With new emphasis on evangelism in the SBC, it is exciting to hear stories of salvation through multiplication in the state of West Virginia!

Between the “3 Circles” evangelism tool and the intentionality of the “Who’s Your One” evangelistic initiative, churches have been inundated with an effective one-two evangelism punch. All are called, and anyone can share Christ with some basic training, encouragement, and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

But, I have discovered that many do not share Christ because of one thing. They don’t know how to start the conversation. That reality is exactly why the SBC has placed resources in the hands of pastors and their congregations.

HOW DO I START THE CONVERSATION?

The answer is intentionality. Many Christians may consider themselves extroverted, but to spontaneously share the Gospel with a stranger would be completely out of the question.

The other side of that same coin is an openness to relational vulnerability. We live in a culture that is more connected through social media that ever before, yet no one really knows each other.

In a recent blog post, Dr. Eric Geiger shared that iGens, those born in 1996 or later, read less, are less happy, have fewer social skills, and possess less community than any other generation before them. The job, therefore, of the church is more important now than ever because the urgency of evangelism has down shifted over the last 20 years.

In 2009, a book by Kai Mark titled “Pre-Discipleship” was mostly overlooked, but recently this term is making a comeback in discussions within Christian circles. What does pre-discipleship entail? It is basically allowing yourself to be available to your one through intentionality.

Through relationships, one can present the Word long before that person is saved, but our culture has become overwhelmed with calendars and the cost of time is at its highest premium.

Regardless, a disciple of Jesus must think strategically. The balance of eternity for countless millions is at stake. How important is that one on your prayer list, your mind, and your heart?

Availability is key, so consider these questions.

DOES YOUR ONE …

• Know you care about them at all
• See you outside of church, school, or work
• Understand your theology about world view, suffering, or hardships
• Sense that they could call you for any reason
• Trust you to keep your lips sealed about their fears and struggles
• Hear how Jesus has changed your life outside of your evangelist mode
• Know what the Gospel is even though they have yet to confess Jesus as Lord

Your answers are a litmus test of your availability. Jesus cared for more than just one person and made himself available for all. Mark 2:15 says, “While he was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who were following him.”

Let’s follow Christ’s example and become more available to our one.

Make sure to read Part 1, 2 and 3

Week #3

To begin this week, repeat the same instructions from the previous weeks.  This week the group will identify both relatives and acquaintances who are not Christians.  Give each person three sheets of blank paper and a pen.  On the first sheet, ask everyone to draw a tree.  In the tree write the names of family members.  Direct the group to list only those who are still living.  This list could include grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, as well brothers and sisters.  After everyone has completed their list, invite them to place a check mark by the names of those they know are Christians and active members of a church.  If some in the group have a difficult time completing the list, encourage them to complete it during the week.  Trying to remember all extended family members can be challenging.

Ask everyone to take the second sheet and to trace his or her hand.  The goal is to write the names of people with whom they have regular contact.  As you read through the list of possible people, ask the group to write names on the fingers.  Say, “Possibilities include bank tellers, service station attendants, store clerks, pharmacists, doctors, dentists, waitress/waiters, bus/taxi drivers, delivery people, mail carrier, exterminator, barber/hair stylist, insurance agent, mechanic, etc.”  Invite the group to provide other possibilities.  Ask the group to place check marks by the names of those they know are Christians and active members of a church.  Unchecked names on both sheets should be considered prospects.

After each person has completed placing the check marks on their sheets, ask them to take the third blank sheet.  The purpose of this sheet is to help each person develop a list from which they will identify their ONE.  Ask the members of the group to write the names that are not checked in their first two sheets onto this third sheet.  Instruct the class/group members to spend this week praying for the people on their list(s) and listening to God for the name of the person that should be their ONE!  After God has revealed that name ask them to write that name at the bottom of the list and then to start focusing on the ONE!  Close in prayer.

Dr. Smith is the lead state missionary with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and serves the Sunday School, Small Groups, Discipleship and Faith Development Specialist.  Visit their website at gabaptist.org/groups/ for more information and other resources to aid your Sunday School or Small Group.  Dr. Smith is available for conferences or other speaking opportunities and can be contacted at tsmith@gabaptist.org.

Make sure you read parts 1 & 2 to know the process.

Week #2

To begin this week, repeat the same introductory comments and basic instructions from last week.  This week the class/group will identify both friends and co-workers who are not Christians.  Give each person three blank sheets of paper and a pen.  Ask everyone to draw a circle and then to write their own name in the circle.  After everyone has completed this step, ask them to draw another circle around the first circle and to draw four blank lines inside the larger circle.  Instruct everyone to write the names of their four closest friends in the four blanks.  Say, “Now place a check mark by the names of your friends you know are Christians and active members of a church.”

After completing the first part of this week’s process, ask everyone to take the second sheet of blank paper and to draw a small box.  The box will represent their place of work or their desk at work.  Now ask them to draw a box above their box, another below their box, and then one to the right and one to the left of their box.  Instruct everyone to write the names of the people they work with in the four boxes.  After everyone has completed writing names, invite them to place a check mark by the names of those they know are Christians and active members of a church.  Unchecked names on both sheets should be considered prospects.

After each person has completed placing the check marks on their circles and workplaces, ask them to take the third blank sheet.  The purpose of this sheet is to help each person develop a list from which they will identify their ONE.  Ask the members of the group to write the names that are not checked in their first two sheets onto this third sheet.  These names can be added to those listed from last week.  Ask everyone to pray for those on their list(s).  The focus next week will be discovering those relatives and acquaintances who are not Christians.   Close in prayer.

Dr. Smith is the lead state missionary with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and serves the Sunday School, Small Groups, Discipleship and Faith Development Specialist.  Visit their website at gabaptist.org/groups/ for more information and other resources to aid your Sunday School or Small Group.  Dr. Smith is available for conferences or other speaking opportunities and can be contacted at tsmith@gabaptist.org.

Make sure you read part 1 to know the process. 

Week #1

Following your introductory comments, say, “In week one, we will identify those in our homes as well as our neighbors in need of salvation.  Please remember that this will be a very sensitive subject because some of us have family members who are lost.  As we identify those lost in our homes, we are not saying that they are bad people.  They are lost.  There are many good people who are lost.  Please remember that whatever we say in our class/group time is to stay inside our group.”

Give everyone three blank sheet of paper and a pen.  On the first sheet, ask them to draw a simple floor plan of their house or apartment.  Ask them to write the names of those that occupy the bedrooms.  At this point you will say, “Now place a check mark next to the names of those you know are saved.”  Remind the class/group that we are not talking about church membership or even baptism.  The question is, does that person have a personal relationship with Christ?

Using the second blank sheet of paper say, “Draw a square that will represent your house or apartment and then add the streets or hallways nearest to your home.”  “The next step is to draw squares for the nearest four homes/apartments to your home/apartment.” After everyone has completed their drawings, have them write the names of the people who live in each of the homes/apartments.  This should include everyone that lives in the dwelling, both adults and children.  If they do not know all the names, instruct them to write in a question mark.  After all names have been written, instruct the group to place a check mark by the names of people they know who are saved and active members of a church.

After each person has completed placing the check marks on their floor plan and neighborhood map, give them the third blank sheet.  The purpose of this sheet is to help each person develop a list from which they will identify their ONE.  Ask the members of the group to write the names that are not checked in their first two sheets onto this third sheet.  Ask everyone to pray for those on their list.  The focus for next week will be discovering our friends and co-workers who are not Christians.  Close in prayer.

Dr. Smith is the lead state missionary with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and serves the Sunday School, Small Groups, Discipleship and Faith Development Specialist.  Visit their website at gabaptist.org/groups/ for more information and other resources to aid your Sunday School or Small Group.  Dr. Smith is available for conferences or other speaking opportunities and can be contacted at tsmith@gabaptist.org.