Goal
Define evangelism and our role in it
Introduction
A new Christian from East Asia starts attending church. They hear the word “evangelism” but don’t know what it means. So, they ask you, “What is evangelism?” What do you say?
Bible Passage & Questions
Mark 2:1-12
Retell the story in your own words.
- Describe the actions and attitudes of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus.
- Describe Jesus’ response.
- What do the four friends teach us about evangelism?
- What are your personal takeaways from this passage?
Consider & Discuss
In How to be a Fruitful Witness Bill Bright wrote: “There is no experience in life more exciting and spiritually rewarding than the adventure of fishing for people (introducing people to Jesus and bringing them into his presence).”
Our role in a person’s evangelism process may take decades, years, months, or minutes until they come to a point of decision. Remember: God has been at work in their hearts long before we met them, and we don’t know exactly where they are until we initiate with them.
How have you experienced the joy of fishing for people?
Next Steps (Individually & Collectively)
Take some time to reflect on a season in your life characterized by the greatest passion for and engagement in evangelism. Do you sense the same level of faith, desperation, and determination today as you did at that point in your life? Why or why not?
Share your insight with a teammate, friend, pastor, or ministry coach. Discuss how you are doing together, as a team or church, in your determination to introduce people to Jesus. If you had to rate your team or church’s passion for evangelism on a scale of 1-10 (1-lowest; 10-highest), what would it be? What are your greatest obstacles? What needs to change?
Additional Resources
Bill Bright’s Transferable Concept #5, How to be a Fruitful Witness
