by Mitchell Skelton

There are perhaps as many different methods and manuals for personal evangelism as there are chain e-mails on the internet. The importance of spreading the gospel and our, sometimes, inadequate attempts at doing so is perhaps the reason there are so many methods and manuals in circulation. And since one more couldn't hurt. . .

Personal evangelism can be one of the most rewarding ministries in which you will ever be involved. Yes, there will be rejection and sometimes disappointment but with the proper attitude and preparation, you can overcome these minor "bumps" in the road. The following lists are just a few things I have learned from others and from experience in the field. Use them, adapt them and add to them as you enter into the harvest fields.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19,20a)

VITAL TOOLS

As you embark on your journey to spread the gospel to a lost and dying world, there are some tools you need to take along with you.

1. Prayer
2. A bible. (Make sure you and the person you are studying with use the same translation.)
3. A positive attitude.
4. A Partner. (Jesus sent his disciples out in two's and it is a good idea for us today.)

SOME DON’TS OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM

1. Don't overanalyze or psychoanalyze people or their motives.
2. Don't argue with people about religion.
3. Don't denounce or ridicule another person's church or religion (Matt. 10:16; 1 Peter 3:15) (Your goal is to keep the door open not slam it shut.)
4. Don't begin with criticism.
5. Don't act superior.
6. Don't be a "know it all."
7. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know.
8. Don't feel the need to answer everything the other person says. (Stay on task, teach the gospel and avoid "chasing rabbits.")
9. Don't do all the talking (James 1:19)
10. Don't use too many passages of scripture. (You can overwhelm a person. Take your time; it took Jesus over three years.)
11. Don't get angry!
12. Don't talk negative about other members, the preacher, the elders or petty difficulties in the church.

SOME DO'S OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM

1. Do pray for your studies and for the person with whom you are studying.
2. Do put yourself in the other person's place. (Understand that they may often be nervous or confused.)
3. Do prepare yourself for study (2 Tim. 2:15)
4. Do speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15)
5. Do listen to the other person and write down questions they have.
6. Do spend the majority of your time in the scripture. (While you do not want to overwhelm them with scripture you don't want to leave the impression that what you are teaching is only your opinion.)
7. Do remain positive (but don't be "false—positive.")
8. Do build up the church.
9. Do set an appointment for another visit.
10. Do pray before you leave.