THE SOUTHCOAST EVANGELISTIC TRAINING & MINISTRY RETREAT TRAINING SHEET-EVANGELISM ESSENTIALS - (ESS1) THEME: INTRODUCTION TO EVANGELISM I pray

that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. [Philemon 6, NIV] LESSON FOCUS 1. To define and explain what is meant by evangelism 2. To reveal facts about the present state of evangelism 3. To learn the characteristics of New Testament evangelism 4. To highlight questions of concern regarding evangelism 5. To find the right answers and propose the right direction for evangelists STUDY A. What is evangelism? It is taking advantage of opportunities to SHARE what you know about JESUS with others to enable them START and DEVELOP a personal relationship with Him through FAITH. COMMENT: It is better to be a Christian and KNOW it, but it is best to be a Christian and SHOW it Jesus said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [Mark 1:17] B. Facts about present state of evangelism 1. There is a large HARVEST but few REAPERS. 2. Most believers think it is only the PASTORS job to reach the lost. 3. Some believers are interested in starting an evangelism ministry but have NO IDEA of where or how to start. 4. Evangelism methods seem to have LITTLE effect on the society. 5. Biblical understanding of being LOST has changed.

6. Evangelistic approaches focus on DECISION making rather than DISCIPLE making. 7. Reaching unbelievers is a LOW PRIORITY for most churches. NB: Let the class generate more facts about present day evangelism. COMMENT: Most Christians are not aware that ALL believers are called to EVANGELIZE If people are ashamed of me and of my teaching, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the Holy angels [Luke 9:26]

C. Characteristics of New Testament Evangelism. 1. Reaching the unbelievers was a HIGH PRIORITY for the early New Testament CHURCH So the twelve apostles called the whole group of believers together and said, It is not right for us to neglect the preaching of Gods Word in order to handle finances..we ourselves, then, will give our full time to prayer and the work of preaching.[Acts 6:2-4] 2. Reaching unbelievers was a high priority for INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some. [1st Corinthians 9:22] 3. The UNDERSTANDING of being LOST was foremost in the mind of believers. Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us. [Acts 4:12] 4. Evangelism was designed to make DISCIPLES Go then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples. [Mat 28:19] 5. Evangelism was seen as an act of OBEDIENCE to the COMMAND of God. But Peter and John answered them, you yourselves judge which is right in Gods sight to obey you or to obey God. For we cannot stop speaking of what we ourselves have seen and heard. [Acts 4:19-20]

6. Evangelism and discipleship worked TOGETHER to reach the New Testament world. They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and prayers. [Acts 2:42] 7. The WHOLE and not PART of the Gospel and its implications were presented during evangelism. Peter said to them, Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive Gods gift, the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2:38] COMMENT: The strength of the church is determined by its TEACHINGS but the size of the church is determined by EVANGELISM D. INTERACTIVE SESSION: CONCERNS AND SOLUTIONS (NB: Response to each question should take a maximum of 3 minutes) 1. As believers, are we to await our LORDs return with no concern for the lost? Give reasons for your answer. _______________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Give reasons or excuses that often prevent us from evangelizing the world. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Suggest ways by which we can overcome the hindrances given in question 2 above. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ E. TAKING QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE THEME FROM THE CLASS (NB: Take oral or written questions from the class, answer a few immediately but respond to others later in writing or otherwise. Please encourage the learners to use the cards and indicate details as they submit)

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ F. CONCLUSION Someone must reach the LOST and that someone is ME