EVAN101-B12 October 10, 2011 Methods of Evangelism Part ONE Evangelistic Method #1 The Romans Road.

d. The Romans Road lays out the plan of salvation through a series of Bible verses from the book of Romans. When arranged in order, these verses form an easy, systematic way of explaining the message of salvation. There are many different versions of Romans Road with slight variations in Scriptures, but the basic message and method is the same. Many evangelical missionaries, evangelists, and lay people memorize and use Romans Road when sharing the good news. Some of the Scriptures generally used in Romans Road include: Romans 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 5:12, 6:23, 10:9-11, and 10:13. Romans 3:10 states: As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one. Romans 3:23 states: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 5:8 states: But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:12 states: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans 6:23 states: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 10:9-11 states: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth salvation is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:13 states: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

A major advantage of Romans Road is it is a simple, yet powerful method of explaining why man needs salvation, how God provided salvation, how man can receive salvation, and what are

the results of salvation. Another major advantage of Romans Road is that it gives timid and/or novice evangelists stepping stones to help lead someone to salvation in Christ Jesus. A major disadvantage is of Romans Road is it uses a lot of church language. The person being led to Christ may not be able to understand all the versed being read to them. Another major disadvantage of Romans Road is it can feel very impersonal to the personal being led to Christ. Romans Road is a pre-packaged, one size fits all way of evangelizing. Many people are not receptive to this form of evangelism; they want a personal, individualized form of evangelism. Part TWO Evangelistic Method #2 Lifestyle Evangelism. According to Dr. David Earley, lifestyle evangelism is intentionally combining both proclamation and affirmation over a period of time through a friendship relationship. It is an approach to evangelism characterized by someone demonstrating their faith by their actions in the hope that people around them will be impressed with how God affects that person's life, and become a Christian. This form of evangelism is a lifestyle, not an event. A major advantage of Lifestyle Evangelism is many have discovered that people who come to Christ as a result of it and who are born again after a lengthier gestation period have fewer spiritual problems, continue in the Lord more often, and usually become spiritual reproducers. Another advantage of Lifestyle Evangelism is it often attracts people who would not ordinarily attend a church service or read a Bible. A major disadvantage of Lifestyle Evangelism is people may not realize the evangelists good behavior is a result of Christianity. They may think the evangelist is just a good person by nature. Another major disadvantage of Lifestyle Evangelism is the amount of time it takes to reach the lost; there are no immediate results.

Part THREE Evangelistic Method #3 Door to Door Evangelism. Door to Door Evangelism is an approach where a Christian will go from household to household, in a certain area, to witness (of Jesus) to residents, often in conjunction with passing out Gospel tracts. Door to Door evangelists must be trained and prepared to deal with all types of circumstances. Door to Door Evangelism follows the example set by Paul in Acts 20:20 where he says that he did not hesitate "to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house." A similar statement is made that the rest of the apostles also did this in Acts 5:41-42. A major advantage of Door to Door Evangelism is it is one of the few ways each family in a city can be reached with the Gospel. Another major advantage of Door to Door Evangelism is its effectiveness. Jehovahs Witness and Mormons, both Christian cults, directly attribute Door to Door Evangelism to their rapid growths. So, it seems they have the right method, but the wrong message. A major disadvantage of Door to Door Evangelism is safety. Going door to door, especially in certain areas, can be quite dangerous. Door to Door evangelists must be concerned with stray animals, untrained pets, and volatile residents. Another disadvantage of Door to Door Evangelism is peoples perception. People, as a whole, do not like to be bothered at home with people preaching religion. Part FOUR Application of These Methods to Your Own Life. Romans Road, Lifestyle, and Door to Door all have a place in Christian Evangelism. Of the three, the method that best suits me is Lifestyle Evangelism. Jesus, Himself, was a Lifestyle Evangelist. Jesus literally became one of us and pitched the tent of His life among us so He could get the message of God to us in

a manner that was full of grace and truth. Jesus drew people to God by showing them kindness and doing good deeds. In order to be Christ-like, I must follow Jesus example. I prefer Lifestyle Evangelism because it is not confrontational and it does not make the person being witnessed to feel uncomfortable. Lifestyle Evangelism meets people where they are in life. I have discovered that I cannot effectively share the plan of salvation with someone if they are hungry, hurting, or homeless. I must first meet his/her immediate need. Through Lifestyle Evangelism I am able to let my light shine, life speak, and Lord show. Lifestyle Evangelism is extremely effective for non-believers. Non-believers are tired of Christians saying, Do as I say, not as I do. One of the top reasons people give for not attending church is that all Christians are hypocrites. Through Lifestyle Evangelism, that myth can be debunked. Furthermore, Lifestyle Evangelism allows non-Christians to see the powerfully positive impact Christ has made on my life. I am reminded of the jailer who witnessed the lifestyle of Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas joyously prayed and sang despite being locked in the inner cell of a Roman jail. God miraculously opened the jail and freed Paul and Silas. The prison guard then spoke these words in Acts 16:30: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? My prayer is that my lifestyle will make non-believers ask the same question and then ultimately accept Jesus as Lord and Savior!

REFERENCES Gutierrez, B. (2010). After Three. Bel Air, MD: Academx Publishing. Early, D., & Wheeler, D. (2010). Evangelism Is. Bel Air, MD: Academx Publishing. Romans Road, Interdenominational Evangelical Global Outreach, http://prayerfoundation.org/romans_road_of_scripture.htm