Always Knowing What to Say: Tactics in Evangelism

Always Knowing What to Say: Tactics in Evangelism 2 Cor. 5:18-20

Knowledge: Read the word daily; practice remembering key Bible texts An Artful Method: a game plan in conversations in order to “redeem the time” Character That Commends the Message: Are we what an outsider would want to become? Good Ambassadors Have...

Knowledge: Read the word daily; practice remembering key Bible texts An Artful Method: a game plan in conversations in order to “redeem the time” Character That Commends the Message: we are what an outsider would want to become Good Ambassadors Have...

Jesus asked questions – To discover/reveal their beliefs & motives – To put Himself in a better position to teach – Without stating His own position Jesus reversed the burden of proof He continued to ask questions & exposed a flaw in their lives: rebelliousness Jesus never answered their question Matt. 21:23-27

Use carefully selected questions to productively advance the conversation Tactics are not “tricks” meant to belittle or humiliate; look for an honest heart Columbo tactic can be used to... – Lead a conversation to spiritual things – Answer confrontational, challenging questions The Columbo Tactic

Rule of thumb: whoever makes an assertion must back it up with proof Step one: Gain information & stay out of the hot seat. Ask, “what do you mean by that?” – “There is no God.” – “Jesus’ humanity was taken out of the Bible.” – “All religions are basically the same.” – “You shouldn’t force your views on people.” – “The Bible was just written by men.” The Columbo Tactic

Step Two: Reverse the burden of proof -- “How did you come to that conclusion?” – “I believe the universe began with a big bang.” – “Fossils prove evolution.” The Columbo Tactic

Step Three: Exploit a weakness or flaw in their reasoning -- “Have you considered...” – “The natural occurrence of life coming from non-life.” – “If the Bible were written by men, how do we account for fulfilled prophecies?” – “If partial birth abortion is morally acceptable, how do we condemn infanticide?” – “If Jesus’ claims are wrong, how can we call Him a ‘good’ man?” The Columbo Tactic

Ask questions to gain information: What do you mean by that? Reverse the burden of proof: How did you come to that conclusion? Exploit a weakness or flaw: Maybe you can clear something up for me...Have you considered...? Summed Up...