Friendship Evangelism Pt 1 - Member

FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM – Part I

FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM

YOUNG ADULT CELLS MAR 2006

Member’s Notes

I. Introduction Evangelism. The word frightens a lot of Christians. It means things like preaching to crowds, knocking on doors, talking with strangers, passing out tracts, inviting people to special church services, sharing your personal testimony with others, getting people to pray to receive Christ. The word "evangelism" also brings out guilt in many. What do you think is the most effective way in winning people to Christ?

Learning Outcomes: Understanding, Attitude Objective: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: • Define what is friendship evangelism. • Draw at least 3 practical lessons from Jesus on friendship evangelism. • Desire to reach at least a friend for Christ this year.

II. What is Friendship Evangelism? When researchers asked new converts, "What was the major influence in leading you to Christ and the Church?", they responded:

• • • •

Church advertising: _______ The Pastor: _______ Organized evangelism programs: ______ Friends and relatives: ______

[Adapted from "Evangelism: The Why and How" by Elmer L. Towns, in Church Growth State of the Art, C. Peter Wagner, ed. (Wheaton: Tyndale, 1988), p. 53. ]

In light of these statistics, it is important that we build caring relationships with friends and relatives. This approach to personal witnessing goes by several names: life-style evangelism; friendship evangelism; caring evangelism; and web evangelism. Who are the people on whom we have the greatest influence?

Friendship evangelism is an ___________________ building of relationships for the purpose of ___________________ and leading the person into ___________________________ with Christ. Have you ever asked yourself: “Why should I witness?”

III. Friendship Evangelism in the New Testament Friendship evangelism was practiced in New Testament times. Can you list any examples in which a person brought his relatives (including whole household) or friends to relationship with Christ? 1. 2. 3. Member’s Notes page 1 of 3

FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM – Part I

4. 5. In Mark 5:19-20, we read of a demonized man who was delivered and wanted to go with Jesus. But, Jesus did not let him. Why do you think Jesus did not let him? Do you think the man will be a more effective evangelist if he had followed Jesus? Why or why not?

YOUNG ADULT CELLS MAR 2006 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:19-20 19

What implications can you draw for your own personal life?

The story of Jesus with the Samaritan woman in John 4:4-42 is a familiar story. Quickly read through the story and answer the following questions. What kind of person is this Samaritan woman?

How did Jesus initiate conversation with this woman?

How did Jesus sustain interest in the conversation and what is the significance of offering living water?

Jesus must have touched a raw nerve in the woman when asked about her husband. How was this instrumental in winning this woman to Christ?

What are some reasons for the woman to leave her water jar and go to the town to tell the people about Jesus?

What are some practical lessons you can draw from Jesus on friendship evangelism from his encounter with this woman?

Member’s Notes page 2 of 3

FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM – Part I

YOUNG ADULT CELLS MAR 2006

V In next week lesson, we learn how to write our personal testimony as a tool for personal evangelism. We will also hand out “Starbuck” vouchers for those who are wanting to share the Gospel to a friend. In the meantime, write down in the space on the right, names of 2 or 3 friends or relatives that you wanted to reach for Christ. Share with the cell group about them and if you have any plan to reach them this year. Pray together as a cell for these friends. 0.5

Member’s Notes page 3 of 3