Evangelism challenges

[watchman 2]

Singles grp @ new church is awesome! However there is one challenge/creative solution, and that is with the overwhelming female influence, there is a disinterest and a apathy towards tracts, contact evangelism, and street preaching. Most are only interested in relationship, and servant evangelism. While God can use all methods, there is a special emphasis on the former in the scriptures. While Philip spoke with a ethiopian on a chariot in one passage, in Acts 8 in did street preaching. Philip was a contact evangelist, and a street preacher!

I have books on multiple methods of evangelism. However my favorites are ones written by people like Ray Comfort, John MacArthur, Mark Cahill, etc.. These tend to be on my strong side. But I can see that sometimes God greatly uses a relationship or a humble servant (foot washer) to bring people to Him. But God also uses street preachers, tracts, and contact evangelists to reach many.


John

[Firefighter]

The biggest thing in evangelism is to be led by the Holy Spirit. You can have the best plan in the world, but if you are not ready to abandon it at the prompting of the Spirit, it is useless.

Jesus was a humble servant.

What's up with the "female influence" comment!?!?!

I have books on multiple methods of evangelism. However my favorites are ones written by people like Ray Comfort, John MacArthur, Mark Cahill, etc.. These tend to be on my strong side.

For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ Apostle Paul

Have you considered that your new group, and your membership here is by divine design? It seems from what you say that at every turn you are being confronted with changing your tactics.

Serious question that I would appreciate an answer to... What is it that makes street preaching and confrontational techniques your "strong side"???

[watchman 2]

The biggest thing in evangelism is to be led by the Holy Spirit. You can have the best plan in the world, but if you are not ready to abandon it at the prompting of the Spirit, it is useless.

Jesus was a humble servant.

What's up with the "female influence" comment!?!?!



For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ Apostle Paul

Have you considered that your new group, and your membership here is by divine design? It seems from what you say that at every turn you are being confronted with changing your tactics.

Serious question that I would appreciate an answer to... What is it that makes street preaching and confrontational techniques your "strong side"???

My personality, my giftedness, and my training at Bob Jones University.

[Dani H]

How about prayer and intercession and a full reliance on Jesus, without whom we can do nothing?

[Firefighter]

My personality, my giftedness, and my training at Bob Jones University.

While I certainly understand the other two, may I ask what gifts?

[watchman 2]

How about prayer and intercession and a full reliance on Jesus, without whom we can do nothing?

Who ever said I did not rely upon the Lord everytime? Thats quite a assumption you are making.

[watchman 2]

While I certainly understand the other two, may I ask what gifts?

You and me probably have different definitions of the gift of evangelism. We both will read the same passage and come to different conclusions and on what it means.

[Slug1]

You and me probably have different definitions of the gift of evangelism. We both will read the same passage and come to different conclusions and on what it means.

Different conclusions based on dividing scripture with scripture or dividing scripture with opinions, doctrine, and what we want scripture to mean?

You know... the difference between what God wants His Word to mean and what "we" want scripture to mean?

Gift of evangelism? Didn't you say you were "trained"? Isn't that the same as all those people out there being trained to speak prophecy and speak in tongues as if the Holy Spirit doesn't empower and they have to resort to being "trained" by man instead? In effect, completely bypassing the Spirit of God as such people are led by their "training" and not led by God?!

[Dani H]

Who ever said I did not rely upon the Lord everytime? Thats quite a assumption you are making.

Yes, maybe I'm assuming.

However, if I may draw your attention to the fact, that for every Charles Finney out there visibly on the front lines of evangelism, there is a Praying Hyde somewhere on their knees, interceding and tilling the soil in prayer.

So maybe you wish to stir your singles group for backup in prayer and intercession, especially taking advantage of the "overwhelming female influence," as many of us ladies LOVE to intercede and pray and lend our giftings in prayer to those out on the streets as they proclaim the Gospel of the Lord.

Also, evangelists are a gift to the Church, not the world. Evangelists are specifically gifted to train and equip the Church to share the Good News with the lost.

[watchman 2]

Yes, maybe I'm assuming.

However, if I may draw your attention to the fact, that for every Charles Finney out there visibly on the front lines of evangelism, there is a Praying Hyde somewhere on their knees, interceding and tilling the soil in prayer.

So maybe you wish to stir your singles group for backup in prayer and intercession, especially taking advantage of the "overwhelming female influence," as many of us ladies LOVE to intercede and pray and lend our giftings in prayer to those out on the streets as they proclaim the Gospel of the Lord.

Also, evangelists are a gift to the Church, not the world. Evangelists are specifically gifted to train and equip the Church to share the Good News with the lost.

This sounds like a good idea. Thanks..

[RabbiKnife]

Just a thought to ponder...

Mormons are also "trained" in evangelism techniques. So what's the difference between their training and yours?

[TomH]

I have an enormous problem with the term "training". Following along behind, (picture train cars behind a locomotive) doesn't need much brain power.

[Firefighter]

I have no problem with training at all, provided that the training focuses on following the leading of the Holy Spirit and does not neglect the supernatural aspect of evangelism. I am no rocket scientist, but I am pretty sure he gave us those two things for a reason.