Successful Pre-Evangelism and Evangelism Johnny Chun / Executive Secretary of TI
We live in the world where the wave of materialism and pluralism attacks and threatens Christian faith. Most people who were fed by these ideologies turn away their ears from hearing the Bible message when Christians try to share the gospel with them. In this global trend, sharing our faith to the lost became very difficult almost everywhere unless we build a special bridge through pre-evangelism. Someone said, “Pre-evangelism is no soft option.”
Pastor Josh also says, "Pre-evangelism is the tough work of tearing down objections and obstacles to a sincere hearing of the Christian message of the gospel. Some persons have walls in their minds and hearts that simply will not allow them to give an open ear to the claims of the Christian faith. When we do pre-evangelism, we may not be “sharing the gospel” with someone, but we are doing the necessary work of helping them clear hurdles that stand in the way of really hearing the gospel." How can we Christian workers tear down the objections and obstacles from the unbelieving world and build the point of contact for evangelism?
[ A Good and Gentle messenger] "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:29) "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." (Luke 2:52)
The Open-Air Mission published a tract listing the qualifications for Open-Air preachers some years ago. These following qualities inform us a direction for pre-evangelism and successful ministry.
a. Good voice. b. Naturalness of manner. c. Self-possession. d. A good knowledge of the Bible and of common things. e. Ability to adapt himself to any congregation. f. Good illustrative powers. g. Zeal, and common sense. h. A large, loving heart. I. Sincere belief in all he says. j. Entire dependence on the Holy Spirit for success. k. A close walk with God by prayer. l. A consistent walk before men by a hold life.
MaGavran, the founder of Fuller Theological Seminary many years ago gave us a good definition on Missions. He said, "Missions is neither theology nor science. It is neither church history or anthropology. Its goals and purposes and boundaries are different from all these.
Missions, to be sure, has used theology, ecumenics and the whole biblical field. Yet it is none of these. It is a combination of these, particularly suited to equip founders and leaders of young churches to perform their calling."
As he mentioned above, "Combination" between pre-evangelism(skills such as building the point of contact), evangelism and post-evangelism (discipleship) is what we need today. For many years, Christian workers tried to preach the Gospel directly without developing any skills for pre-evangelism. But today we live in a different mission environment. We need mission strategies, people skills and materials to build common bonds as well.
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