Some Common Misconceptions About Evangelism
Categories: Bulletin Articles, Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bulletin Articles on EvangelismWhen you hear the phrase, “Personal Evangelism” what do you think? It is an awesome and daunting responsibility to take the gospel to others. I have been involved in several efforts to get the word out. I have knocked doors and spoken to folks about the gospel. I don’t know everything about personal evangelism, but I have come to learn about several misconceptions.
Misconception number one: Most people hate to talk about the Bible. Some try to avoid it, but many are happy to have the discussion. Most of the time, the problem is that we are not comfortable talking about the Bible, and that makes others uncomfortable. Think of your favorite subject. What did you do to learn how to talk about it to someone else? Are you comfortable talking about it? Can you put the same attitude and effort into talking about the Bible? If we demonstrate that we are comfortable talking about the Bible, others will be too. “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him” (John 8:32).
Misconception number two: I just don’t know enough to talk to someone else about the Bible. The truth is: you know more than you think you do. The church of Christ emphasizes regular Bible study. Most others do not. The barrier is our own comfort level. We just need to start the conversation. “But what if I don’t know something?” There is nothing wrong with telling someone that you don’t know the answer. Tell them, “I will find out and get back to you later.” The church at Corinth had many questions. They wrote a letter to Paul to get them answered (1 Corinthians 1:11). Sometimes we need to get answers from someone who knows a little more about the Bible. This is OK and people will understand if we need to do this.
Misconception number three: I just don’t know how to do personal work. You really do. Personal work is not necessarily a personal Bible study, even though it can be. It can be visiting people, passing out flyers, writing letters to the editor, working with mail outs, and just chatting with your neighbor. Getting out into the community, getting involved, and making contacts is the best personal work. The church has PLENTY of work to do that ANYONE can do. Getting to know people is a big part of evangelism. Most people today respond to the gospel because a friend talked to them about it. Can you be a friend? “A man who has friends must himself be friendly” (Proverbs 18:24).
Misconception number four: Nobody is going to respond anyway. This is a defeatist attitude. Of course nobody is going to respond if we don’t go out and work. When you do the work, however, you never know who is going to respond. Consistent steady efforts are the key to any successful endeavor. How many successful salesmen do you know who gave up after their first attempt? It takes time, effort, and consistency. Paul said, “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).
We can do personal work in our community. The biggest barrier to this is ourselves. We need to determine to get out and start evangelizing for Christ. The stakes are too high, and the souls of men hang in the balance. Let’s resolve to make an effort to evangelize our community. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:25).