SOUL-WINNING 101

Some people enjoy evangelism.

I don’t.

But I do it.

Recently, I was talking to two young men, and, somewhere in the conversation, I said, “Many people who preach to you don’t do it because they like preaching. They do it because they have to.”

I could see a dawning in their eyes as, perhaps for the first time, they understood the gravity of eternity.

Left to most Christians, we would rather not go out to preach the gospel or even talk about Jesus – but when you imagine a Christ-less eternity, and remember that you will stand before God to give account, you realise it’s not about you.

Years ago, I was growing in the Lord to some extent, then I got to a point where I knew something was missing. The church I attended at that time was having its general monthly all-night service. I was reluctant to attend because of the crowd, but it was impressed very strongly in my heart that I had to be there.

Well, the whole night was about evangelism – from the head pastor to the guest ministers. It was as though God was saying, “This is the missing link.”

That was how I started deliberate evangelism.

Now, this post isn’t meant to infer that I looove soul-winning, or I evangelise consistently. Far from it. Rather, it is to encourage others like myself who (have) struggle(d) with it – and also share tips that have helped me:

1 – Pray. Of course. When I realised that I needed to get deliberate about evangelism, I prayed about it. After I did, it was as though God opened my eyes – so that when I went out, I hardly saw people. I saw “souls”. Everywhere.

Even now, when I go out, I still pray. I tell Him, “I don’t feel like doing this – or talking to anybody. But you love them more than I do. Just take over.” Pray before, during and after.

2- Set Goals and Have A Schedule. If we set goals for other areas of our life, why not evangelism? “I will preach to XYZ number of people every week.” Also, fix a day in the week you deliberately go out for soulwinning.

If you don’t set goals, you can find yourself drifting for months without talking to anyone about Jesus.

5 – Preach Anywhere, Anytime and to Anyone. You don’t have to create a huge song and dance about “going for evangelism”. Simply throw the seeds of the Word to the woman selling cold drinks at the corner kiosk, the fuel attendant, your barber or hairdresser, fellow passengers in transit, or the security guard at the bank. Everybody is a potential soul.

4 – Have Company. It’s fine if you win souls alone, but it’s better, easier and usually more productive when you have people with you. “Two are better than one.” Jesus sent out his disciples two by two. The Holy Spirit said, “Separate to me Paul and Barnabas.”

If you dread evangelizing alone, have a partner – or partners. Use your family, if possible. (It has become commonplace to see families sharing the gospel – and the children sharing tracts. It’s beautiful.)
If you can’t get a partner, join the evangelism department at church. That way, you have company, you get better with soul-winning, and you meet your quota for the day/week etc.

6 – Depend on the Holy Spirit – and don’t stress yourself. The Holy Spirit is more eager for them to get saved than you are. Just ask Him to give you the right words, open your mouth – then speak.

He might prompt you to share a personal experience, your devotional passage for that day, a scripture you heard in church the day before, or an example you read from a source online. Whatever it is, just go with the flow.

Finally, I’ve realised that going out for evangelism can be like going to the gym. You might dread going there, but when you are done, you feel good! Like the disciples, you always return with joy.

So, just step out – and may signs and wonders follow you.

(Do you have a prayer request? Send it in. We will DEFINITELY be praying)(Testimonies? Questions/Topics you want discussed? Suggestions on the blog? Drop a note. All private and anonymous. We will share only if requested.)