It seems there are many different modes of evangelism today. These include tracts, questionnaires, and packaged programs. However, Paul's model more closely follows "friendship evangelism." He was extremely good at coming alongside and getting to know unbelievers, valuing them as God's creation and not just potential objects of conversion. By getting to know those who don't yet know Christ, we understand their hopes, fears, drives and desires. This allows us to contextualize the gospel in such a way as to bring it directly to the heart. Many Christians barely know any non-Christians well enough to share their faith in less than a superficial fashion. Some of us mistakenly think that attending church is where our faith starts and stops. We have the most powerful thing in the world - the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the power to save lives and change eternal destinations! So what are we doing with it?
Paul compares evangelism to combat sports. Train yourself as a disciplined boxer desiring to win. Give things up to gain the prize. Share the gospel and experience people opening up to the love of God and you also will be changed.
