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Suggestions for Building Evangelistic Relationships
In any evangelistic presentation there must be a relationship building period. For example, in an evangelistic home bible study, it may be wise to begin the first meeting with a cookout or dinner that includes "ice-breaker" type opportunities. Consider that even in a Billy Graham crusade, time is given for introductions, testimonies, and special music so that the audience has time to become accustomed to the speaker and the crusade environment.
1. Suggestions for Building Relationships in a Calling Program
a. introduce yourself
b. be friendly
c. ask general questions (concerning their work, home, family, etc.)
d. give them some literature (gospel tract, church brochure, etc.)
e. be sensitive as to whether you should go further at this time
f. ask "breaking-in" questions (see sheet "Breaking into to Gospel Presentation")
g. give your personal testimony (be natural, not canned)
h. arrange for future meeting if applicable
i. leave your name and phone number
j. pray before, during, and after the visit
1. people may not want to hear the gospel but people generally don't object to your praying for them
2. Suggestions for Building Relationships in Lifestyle Evangelism
The following ideas are from The Master's Plan by Win Arn and Charles Arn (Church Growth Press, 1982 and ):
a. Identify your "extended family" (people who are presently unsaved and/or unchurched, who live within a reasonable driving distance of your church, and with whom you have common kinship, common friendship, or common association)
b. develop a "personal profile" for each of your extended family members (see "Disciple-Making Profile" sheets)
c. pray regularly and specifically for your extended family members
d. focus your efforts on one or two extended family members
e. begin caring for and loving your extended family members in concrete ways (this is the essential step!!!)
1. spend time with them
2. meet their needs as you can
3. allow them to meet needs in your life
4. introduce them to other members of your church
5. involve them with other members of your church
6. provide them a variety of exposures to the Christian life
7. be a good listener
8. be sensitive to times of need
9. be sensitive to right timing to present the Gospel
10. be patient
11. be yourself
The following ideas are from Life-Style Evangelism by Joseph C. Aldrich (Multnomah Press, 1981):
a. subjects to discuss with non-Christians (p. 205): profession, career, hobbies, sports, recreation, family activities, vacations, children's activities and accomplishments, current news items, boats, cars, pets, gardens, religious background, current projects, home improvements, current books or films
b. look for ways to help: help paint his house, mow his lawn, shovel his snow, baby-sit, take their children on a picnic, etc.
c. invite them to your home: be relaxed, not too elaborate, don't feel you must say something spiritual, pray before meal but do not "preach" in your prayer and be brief
d. cultivate common interests (p. 207): tennis, golf, fishing, sewing, boating, model trains, bowling, Indian Guides, movies, concerts, lunch, ice skating, rafting, racquet ball, hunting, skiing, cycling, jogging, Scouting, PTA, investments, sports events, rodeos, recreational vehicles, guns, eating, knitting, service clubs, garden clubs, coffee, flying, gardening, woodworking, playing bridge, cooking classes, gourmet clubs, volunteer activities, stitchery, quilt making, hiking
e. make holidays count (p. 208)
f. be available to help when people hurt (p. 209)
g. become a giver of books (p. 210) - give nice ones, not cheepies
h. look for appropriate "harvest vehicles", that is, activities at your church which are evangelistic in nature
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