Luke 10:1-12 Steps to Effective Personal Evangelism

The process of personal evangelism is described in these verses. There are a variety of ways in which we can share the Gospel. We can start with the most impersonal fashion or form and move to the most personal.

IMPERSONAL TO PERSONAL STEPS OF EVANGELISM SPECTRUM

1. Hosting an event at the church

2. Reaching out to the community

3. Sunday School

4. Going door-to-door

5. Personal evangelism

PROCESS OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM1

1. Pray (Luke 10:2)

“He told them: “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2, HCSB)

The reality is that there will always be more lost people than Christians who want to share the Gospel. Anyone who says that we have reached everyone is wrong. Every successive needs to reach their generation. Because of this reality, we need to pray. Jesus said to pray for workers. Because He knows that we don’t want to work in sharing the Gospel. He knows that we are lazy. If we can get away with most impersonal form of evangelism, we will do it. So we need to pray for workers.

2. Go (Luke 10:3)

“Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3, HCSB)

The way is dangerous and so are the people whom we will meet. Not everyone is open to the Gospel. Many are hostile to it.

3. Trust (Luke 10:4)

“Don’t carry a money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals; don’t greet anyone along the road.” (Luke 10:4, HCSB)

God wants us to trust Him. We don’t just trust people – they may detract us. We don’t just trust products – they may prevent us. We trust in God. He will provide the way to share the Gospel. There are mechanisms, models, and methods which work. Some work better in different environments than others.

4. Remain (Luke 10:5-8)

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Don’t be moving from house to house. When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you.” (Luke 10:5–8, HCSB)

The process here from Jesus is to find someone who is receptive to Gospel – a man of peace. Someone who is not hostile to the Gospel. From this home, you go out to other people and share the Gospel. The disciples would stay at this home of the man of peace. They would trust him to provide and pay for what the disciples needed. It is a strategic decision.

When it comes to personal evangelism, you don’t trust everyone. You find people who are receptive to the Gospel. People who will let you in. People who will let you share the Gospel. They will give you hospitality and a hearing of the Gospel.

Jesus never said that everyone would accept you. As a matter of fact, later He will warn that there will be whole towns which will not be receptive. That is true in every context (Luke 10:10-12).

“When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We are wiping off as a witness against you even the dust of your town that clings to our feet. Know this for certain: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.” (Luke 10:10–12, HCSB)

5. Share (Luke 10:9)

You share two things: you share (1) God’s power and (2) your testimony

God will use you. You earn the right to share the Gospel. Maybe you prayed for healing for someone, or you provided a meal to someone. Once you have provided a need, people will be open to hear about spiritual things. You get the chance to share the Gospel.

“Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near you.’” (Luke 10:9, HCSB)

There will be people who won’t accept the Gospel. You watch for people who will not accept the Gospel. You still share the Gospel with them, even if they won’t accept it. But you don’t worry about it. Just warn them.

6. Warn (Luke 10:10-12)

“When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We are wiping off as a witness against you even the dust of your town that clings to our feet. Know this for certain: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.” (Luke 10:10–12, HCSB)

Now you are not responsibility about what the people do with the Gospel. You are responsible with sharing the Gospel. If they don’t accept the Gospel, then you warn them. It doesn’t mean you rain down fire and brimstone on their homes. You warn the people that they have a right to hear the good news of Jesus. You warn them that Jesus is coming back and that time is short. Jesus said that Sodom will receive a more positive review from God than this community that won’t listen. It is great privilege to have the chance to hear the gospel shared with you.

“I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.” (Luke 10:12, HCSB)

The warning is for the people who don’t accept the Gospel that comes from personal evangelism.