Evangelism Intellectual Methods of Evangelism

The Romans Road is an intellectual method of evangelism based on Paul's book of Romans. The Romans Road method is systematic and has a clearly defined process, as it is based on scripture. Moreover, the Romans Road method is logical in that it shows who needs salvation, why salvation is necessary, how to achieve salvation, and what to expect from salvation (Fairchild, n.d.). The basic tenets of the Romans Road method are that all persons are sinners, that Christ died to provide a means by which human beings can receive grace and salvation, that death is certain without salvation, and that the only means by which to achieve salvation is through Christ.

Advantages to the Romans Road method include the fact that it is "popular" and therefore well explained in Christian resources (Stewart, n.d.). The Romans Road method is particularly accessible to logical and systematic thinkers and the preachers who serve them. This is one of the reasons the Romans Road method is deemed "intellectual" in nature. Because it focuses on one book of the Bible, the Romans Road method is easy to communicate and teach, as listeners do not need to become overwhelmed with the differences between different books of the New Testament. The method is also "easy to memorize" because of the focus on Romans (Slick, n.d.). Because the Romans Road method is rooted in the concept of original sin, any listener who believes in original sin will be particularly receptive to the method. The Romans Road method suggests that all persons need salvation because of original sin, thereby presenting a universal message. Pointing to the book of Romans, the method shows how salvation is necessary and most importantly, that Jesus Christ is the only means by which salvation is possible. The Romans Road method also has the advantage of offering the person a choice: one can choose to not be saved, which would lead to death and destruction; or one can choose to be saved and receive eternal life. As a sinner, the person will either be ready to receive Christ and repent or will simply walk away.

Disadvantages to the Romans Road method are few. Those who are already receptive to the Christian message may need to set aside egotistical responses to the Romans Road method, such as the concept of original sin. With a little coaching, though, the evangelist can show how and why the Romans Road method makes sense, and how the person can come to accept Christ as the means to salvation. Because the Romans Road method can be shown to be irrefutable with regards to scripture, it is effective. However, Stewart (n.d.) points out that the Romans Road method must be taught by taking into account the entire Book of Romans, including instruction on the death and resurrection of Christ. Omitting key components of the Book of Romans may be a pitfall. The only other disadvantage would be the fact that other books in the New Testament need to be carefully woven into its teachings.

Part Two: Relational Methods of Evangelism

Different forms of relational evangelism share features in common. The friendship method is based more on the pre-existing relationships between individuals, and lifestyle evangelism is based more on setting an example and having others be inspired by that example. It is easy to see how the two methods are related and can be used interchangeably. Focusing on lifestyle evangelism allows a Christian to embody Christ's message and attract new believers in a scripturally supported, profound, and meaningful way. One of the scriptural foundations for lifestyle evangelism can be seen in Matthew 5:16: " In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Therefore, lifestyle evangelism is clearly rooted in scripture and offers a solution to some of the most common problems with being an evangelist in a secular society. The basic tenet of lifestyle evangelism is that by living a life in accordance with Christian values, one becomes a natural evangelical leader.

The advantages of lifestyle evangelism are similar to those of friendship evangelism, in that these methods are supported by research. Over three-fourths of all conversions occur "in the context of a family or personal friendship suggesting lifestyle evangelism," because the unbeliever "feels a sense of belonging" ("Relational Evangelism," n.d.). Furthermore, the person becomes a sort of living proof, allowing the "proof is in the pudding" refutations to fall apart easily. As Aldrich (2006) points out, evangelism necessitates deep personal, psychological, and cultural changes. Only lifestyle evangelism underscores the practical dimensions of conversion that can cause some believers or potential believers to stray. When an evangelist embodies...

The inspiration does not necessarily need to come initially from a belief in Christ but from the desire to be happier.
In fact, this can also become one of the disadvantages of lifestyle evangelism. Because lifestyle evangelism is based on outward appearances, the message of Christ might be cloaked for too long. The evangelist might, out of fear of retribution or being judged by peers, be too afraid to broach the subject of God. It is important to remember that preaching the gospel does often require words, and that words should be blended with lifestyle to attract new converts. This is what is meant by "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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," (Peter 3:15). Some people need words to stimulate their beliefs, which is why lifestyle evangelism might be limited in some cases. Furthermore, not all people appear on the outside to be exemplars of Christ's love. As Pope (2010) points out, some people are prone to judging based on looks or superficial issues and might overlook the deeper meaning of a person's Christian lifestyle. A Christian may also need to contend with stereotypes and other negative barriers to helping others bear witness to the gospel truth ("Relational Evangelism," n.d.).

Part Three: Confrontational Methods

Evangelism Explosion is one of the world's most renowned methods of confrontational evangelism, which is now used in at least 100,000 churches in 211 countries worldwide (Kennedy, 1996). The evangelism explosion methodology is based on four phases, including friendship, evangelism beyond friendship, discipleship, and healthy growth. It has been said that the evangelism explosion is "God's answer to the population explosion," (Kennedy, 1996, p. xi). The program is highly formalized, and began in a small church in Florida. The basic tenets of evangelism explosion is that it is important to grow the Church through an active program of evangelism, and that evangelism is a core component of the Christian lifestyle.

Advantages of the Evangelism Explosion method include its systematic and formal system, which is also comprehensive in scope. The Evangelism Explosion International community offers books and other resources to assist evangelists in their mission and help them to achieve their goals. Because it is standardized, the Evangelism Explosion system has been readily adapted for use in different communities around the world. Therefore, the method takes into account cultural diversity and is accessible to persons from all over the world. The method is also "easy to learn and hard to forget," (Evangelism Explosion International, 2015). Evangelism Explosion offers tools and workshops, encouraging a sense of community. The principles of Evangelism Explosion also connect with other types of evangelism, particularly friendship evangelism. The first principle of Evangelism Explosion is friendship and the development of relationships (Kennedy, 1996). However, the system goes beyond friendship evangelism to a more aggressive and formalized system that ensures each person will come to believe and seek salvation in Christ. Evangelism is "the beginning" and not "the end in itself," (Kennedy, 1996, p. xii). Because Evangelism Explosion is a long-term solution, it can also be highly effective from a global and broad-based perspective. Evangelism explosion also offers the unique benefit of creating successive generations of evangelists, because it focuses not only on conversion but also on discipleship.

Disadvantages of the Evangelism Explosion method include the fact that the method is confrontational in nature, which may not be appropriate in all situations. The method is also long-term in nature, which is not always advantageous in that some people will only have a brief time to get to know a person who they wish to convert. The system involves creating disciples out of new believers, but it may be more important to focus on the deliverance of sinners to God rather than on the person's willingness and preparedness to become a disciple. Using methods like Evangelism Explosion link the evangelist and his or her congregation to a specific method, limiting their freedom and potentially engendering financial costs. The method also potentially conflicts with other confrontational methods used by Christians.

References

Aldrich, J. (2006). Lifestyle Evangelism. Multnomah.

Bible: NIV

Evangelism Explosion International (2015). Share your faith. Retrieved online: http://evangelismexplosion.org/ministries/share-your-faith/

Fairchild, M. (n.d.). What is Romans…