Methods of Evangelism
The Romans Road
The Romans' Road to salvation refers to a means through which the good news is explained by making use of verses in the book of Romans. It provides a powerful means of explaining the need for salvation. Furthermore, it provides an account of how salvation was provided by God and the means through which salvation can be attained. It also describes the benefits and results that a person can get on attaining salvation (Earley & Wheeler, 2010).
Several Bible verses are used in explaining the Romans Road Evangelistic method. These verses include; Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9, Romans 5:1, Romans 8:1, Romans 10:13, Romans 8:38-39. There are several advantages attached to the use of this method in evangelizing. The verses used in the Romans Road method of evangelism clearly explain the sinful state of man and the need for salvation. This method of evangelism is mostly advantageous to people who are ready and yearn for the message. Additionally, it is beneficial to people who have gained an understanding of the message and are ready to accept it. They then conclude by making a prayer of acceptance of Christ into their lives.
However, the Romans Road method of evangelism has a disadvantage when used among rebellious individuals. These are people who deny and are not yet ready to accept the message of Christ into their lives. Therefore, the listener of the message may not conclude by making an acceptable prayer. Since this is a direct method, there are chances of a conflict arising, and if not used carefully, a confrontation may arise.
Lifestyle Evangelism
Lifestyle Evangelism is an evangelistic method that calls practicing Christians into action. According to this method of evangelism, a Christian’s perspective of the Great Commission to Evangelize the world is called into action. This is because; one of the objectives of Christians is to make unbelievers alter their perspective of reality and their basic view of life. By practicing the expected Christian values, others, especially non-believers, may change their ways and see the light and follow Christ, as well. This method of evangelism requires Christians to try and convert non-believers and make them forfeit their assumptions and beliefs on morality and religion. As a result, the method is highly engaging and time-consuming. However, developing a concrete and genuine relationship with a staunch Christian can go a long way in answering most of their questions about religion (Aldrich, 2011).
Christians must realize that they are always being scrutinized much more than non-believers. Therefore, many people, especially non-believers aim to detect failures and contradictions upon which they can find their criticism. It is in this vein that Paul sounds a warning in the book of 2 Timothy 3:12 (BibleGateway, 2013). He says that everyone who lives holy and by the code set by Jesus Christ will inadvertently face persecution. However, non-believers are always watching to get a clue about how Christians tackle serious challenges in life. Such actions have a considerable impact on the lives of non-believers.
The main principle in this method of evangelizing is that; the Christian’s life in the view of a non-believer is an indication or reflection of how their life will be once they accept Christ. The advantage of this method of evangelism is that it gives Christians practicing a chance to self-reflection. It allows Christians to live a measured and tempered life with the knowledge that they are an example to non-believers as well as other Christians.
The disadvantage of this method of evangelism is that it may lead to pretenses on the part of the Christian attempting to make an impression. Pretending to be what they are not, or even pretending to practice what they do not believe in, may end up compromising the Christian's faith. It is, therefore, important that a Christian who practices this model of evangelism be self-disciplined and, therefore, practice Christian values that are natural to him or her.
Servant Evangelism
Servant Evangelism is a method of evangelism that takes an approach that is more direct and straightforward in spreading the love of God. The method makes use of basic and practically manageable means of spreading God’s love. However, it is necessary to note that this method is not strict and does not follow some code of action. The main driving force behind this method of evangelism is love. The love exhibited by the Christian surpasses basic giving of comfort and good intentions; it involves expressing true love to non-believers to make them convert and also to other Christians to keep them strong in faith. From the bible, Jesus’ action of washing his disciple’s feet during the last supper was a clear manifestation of this evangelism method. Jesus used this opportunity to demonstrate his love. His main aim was to show that, Christians need to convert their love from mere talk to action. Servant Evangelism provides a convenient means of extending and reaching out to people in modern-day cultures. This is because it presents an opportunity for Christians to evangelize on a personal level within the community and in a mode that they feel most comfortable and natural.
The advantages associated with servant evangelism are expansive. However, they can only be realized if the process is carried out properly. This evangelism method is exemplified in the book of James 2:14-22 (BibleGateway, 2013). According to James faith practiced without accompanying actions is equated to death. Servant Evangelism provides both short and long-term advantages. One of the major long-time advantages is that non-believers will begin opening up and accepting the love of God. This is major because they can see the Christian’s actions of faith and the essence of agape love. Furthermore, the methods offer Christians an opportunity to interact with others and, therefore, build the individual’s confidence in interacting with and approaching many people to demonstrate true love.
The disadvantage of this method of evangelism is that it poses the danger of making the Christians complacent and thinking that it is through their ‘works,’ that they will attain salvation. However, this is not supposed to be the case as it is by God’s grace that Christians will attain salvation. Therefore, there is a high chance that a Christian may lose his or her perspective of salvation while practicing servant evangelism.
Application of These Methods to Your Own Life
From a personal perspective, I believe that servant evangelism is the appropriate method of evangelism that suits me best. There are several reasons why this is the method most preferable for me. To begin with, before accepting Christ, I indulged in several selfish acts. The world revolved around me, and I did not care about the feelings of others or what I did to hurt them. Therefore, I feel that to make non-believers get to know the life-changing love of Christ, I should practice servant evangelism. Other non-believers aware of my former character will be amazed at the changes in me and choose to follow the Christ I found (Turh Dantzler, 2012).
Furthermore, servant evangelism will allow me to fulfill my heart’s desire to serve others. I will be able to get out to the unfortunate and show compassion. I will be able to draw contentment from serving others. I aim at being an example to fellow Christians and non-believers alike. I would like to set a trend that others can emulate and draw comparisons. Additionally, by serving others, I will be able to become humble and spread the gospel. Simple acts of service will touch people’s hearts and make them listen to the message I convey. I will be able to be a true disciple and follower of Christ.
