangelism a dialectic method that has been in vogue in past centuries but has fallen into disfavour in this century.

Factors that May Hinder a Church's Evangelistic Efforts (p. 139)
1. The absence of vision for church-based evangelism
2. The lack of church wide ownership of evangelism as a core value and activity
3. The absence of church wide prayer for evangelistic efforts
4. A lack of significant relationships with non-believers
5. An attitude of disinterest in non-Christians
6. The goal of facilitating decisions rather than conversions.
7. Too much reliance upon the pastor to make evangelism happen
8. Not enough strong leadership by the pastor in evangelism
9. The absence of a strategic plan for outreach
10. No accountability for meeting evangelistic goals and standards
11. The inability to change from existing methods to more effective methods
12. Poor quality ministry activities
13. Having only one entry point for non-believers
14. Inadequate training of evangelizers
15. Allocating responsibility without giving authority
16. Failure to celebrate stellar efforts obedience to God's call and His blessings
17. Division among churches

Evangelistic Truths Still Apply:
  • The message is God's - people communicate it
  • God will use anyone open to serve him - will bless the effort not the gift
  • We are called to use opportunities but the Holy Spirit does the converting
  • a Transformed Life is the most powerful testimony - not words
  • Effective evangelists are obedient committed Christians with passion for Christ
  • Evangelism is the bridge between our love for God and people
  • Must be in close relationship with God - open to be used
  • Effective outreach involves fervent prayer
  • Using the Bible is central to leading a person to Christ
  • God is pleased when we share
  • Must be ready at all time to share
  • Evangelism is to be done with obedience and faith - not convenience
  • Most effective = simple and sincere
  • Start at felt needs - lead to Christ
  • Friendship is more effective than cold calling
Other Quotes:
Non-believers often respond to people gifted or not who are accessible to God used by God and blessed by God through the working of His Holy Spirit. (p. 14)

We need to act intelligently and strategically not merely traditionally or routinely. (p. 16)

Although many non-believers are unaware of it the answer to their deepest needs and desires in life is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The challenge to you and me is to present the truth of the gospel to people in a form they can understand consider and accept. (p. 17)

Every revival in the history of modern world has been grounded in an explosion of prayer and evangelism. (p. 21)