In simple terms, witnessing or ministering the gospel means introducing others to Jesus Christ.   Biblically, this is known as evangelism and is the responsibility of all Christians.  It is the work of the Holy Spirit reaching out through  believers to win others to repentance from  their sin of unbelief  and  accept  Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Note: Witnessing is not something we merely do, It is something we are to BE (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 3:2; Mt. 5:14).  Witnessing should never be employed as a mechanism that provokes anger and fuels resistance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Overcoming the fear to witness effectively, starts with examining our motive.  The motive to glorify God cannot be easily discouraged or defeated.  Actually, most Christians eventually faint when it comes to witnessing due to a motive that conflicts with the will of God.

Secondly, The Right Means.
A wise Christian wants to be a witness that produces fruit (Prov. 11:30). This requires the right means.   We must absolutely depend on the Holy Spirit (Lk. 24:48-49) It is He Who does the work.  Why is this so essential?  The Holy Spirit is able to convict of sin (Jn. 16:8-11), and convey the Truth (16:13), and He alone can regenerate (Jn. 3:5-8, Titus 3:5-7).

We must absolutely depend on the authority of the Word of God.  From God's Word, we learn what to say, and how to say what needs to be said. The Christian can learn from obvious examples of evangelism in the Scriptures.

Example, What are the needs for the Christian who wants to witness...

1. A Life surrendered to Christ (Luke 9:23).
2. A Spirit-filled life (Eph. 5:18).
3. Bible knowledge (2 Tim. 2:15).
4. A Prayer life; believing prayer.
5. Faith, and Concern for lost souls.

The Bible provides good pointers:

1. Deal with your own age and gender if possible.
2. Be gentle, wise, clear, polite, uncompromising. Don't  argue.
3. Seek and pray for opportunities, and use them.
4. Rely on the Lord; keep silently praying for His guidance.
5. Work with love and perseverance.
6. Lead directly to a definite acceptance of Christ.

What Methods can we employ?

Witnessing can be done through Literature, Crusade, Radio, Open air, Door-to-door, Special meetings, Stickers, Tracts, Friendship, Personal.

Friendship Evangelism is very effective (Matt. 5:16, 1 Pet. 2:12) Be careful to present an appearance and apparel that is not offensive.    Always show love and kindness.  Be a conscientious worker.   People will naturally observe...  What we are,  What we do,  and What we say. Note Christ's example, John 4:7-30.  Be willing and ready to... Contact, Communicate, Relate and Being relevant.

The Most Important Aspect Of Witnessing is Your Message.   What is the message when witnessing? It is dogmatically presenting Christ as the ONLY answer to:  Man's Sin, Death, and Eternal Life.  The most important aspect of witnessing is presenting CHRIST AS THE ULTIMATUM, NOT AN ALTERNATIVE.

Have a chronological plan in presenting the Scriptures. Remember, It is by God's Word only that one can be saved (Rom.10:17)

Example:
Rom. 3:23. Man's Need.
Rom. 6:23. Sin's Penalty.
Rom. 5:8. God's Provision.
Rom. 10:9,10. Man's Response.
Rom. 10:13, God's Response. 

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT IN GOING TO HEAVEN... THAT'S BRINGING ANOTHER SOUL WITH YOU.  It would also be wise to prayerfully consider enrolling into Bible seminary.  The Open Bible Institute provides education and academics that will equip a believer to be rooted and grounded into the scriptures for an effective ministry.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur  Belanger
 

Back To Bible Q & A

Bible College @ Home!

We Are Ready To Help!

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CATALOGUE

         Call Now! 1-800-242-5314                

Getting Started! 

Getting started has never been easier! It's just a free phone call away!  Calling allows us to put a real voice to all your questions. Our registrar office will provide you with all the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision. You will learn about:

START TODAY.. Apply On Line >>

Search For An Answer To Your Bible Question...