Nor Cal / Nev College Ministries

There's one thing Christians and non-Christians have in common. They both get uncomfortable talking about evangelism.

There are a lot of reasons that evangelism has gotten a negative reputation, but the biggest is that Christians don't do it the way the Bible commands us to.

Biblical Commands

• In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12, NRSV This is the most violated rule in evangelism. If Muslims treated us the way we treat others, we'd go nuts.
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15b-16, NIV Notice that this verse presupposes a relationship of sufficient quality that the other person feels comfortable bringing up the issue of religion.
• We reject all shameful and underhanded methods. We do not try to trick anyone, and we do not distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know that. 2 Corinthians 4:2, NLT Evangelism by deception (such as in "spiritual survey" schemes) is forbidden to Christians. This includes inviting them to evangelistic functions without telling them that it's a Christian event.
• Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:5-6, NRSV Evangelistic conversations should be pleasant conversations.
• If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. Mark 6:11, NRSV. If someone doesn't want to talk to you--leave! We are not called to bug or badger people.

Biblical Examples

Consider also the following Biblical stories. In each case, ask yourself the following questions:

A Bible study for non-Christians.

Some suggested resources

• Alpha Course: Alpha is a food-based, discussion-driven, Spirit-filled outreach that many Chi Alpha groups are using successfully. This is a great program if you don't have time to prepare your own studies or train leaders. All a leader does is this program is moderate discussion with specific instructions not to answer questions themselves. Some Alpha representatives say that Chi Alpha is the best college ministry fit for their outreach because we embrace the Spirit as they present Him. -
  Alpha On Campus website: http://jhfrahm.home.texas.net/

Before you read anything else, read about The Ethics Of Evangelism.

Satanic Book Signing This idea comes from Georgetown Chi Alpha. Buy as many used copies of the Screwtape Letters as you can get your hands on. Get a booth on campus and put up a large sign that says "Book Signing By Satan." Dress up a student in a devil costume and have them give away free copies and sign them with things like, "See you soon -- Satan" and "Hate you -- Satan." Put a bookmark in each book with your ministry's contact and meeting info.