Methods of Evangelism: Conclusion

One of the best methods of delivering the gospel is the tried and true methods of preaching and teaching. There really is no substitute for gifted men empowered by the Holy Spirit speaking the word of God. The reason church service is organized around the sermon is because this is the most effective way to deliver the message of deliverance - preaching isn't just a focus of the church it is the primary focus of the local church.

Acts records the early history of the church and its not an accident that after the Holy Spirit filled the believers on Pentecost that Peter immediately spoke the word of God. Preaching was the method used to start the revival we see in Acts and preaching is still the path to spiritual reformation.

Paul says this:
"For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"

How can they hear without someone preaching? This is what Paul means by the "foolishness of preaching" - when regular men like you and me preach the word of God the Holy Spirit can empower our words and bring souls to Christ.

Its a truly amazing thing, something we just can't take for granted, but you may be thinking "this is great and all but what does this have to with me? I'm not a preacher." But even if you're not a preacher or teacher you can still be a part of this method of evangelism.

Preachers need three things: an audience, an opportunity, and wiling and able souls to teach the truths of God one on one. It doesn't matter how good a preacher someone is if they don't have anyone listening. The reason Peter was so effective is more than just his great teaching, the reason he could actually have an effect was because there were thousands of people listening. What we need is people who are willing to get their friends, coworkers and family and bring them in to hear a great message. What we need are people to recruit.

Preachers need opportunities, they need occasions to speak at, they need to know when there is a gathering, they need to be asked to speak at funerals, weddings, graduations, and ceremonies of all kinds. The preacher only knows so many people but as a congregation we can find so much more opportunities than any one preacher can ever find. As a congregation we can take the gifted man and change a city.

Preachers also need those people willing to search for those tender hearts after the message is done, people willing to lead souls to Christ. The preacher is just one man, but with a team of dedicated workers behind him he can help lead many souls to salvation.

Peter alone couldn't have lead three thousand souls to salvation and we see that when we read Acts chapter two. First there were 120 people filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in a variety of tongues. They were so excited about the word of God that a multitude formed around them and after the sermon:

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Look at all the plurals in that passage, look at all the groups of people doing something for the glory of God - this is what is necessary for an effective sermon. If the pastor preaches the best sermon ever preached and no one leads people to become effective workers in the church that great opportunity is lost, but when the Preacher and people work as one, when they unite great things happen.

Now we've gone through many of the methods of evangelism and I trust its been edifying and I hoped its opened your mind to the truth, but don't let my words limit what you think is possible. Let's keep praying that God would make us supernaturally empowered to do His will. Let's pray big prayers and trust that He will work through us.