Are Modern Evangelism Techniques Good at Winning People To Christ?

[Wynona]

Modern evangelism techniques I'm thinking of

--- Passing out tracts
--- Street Preaching
--- Saying "Jesus Loves You" to strangers
--- Going door to door
--- Being compelled to share the gospel to any and everyone at any time

Things my husband and I have found more impactful

--- Being sacrificially generous to family members as God leads
--- Being available to feed, give money, and give resources to homeless strangers in our path as God leads
--- Being quiet about faith sometimes so that our words don't get in the way of how our actions may be convicting to others
--- Leading by example
--- Giving a brief answer when others are naturally curious about why we did something a certain way. "I serve the Lord, so I do x"
--- Answering questions patiently, listening, and respectful dialogue when spiritual matters come up
--- Living quiet peaceable lives with good works rather than modern evangelism techniques, being available to stop and mentor on the spot if needed.
--- Hospitality: good food, welcoming and making room for others, space for others to ask questions about the faith, cry, or just feel important and loved for a while

My opinion is that the modern "tell all about Jesus or you are damning them to hell" style evangelism is often shallow, annoying, hell for introverts, and fails often to win people to Christ. Jesus told us to teach people to observe all that He commanded. But we often stop short at shallow "planting seeds". Most people in America have heard of Jesus and the gospel. But it's becoming rare to see people living lifestyles consistent with the Scriptures, which is where the magnetic aspect of the Christian life is.

I think the Orthodox Church's view of things is really helpful. They don't focus on winning souls with techniques but on producing good works of faith that naturally draw people's curiosity.

 

[Lambano]

--- Being sacrificially generous to family members as God leads
--- Being available to feed, give money, and give resources to homeless strangers in our path as God leads
--- Being quiet about faith sometimes so that our words don't get in the way of how our actions may be convicting to others
--- Leading by example
--- Giving a brief answer when others are naturally curious about why we did something a certain way. "I serve the Lord, so I do x"
--- Answering questions patiently, listening, and respectful dialogue when spiritual matters come up
--- Living quiet peaceable lives with good works rather than modern evangelism techniques, being available to stop and mentor on the spot if needed.
--- Hospitality: good food, welcoming and making room for others, space for others to ask questions about the faith, cry, or just feel important and loved for a while

 

[Bob]

Thank you for your spot-on post. Great message!

One possible addition: if one happens to discuss one’s charitable activities with people, and they appear interested, let them know they are welcome to join.

(Not really my idea: suggested by a pastor as a better entry way to a church, rather than direct invitation to a church. In other words, for unbelievers, inculcate “love your neighbor” before preaching the gospel. Historical note: Romans 2:14-15. The Apostle Paul discovered that many of the gentiles that he met already practiced ”love your neighbor,” so they were ready for the gospel.)

Blessings.

 

[Deborah_]

Are these methods really "modern"? They were old when I became a Christian 50 years ago!

 

[Wynona]

Are these methods really "modern"? They were old when I became a Christian 50 years ago!

I guess I mean modern as in compared to most of church history.

 

[Deborah_]

I guess we are very conservative when it comes to evangelism techniques. Whatever worked 50-100 years ago (tracts, big evangelistic rallies), we keep on doing - even though there has been an enormous cultural shift and they may no longer be appropriate.

 

[Wynona]

I guess we are very conservative when it comes to evangelism techniques. Whatever worked 50-100 years ago (tracts, big evangelistic rallies), we keep on doing - even though there has been an enormous cultural shift and they may no longer be appropriate.

Im open to being wrong about those tecniques not working. If someone gets closer to the Lord from a gospel tract---praise God!

 

[quietthinker]

Modern evangelism techniques I'm thinking of

--- Passing out tracts
--- Street Preaching
--- Saying "Jesus Loves You" to strangers
--- Going door to door
--- Being compelled to share the gospel to any and everyone at any time

Things my husband and I have found more impactful

--- Being sacrificially generous to family members as God leads
--- Being available to feed, give money, and give resources to homeless strangers in our path as God leads
--- Being quiet about faith sometimes so that our words don't get in the way of how our actions may be convicting to others
--- Leading by example
--- Giving a brief answer when others are naturally curious about why we did something a certain way. "I serve the Lord, so I do x"
--- Answering questions patiently, listening, and respectful dialogue when spiritual matters come up
--- Living quiet peaceable lives with good works rather than modern evangelism techniques, being available to stop and mentor on the spot if needed.
--- Hospitality: good food, welcoming and making room for others, space for others to ask questions about the faith, cry, or just feel important and loved for a while

My opinion is that the modern "tell all about Jesus or you are damning them to hell" style evangelism is often shallow, annoying, hell for introverts, and fails often to win people to Christ. Jesus told us to teach people to observe all that He commanded. But we often stop short at shallow "planting seeds". Most people in America have heard of Jesus and the gospel. But it's becoming rare to see people living lifestyles consistent with the Scriptures, which is where the magnetic aspect of the Christian life is.

I think the Orthodox Church's view of things is really helpful. They don't focus on winning souls with techniques but on producing good works of faith that naturally draw people's curiosity.

Good News doesn't have a particular strategy. It bubbles up like a spring of living water.
Consider the Samaritan woman's experience after she spoke to Jesus at the well. The whole town was influenced by her....you know the story.

Categorising good news, putting it into a straight jacket of 'strategy' tells a story for the most part is outside ones awareness.

 

[Deborah_]

Im open to being wrong about those tecniques not working. If someone gets closer to the Lord from a gospel tract---praise God!

It's not that the older methods never work, but that the returns are getting smaller. I remember when Alpha courses started a few decades ago. They were an innovation and a sensation - thousands of people attended and became Christians, all over the UK. But now, it's harder to get people along to a "course" (fewer people are able to give up that much time), and when you do hold one it isn't unusual for there to be no conversions at all.

 

[St. SteVen]

Things my husband and I have found more impactful

--- Being sacrificially generous to family members as God leads
--- Being available to feed, give money, and give resources to homeless strangers in our path as God leads
--- Being quiet about faith sometimes so that our words don't get in the way of how our actions may be convicting to others
--- Leading by example
--- Giving a brief answer when others are naturally curious about why we did something a certain way. "I serve the Lord, so I do x"
--- Answering questions patiently, listening, and respectful dialogue when spiritual matters come up
--- Living quiet peaceable lives with good works rather than modern evangelism techniques, being available to stop and mentor on the spot if needed.
--- Hospitality: good food, welcoming and making room for others, space for others to ask questions about the faith, cry, or just feel important and loved for a while

I suppose the modern evangelist would ask about the effectiveness of the things you have found to be more impactful.
And these are VERY good things that you have listed. But how do they compare to their list. (which you provided)

--- Passing out tracts
--- Street Preaching
--- Saying "Jesus Loves You" to strangers
--- Going door to door
--- Being compelled to share the gospel to any and everyone at any time

These listed items lead a person to a decision. Unfortunately, it's just a numbers game.
With diminishing returns these days, as far as I know. ???

This is a very interesting concept that takes it to a whole new level.



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[Wynona]

I suppose the modern evangelist would ask about the effectiveness of the things you have found to be more impactful.

They involve more time, but the goal isn't just a one time decision, but a believer who observes what Jesus commanded. I'm of the mind that this often takes more than just a few seconds of our time.

 

[Windmill Charge]

There are many ways of evangelism and sometime one sees results in one area because of faithfulness in other areas.
Blowing our trumpet, we together with other churches pay for a christian teacher to work in our schools, teaching the religious classes, doing assembled, where still held and helping christian unions in schools.

Because of this contact these churches also hold a Christmas journey, walking children through a series of acted scenarios depicting the biblical account and the actors explain through there script what is happening.
Usually several hundred children plus teachers attend.

We have an open air preaching team, they have conversations, but we see more results through the above schools work.

 

[Taken]

Are Modern Evangelism Techniques Good at Winning People To Christ?

Evangelist Preachers typically (like a “reverend”) do not have their own Church…with a membership congregation.

More so announce invitations for people to come to a meet up…revival…also using air waves, radio, tv, internet programing….or sometimes guest speakers for other churches or gatherings….

They may offer books, packets, cd’s for sale, or partnership to pledge money to their preaching efforts….but do not have a “congregation” Perse’ that they routinely meet face to face.

They preach the topic they choose….UNLIKE most denominations that have a headquarters of sorts, planning uniform teaching schedules for such denominations weekly sermons.

Regarding evangelists, (since it is not face to face), I give more creditability to the ones who offer their Scripture Verification in parallel to their preaching.

And I find some are phoney boloney, some are akin to a performer that is suppose to exhibit enthusiasm (but comes off as clownish) and some are creditable.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[St. SteVen]

They involve more time, but the goal isn't just a one time decision, but a believer who observes what Jesus commanded. I'm of the mind that this often takes more than just a few seconds of our time.

I agree.
And people know when you view them as a project instead of a person.

On the other hand, a person may be ready to make a decision.
We have no idea what they have been through, or what God may be up to.

If we make benevolence a lifestyle that replaces lifestyle evangelism,
we may be missing opportunities.

I shared this testimony on another topic.

Two Views of God's Plan for Humankind - which stand in stark contrast

--- PARODY --- Two Christians discuss God's plan for humankind. (reader discretion advised) - LOL Christian #1: God's plan is to glorify himself in the destruction of the wicked. Christian #2: Sounds like you are in BIG trouble. Christian #1: What do you mean? Christian #2: If God destroys...

www.christianityboard.com

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[Eternally Grateful]

Are these methods really "modern"? They were old when I became a Christian 50 years ago!

Thats what I was going to say.

and I would also so they are not very effective (i have done all of them or most of them

 

[Eternally Grateful]

They involve more time, but the goal isn't just a one time decision, but a believer who observes what Jesus commanded. I'm of the mind that this often takes more than just a few seconds of our time.

I remember at the end of his life, Billy Graham said his biggest regret is he did not make a way for the people who came forward to be drawn to a group that would teach them and guide them

 

[Rockerduck]

I remember at the end of his life, Billy Graham said his biggest regret is he did not make a way for the people who came forward to be drawn to a group that would teach them and guide them

I worked with the Billy Graham association for the crusades. Many, up to 50% at times, were individuals' and families rededicating their lives to Christ after they strayed away.
Mathew 13: Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

 

[Rockerduck]

There are many ways to plant seeds in a person who would normally go to church with the family in the last century, but the world is preventing this nowadays. If a person feels the draw or call to God, many times they ignore it, then the feeling passes. Only if they respond by prayer, then Jesus pursues them until they give their live to Him. Most get saved alone at home. So use all tools that God has enabled you to do. Everyone does not have the gift of preaching or evangelism but do as God has gifted you. Mathew 22:14 - “For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

[St. SteVen]

There are many ways to plant seeds in a person who would normally go to church with the family in the last century, but the world is preventing this nowadays. If a person feels the draw or call to God, many times they ignore it, then the feeling passes.

You seem to be shortchanging God on this. Has he lost his ability to reach humankind?

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[Eternally Grateful]

You seem to be shortchanging God on this. Has he lost his ability to reach humankind?

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Will god overrule your free will?