Day 3: What makes evangelism successful?

We don’t just need to know our “why” and how to overcome our fears. We need to know what makes evangelism successful so that we won’t feel discouraged or defeated when we share the gospel and don’t see people come to Christ. We do not “succeed” if someone comes to Christ. Nor do we fail if people choose not to accept Christ. Dr. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, now known as Cru, defines successful evangelism as “Taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”

This definition involves us and the Trinity in making evangelism successful. Our role is to initiate with others. We begin by getting to know them, asking questions, discussing their spiritual journey, and then asking permission to share Jesus and the gospel. The goal is not just to have good friendships with non-believers but to share Jesus with them. If our conversations only stay spiritual but never get to the gospel, they do not have a chance at eternal life with Jesus.

We are to have these conversations in the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own wisdom and strength. After we have shared Christ in the power of the Spirit and led them to the point of decision, our role is finished. We are to leave the results to God to open their eyes, convict their hearts, draw them to Himself, and ultimately, give them the faith to believe and trust in Him. That part is not our job. This allows us to refrain from debating, trying to convince, or feeling like a failure if they say they are not interested at any part of the conversation.

Our job is to initiate with people around us, walk in the Spirit, and look for opportunities to talk about Jesus. This should eliminate any thoughts of us needing to perform, perfect our words, or feel like we need to be a missionary or have a seminary degree to share Jesus with others. We are all called to be a part of the Great Commission. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20, “…all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This verse is about going and making disciples. We can do this because Jesus is sending us in His authority, with His Spirit, and He promises that He is with us always when we engage with others about Him.

Reflect on these questions:

• What is your role in evangelism? What is God’s? How can that encourage us?
• How does it make you feel that “successful evangelism” doesn’t mean the person has to come to Christ?
• What is comforting about knowing that Jesus has given us His authority and He is with us when we engage in conversations about Him?

Pray and ask God to help you take the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit. Trust that Jesus is with you and has given you His authority to share the gospel with others. Then, after a conversation is over, leave the results of your conversation in God’s hands.