Great benefits can be enjoyed as an individual and a congregation when there is an energetic attitude toward evangelism. In addition to these two benefits, the one being evangelized or taught can be brought to salvation. A good friend and brother, Jack Wilhelm, suggested some helpful techniques for evangelism for our benefit:
· The brethren in the early church were converted and fully committed. They gave themselves freely and willingly so that lives could be touched and burdens lifted (2 Cor. 8:1-5).
· They were united in love and action (Acts 2). They also shared the Lord’s long-range goal to reach the world and were willing to give Him all the glory (1 Cor. 1:10-18). They followed Christ not man.
· They trained workers by committing what they had learned to faithful men who could teach others also (2 Tim. 2:1-2). Preparation is a part of the Christian’s armor (Eph. 6:15).
· They were dedicated and concerned; conducting themselves in such a way to merit respect (Acts 2:47).
· They were willing to take the initiative; they went to the people and refused to prop themselves on a street corner waiting for the lost to come to them (Acts 8:4).
· They kept at it, using alternate plans if primary approaches were blocked. It was a daily chore teaching from house to house (Acts 5:42). They adapted to use new opportuni-ties available (1 Cor. 16:7-9).
· They did what was right and needed rather than what was popular and customary. Peter’s going to the Gentiles is a good example (Acts 10:34).
· They respected their prospects, even leaving them alone when they rejected, when that became their choice (Matt. 7:6; Acts 13:43-48).
· They began to evangelize where they were and spread from there to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8; 8:4).
· Their primary goals were to glorify God and to win souls (1 Cor. 2:2; Phil. 1:14-19).
The promise is that we will be productive and receive the rewards promised to those who “reap in due season, if they do not faint” (Gal. 6:9)!
–Mike King; Lakeside church of Christ
