Styles of Evangelism

October 22 – Styles of Evangelism – Acts 2:38-41; Acts 17:16-34; John 9:1-34; Luke 5:27-31; John 4:1-42; Acts 9:36-43

Every Christ follower has a story to tell. Each one of us has an authentic way in which we are wired to tell and share our story. The most important part of sharing faith is building relationships with people outside the church and praying for the people in our lives. But it is helpful to know that there are a variety of ways to share the faith.

These six styles of evangelism are from the book Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg, Try and discern your own style for sharing the faith. Depending on the situation, you may find yourself using any number of these styles.

CONFRONTATIONAL STYLE:

Acts 2:38–41 is an example of this style. Peter tells people to repent and be baptized. He is in their face with the gospel. Billy Graham is an example of this style. He paints a clear picture of God’s plan for life in Christ and leaves a person with a decision to make.

INTELLECTUAL STYLE:

Acts 17:16–34 is an example of this style. Paul is in the Areopagus, a place of debate and conversation, and he tells the people about God. He uses their desire for truth to introduce the nature of God revealed in Jesus. He uses a statue to an unknown God to tell them about the one true God. Lee Strobel is a modern example of this style. Lee was an atheist, and came to Christ through his wife’s change-of-life transformation through the Christian faith. He had many doubts about the faith, but once he claimed a relationship with God through faith in Christ, he started to see how the Christian worldview made sense. He now writes and speaks about how a relationship with Jesus has changed his life and is changing the course of creation.

TESTIMONIAL STYLE:

John 9:1–34 is a biblical example of this style. The blind man is healed by Jesus, and his testimony is about how Jesus has changed his life. What he knows about Jesus is that before he met Jesus he could not see! In an encounter with Jesus, his sight is restored.

INTERPERSONAL STYLE:

Luke 5:27–31 is an example of the interpersonal style. This style is conversational. Matthew, the tax collector, finds new life in following Jesus and invites his friends to a party where they can hang out with Jesus.

INVITATIONAL STYLE:

John 4:1–42 is an example of an invitational style. The woman encounters Jesus. She is a person who goes to the well in the heat of the day so that no one is around. She is the topic of conversation around the well because of her lifestyle. However, in Jesus she experiences the love of God. She experiences being loved as she is, but being loved way too much to be left as she is. Out of the change in her life, she bears witness to people in her village, both those who supported her and those who were against her.

SERVING STYLE:

Acts 9:36–43 is an example of the serving style of evangelism. People come to know the love of God because Dorcas cared about their human condition.

What is difficult for you in faith-sharing? Pray for help overcoming this. Pray that you will be more aware of the opportunities around you to share your faith. Pray that you will have the courage to share your faith. Pray about people in your life to be open to faith-sharing.