Jesus' model of Evangelism

Evangelism was not on a “radar” for us in the past two years, as we were more concerned about raising the bar on Loving Relationships within the congregation, and most recently began to think about forming small groups. Yet, our current church structure offers evangelism as our strength.
Some think that if we only get a “quality” speaker, a “big name” – people would come. Consider Jesus – the best quality speaker, the Gospel-incarnate Himself: did not wait for people to come, but organized bands of disciples and sent them two by two. Read the story in Luke 10. And as they went he also instructed them with the most effective formula for evangelism.
Luke 10:5-9 presents Jesus’ model:
First of all - bless them! (vv.5-6) bless the people you are going to, wish them peace, bring them peace. Are you wishing blessings on your neighbors? What do you wish your them?

• "I wish his stereo would just blow up!"
• "Those teens are so wild, one day they’ll come home in a body bag!"
• "How can she keep having kids when she can’t look after the ones she has?"
• "I hope one of these days his car actually gets stolen so we don’t have to hear that stupid alarm at all hours!"

Before we can offer peace we must have it ourselves first. Peace, the “shalom” - absence of strife, well being, completeness, wholeness, harmony, fulfillment, safety, good relationships, prosperity. Pray that you may offer peace.
Second step – build relationships! (vv.7-8) Do not impose, but cherish invitations. Eat together, value relationships offered, don’t chase new ones – invest in each one offered and develop it. Instead of going from home to home getting numbers, get to know few for real. Jesus was a good cook. Every time he taught was at the table. Remember the path to a heart is through the stomach. True in marriage, true in every relationship building! Jesus spent more time building relationship - eating and drinking with people than anything else! Follow his lead!
Third step – bring healing (v.9^a) Physical infirmities close the door of the soul to receive the good news. When people are ill – pray for healing and expect miracles. This is Jesus’ way. Our evangelistic meetings need to go beyond lecturing, and offer healing for body, mind and soul every time.
And finally – preach the Gospel – the Kingdom of God has come and is available among us. (v.9^b) Spirituality is a very personal and intimate topic. Over-zealous people are always bringing it up to soon. It is only after we have blessed our neighbors, developed relationships with them, and prayed for them that our presentation of the Gospel will be effective. The blessing, the fellowship, and the miracle are the tangible evidence that the Kingdom of God has moved into neighborhood and parked beside us!
Remember that Christ’s way of Evangelism begins with loving relationships. Love them into God’s kingdom, and don’t let anyone take away your experience of laboring in gods harvest field!