Methods of Evangelism
Paul Karsten
Evangelism 101
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The Roman Roads
Summary of Method – The Roman Roads approach to evangelism utilizes a methodical
approach to directing an unbeliever through the plan of salvation by utilizing verses from the
book of Romans in the Bible. “When arranged in order, these verses form an easy, systematic
way of explaining the message of salvation.” (About Religion) The Roman Roads approach to
evangelism specifically explains why salvation is so important in our lives and who needs to
receive it. This method also details how God will provide salvation and how it is received into
our lives. The Roman Roads method also reveals to us the value of His salvation. The Roman
Roads method of evangelism utilizes the following verses from the book of Romans; 3:10-12,
23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, 13, 5:1, 8:1, and 8:38-39
Advantages of Using This Method – The primary advantage of utilizing The Roman Roads
method is that it immediately introduces scripture to the unbeliever and it is very easy to present.
It allows us to ask a simple question, “If you were die at this exact moment would you go to
Heaven?” which can open up an opportunity to share the message of Christ with an unbeliever.
This method also allows us the privilege of using the reasoning found in the scripture instead of
worldly views and thinking. The Roman Roads method allows us to respond to the word of God
and His free gift of salvation through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
Disadvantages of Using This Method – This method requires to some extent that the unbeliever
have a certain level of acceptance that the Bible is Gods inspired and trustworthy Word. If an
unbeliever does not believe that the scriptures are the inspired Word of God then you will have
resistance to the message. Another disadvantage with The Roman Roads method would occur if
the unbeliever doesn’t believe in God. Either situation would create an environment where
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dialog would be immediately severed. This method can cause an unprepared evangelist to
stumble if they do not know how to counter a statement about someone not believing in God.
Lifestyle Evangelism
Summary of Method – Lifestyle Evangelism is based on the concept that we need to focus on
living our lives in a manner that represents the witness that Jesus speaks about in the bible. This
method of evangelism depends on a lifestyle that models solid Christian behavior and values. It
is an extremely popular method of evangelism in America primarily because it takes the least
amount of effort.
Advantages of Using This Method – “The advantages of using this method is that as Christians
our lives ought to be different from those who are not saved and live in the secular world.” (The
Virtuous Girls) Lifestyle Evangelism is all about building relationships with unbelievers one
person at a time. People who support this approach to evangelism often point to Matthew 5:16
which states “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good
works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” It is easy to accept the Lifestyle method
as an appropriate way of evangelism because Christ often won people to the Kingdom of Heaven
by expressing compassion and performing miracles.
Disadvantages of Using This Method – The Lifestyle Evangelism method by itself is in
contradiction to what Jesus teaches us in the Great Commission. As Christians we are supposed
to share the Gospel with “all nations”. Christians are by definition expected to live their lives
differently as living witnesses of Gods incredible love. We are supposed to be spreading the
word and doing good works. Acts 5:3 shows how the early church was known for doing good
things, as they were “highly regarded by the people.” However Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the
temple courts… and tell the people all about this new life.” specifically showcases that we need
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to do more than simple act in a Holy and Godly fashion we must verbally speak the truth about
Christ and share His Gospel.
Evangelism Explosion
Summary of Method – Evangelism Explosion is a ministry that trains people how to share their
faith in Christ and how to bring people from unbelief to belief. (Evangelism Explosion
International) This method balances on two central questions. Do you know you are going to be
with God in Heaven? And why should I let you into My Heaven? This method of evangelism is
highly structured, focused on discipleship. This method trains or teach someone how to go about
training the next person and so forth. This method is designed around the idea of multiplication.
A new believer is trained, or discipled, and then they are able to go out and replicate the process
and so forth, thereby creating the fast possible growth of new believers.
Advantages of Using This Method – Utilizing the Evangelism Explosion method allows for the
fastest possible growth if each person continues to train or disciple just one person each. This
approach to evangelism is completely based on building relationships. Christians are encouraged
to interact with unbelievers and to become personally invested in the salvation of that person.
The process of training or make a disciple of the unbeliever brings into focus the full weight of
the Gospel message and clarifies the reality of God’s eternal salvation. When the “trainer”
utilizes the central questions of the method the unbeliever must make a conscious decision
whether the will choose to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Disadvantages of Using This Method – The Evangelism Explosion method has a slightly
morbid approach. Some of the first topics and questions posed are based on death. It would
appear as if the “trainer” is trying to over sensationalize the extreme importance of the situation
to get your attention, like a salesmen pressing a limited time offer in order to get you to “sign”.
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One of the concerns to be on the lookout for would be people who may not actually be convicted
by the Holy Spirit to convert. Knowledge of the bible is only part of the puzzle. There must be a
true desire in one’s heart to repent for one’s sin s in order for change to occur and for salvation to
truly be received. Another disadvantage is that new Christians are not being properly matured in
their faith. The method is so focused on the concept of multiplication that new-Christians are not
being intentionally grown up and that they could easily fall away when trials arise. As we have
discovered in this class, no one has ever been argued into receiving the free gift of salvation.
Application of These Methods to Your Own Life
What method best suits you? There is considerable difficulty in choosing a singular
methodology to apply to my evangelism process. I would actually choose multiple tactics from
many different methods. I try to live a witnessing lifestyle, however that does not satisfy the
requirements that Jesus placed in front of us with the Great Commission. The Roman Roads
approach is very analytical in nature and causes me to take pause and “dissect” the questions
posed. I consider The Roman Roads approach to be the most effective method for me as it
answers key questions revolving around the who, what, where why, and how of salvation.
Why is this the best method for you? The Roman Roads approach to evangelism allows me the
ability to rationalize and work through a “problem” in a linear or methodical fashion in order to
come to the best possible conclusion, solution, or decision. The Roman Roads method allows for
an investigation to occur that is empirical in its approach. As I interact with an unbeliever I enjoy
the process of reasoning through “objections” and relying on scripture to be the “finisher” that
draws them to a point where they desire to dig deeper and begin to experience the joy of His
presence in the Word.
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Is this the best method to use with the people in your life? Why or Why Not? I am typically
drawn towards people that share the same goals and have had similar life experiences. The
Roman Roads method of evangelism would provide an excellent opportunity for me to interact
and propose a conversation around Jesus and salvation. Working through a systematic plan on
how to explain the concept of salvation allows for me to structure a conversation and to work
through the concepts that the method clearly defines. About Religion breaks these ideas down
into 5 components. Who needs salvation, why we need salvation, how God provides salvation,
how we receive salvation, and the results of salvation. Once each objective and question is met
it then falls to the unbeliever to act on a convicted heart or make the moral decision to reject
what is shared. Either way we must continue to pray in an unceasing manner for the people who
enter our sphere of influence.
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References
The Roman Roads, About Religion,
http://christianity.about.com/od/conversion/qt/romansroad.htm
Methods of Evangelism – Lifestyle Evangelism (Part One), The Virtuous Girls,
https://virtuousgirls.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/methods-of-evangelism-lifestyle-
evangelism-part-one/
Evangelism Explosion, Evangelism Explosion International, http://evangelismexplosion.org/
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