10 Things You Should Know About Evangelism

By J. Mack Stiles

1. Our evangelistic efforts must stem from a biblical understanding of evangelism.

So we start by understanding that biblical evangelism is teaching the gospel with the aim to persuade.

2. Evangelism is often the label given to things that are not evangelism.

We must not confuse the gospel with the fruit of the gospel.

3. Evangelism entails teaching the gospel first and foremost.

God teaches us the gospel through his Word. So it stands to reason that we must speak and teach the gospel to others: the truth about who God is.

4. Evangelism aims to persuade.

Evangelism isn't just data transfer; we must listen to people, hear their objections, and model gentleness because we know that souls are at stake. And we know what it means to truly convert: a true Christian has put his complete faith and trust in Jesus, so much so that he has repented of a lifestyle of unbelief and sin.

5. Evangelism flourishes in a culture of evangelism.

When the people of God are pitching in to teach the gospel together, a culture forms that leads us to ask "Are we all helping our non-Christian friends understand the gospel?"

6. Evangelistic programs will kill evangelism.

A strict diet of evangelistic programs produces malnourished evangelism.

7. Evangelism is designed for the church and the church is designed for evangelism.

Jesus did not forget the gospel when he built his church. A healthy church is meant to display the gospel. we must highlight the way God designed the church to display and proclaim the gospel simply by being the church.

8. Evangelism is undergirded by love and unity.

Jesus says the love we have for one another in the church is evidence that we are truly converted. And when we are unified in the church, we show the world that Jesus is the Son of God.

9. A culture of evangelism is strengthened by right practices and right attitudes.

We need to view the gospel as the center of how we align our lives to God as well as come to God in salvation.

10. Evangelism must be modeled.

Pastors and elders must lead the way in sharing their faith, teaching others how to be ambassadors for Christ, and calling their congregations to do the same.

Taken from, 10 Things You Should Know About Evangelism by J. Mack Stiles, adapted from the ESV Study Bible. Used by permission of Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.. Used by permission of Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.