Session 2 Principles of Friendship Evangelism

The Story of the Brochure One was mailed One was mailed One was given by a friend One was given by a friend

Dr. Oosterwal of Andrews University Study on 4,000 Converts 57% were invited to evangelistic meetings or church by relatives or friends 57% were invited to evangelistic meetings or church by relatives or friends

Evangelism + Friendship = Successful Soul-winning

Flavel Yeakley Study 3 Groups of People Those who dropped out of church Those who dropped out of church Those who did not make a decision Those who did not make a decision Those who were active members Those who were active members

First Group: Those Who Dropped Out of Church 71% were approached with truth by someone exerting pressure 71% were approached with truth by someone exerting pressure

Second Group: Those Who Did Not Make a Decision 84% were approached with someone just presenting information. It was a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude. No friendship involved. 84% were approached with someone just presenting information. It was a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude. No friendship involved.

Third Group: Those Who Became Active Members 94% were approached by someone who dialogued with them, showed an interest in them, and gave them friendship 94% were approached by someone who dialogued with them, showed an interest in them, and gave them friendship

Three Principles of Personal Evangelism 1. Agree with people whenever you can 1. Agree with people whenever you can “Agree with the people on every point where you can consistently do so. Let them see you love their souls and want to be in harmony with them as far as possible.” Evangelism p. 141

What if your Baptist friend says, “I can’t wait for the rapture!” I’m looking forward to meeting Jesus too I’m looking forward to meeting Jesus too I’m looking forward to heaven too I’m looking forward to heaven too I believe the end is very soon I believe the end is very soon

What if your co-worker says, “I don’t believe God exists. If He does why is the world so bad?” I’ve asked that question too. But then I found the answer. I’ve asked that question too. But then I found the answer. Yes, it’s easy to feel that way. Would you like to know what I think? Yes, it’s easy to feel that way. Would you like to know what I think?

What if your friend says at a funeral, “I’m so happy my husband is walking the streets of gold.” I’m glad death isn’t the end for the Christian. I’m glad death isn’t the end for the Christian. I’m sure you are looking forward to being reunited one day. I’m sure you are looking forward to being reunited one day. I can understand why you feel that way. I can understand why you feel that way. Silence and smile Silence and smile

Three Principles of Personal Evangelism 2. Show approval whenever you can 2. Show approval whenever you can Build them up Build them up Never criticize or condemn Never criticize or condemn Acknowledge the good in them Acknowledge the good in them

What do you say if you run into a non-attending member? What should you do? What should you do? What should you not do? What should you not do?

“Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart.” Evangelism p. 141

Three Principles of Personal Evangelism 3. Accept people as they are 3. Accept people as they are Never show disgust Never show disgust Be their friend despite their bad habits Be their friend despite their bad habits Love them in spite of who they are Love them in spite of who they are

Jesus was a safe person Are you? “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and You will find rest for your souls.” “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and You will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11: 28-30

Seminar Info Pastor David M. Klinedinst Personal Ministries Director Christian Record Services for the Blind PO Box 6097 Lincoln, NE ext 246