Bible Study : What is Evangelism

Evangelism lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. It is not merely a religious activity or optional calling for a select few, it is a central mandate given to every believer. At its core, evangelism is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the aim of leading others into faith and making disciples.

What Is Evangelism?

Evangelism is the act of communicating the gospel—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It involves sharing His teachings, His sacrifice, and His promise of eternal life, with the intention of drawing others into a personal relationship with God.

Why Evangelism Matters

Evangelism is not just important; it is essential. Scripture provides several compelling reasons why believers are called to win souls:

1. It is a divine command - Jesus’ final instruction before His ascension, often referred to as the Great Commission, makes evangelism non-negotiable. In Matthew 28:18–20, He commands His followers to go into all nations, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This is both a responsibility and a privilege.

2. It demonstrates our love for God - In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Evangelism is a direct expression of obedience and love toward God.

3. The value of a soul is immeasurable - The Bible consistently emphasizes the worth of a single soul. Jesus illustrated this through several parables, including:

- The lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7)

- The lost coin (Luke 15:8–10)

- The prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32)

- The hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44)

- The weeds (Matthew 13:24–30)

- The net (Matthew 13:47–50)

Mark 8:36–37 further underscores this truth: nothing in the world can equal the value of a soul.

4. It is a way to please God - Believers are called to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that everyone will stand before Christ in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:9–10). Evangelism is part of faithful stewardship.

5. Jesus is the only way to God - In John 14:6, Jesus declares Himself as the only path to the Father. This exclusivity makes evangelism urgent—without hearing the truth, many remain lost.

6. The reality of eternal judgment - Scripture is clear about the existence of hell and eternal separation from God (Psalm 9:17; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:8). The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) paints a sobering picture. If we possess the message of salvation, withholding it is not an option.

7. Life is short and eternity is certain - Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that life is brief and judgment follows. Evangelism is time-sensitive; we only have one opportunity in this life to fulfill the Great Commission.

8. It brings great joy - There is deep joy in seeing lives transformed. In Luke 10:17, the disciples returned with joy after witnessing the power of God at work through them.

9. There are eternal rewards Soul-winning carries eternal significance. Daniel 12:3 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 speak of lasting glory and joy for those who lead others to righteousness.

The Five Modes of Evangelism

Evangelism can take different forms depending on context, personality, and spiritual leading. One helpful framework is the “5 P’s” of evangelism:

1. Presence Evangelism - This involves living out the Christian faith through character and conduct. A godly lifestyle can draw others to Christ without words.

For example, 1 Peter 3:1–2 shows how behavior can influence unbelievers, while 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages believers to be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

2. Proclamation Evangelism - This is the direct and public declaration of the gospel message. It is clear, bold, and calls for a response.

A strong example is Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41), where about 3,000 people were saved in one day.

3. Persuasion Evangelism - This approach engages the mind through reasoning, dialogue, and testimony. It seeks to convince through truth and understanding.

Paul’s interaction with King Agrippa (Acts 26:27–29) illustrates this method well.

4. Power Evangelism - Here, the gospel is demonstrated through the power of God—healing, miracles, and signs that confirm the message. As seen in 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, faith is strengthened not just by words, but by the manifestation of God’s power.

5. Prophetic Evangelism - This mode relies on spiritual gifts such as prophecy, words of knowledge, and discernment to reveal God’s truth personally. 1 Corinthians 14:24–25 shows how this can lead to deep conviction, as individuals recognize that God knows them intimately.

Resources for Further Study

- The Holy Bible (NKJV and NIV translations)

- Finishing the Great Commission* by Wale Babatunde

- Great Commission Challenge* by Wale Babatunde