We should promote this Biblical method to people and not be concerned about numbers. The “how” and “why” mentioned by Josh is important. Yet, one must understand that its not about the numbers but about the soul. Let us tell the old old story of Jesus and His love.

Yes, I will agree wholeheartedly! Maybe I should go back and add a #6 to the list . . . or maybe we could classify it with the last point – poor theology! If a person does not evangelize – maybe they believe like Joel — there are many ways to heaven. Your point is very clear and I agree. We must exalt Christ Jesus as the ONLY means of salvation rather than just another way.

Rev. Josh Buice

I agree with all your comments above.

I fear that there is another thing working against us today, it is goes to the root of the Christain faith. In evangelism, we have cut salvation down to a short prayer. A mantra. Say this prayer… and you’re out of hell for free! But I don’t find the prayer in the Bible.

I was watching Joel osteen on Larry King. Joel closes every week offering to have people invite Jesus into their heart. But Joel doesn’t believe Jesus is the only way to God. he says, “I don’t want to judge other peoples hearts.” But isn’t faith in Jesus as the ONLY WAY essential to salvation?

Not only do we need to present the “prayer” we need to be fully honest up front at what someone is accepting when they ask Jesus into their heart. They are delcaring him to be the only way of salvation, God in flesh, our only hope.

Yes, we must look for options to share our faith, and we must actually share the gospel rather than sad stories of our past. Evangelism is about the gospel of Christ – not us. Often our own testimony can serve as a starting point, but a transition to the gospel must take place during the conversation in order to truly evangelize.

Thanks for stopping by here at Delivered By Grace!

Rev. Josh Buice

In my day job, I serve as the Director of Evangelism in a large membership, main-line protestant church in Colorado Springs, CO. In our context, I have discovered that Evangelism is not only about telling people about Christ and His gift of grace… but also telling them in a way that does not freak them out. Most folks these days, in western cultures, have heard of Jesus. This is not a new concept. But, somewhere along the lines they have been turned off to Christ. Often because they have had a nasty church experience or because they have been ‘excommunicated’ by folks who didn’t feel they were coming to faith quick enough or via the ‘correct’ path. In Colorado Springs (evangelical mecca) the members of our congregation who invite friends to church, or listen for opportunities where God is telling them to share their faith, often run up against the ‘church baggage’ that other have. Conversations often revolve around the theme of ‘sorry to hear about that experience, but… unfortunately there is often a difference between Christ and christians.’

Peace…. thanks for blogging!!