- INTRODUCTION
- WHY REACH CAMPUS THROUGH FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM?
- SOURCES OF PROSPECTS OF FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM ON THE CAMPUS
- STRATEGIES FOR CAMPUS SOUL WINNING
- PREPARING FOR FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM
- WHAT TO SAY
- QUESTIONS TO ASK A RELIGIOUS FRIEND ABOUT HIS SALVATION
- THE REWARDS OF SOUL WINNING
- THE IDEAL SOUL WINNER
- CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
God in His infinite mercies and love posts His children to various stations of life in order to accomplish His plans and His purposes among men here on earth. Students form a veritable, agile and youthful population in the Lords army that He deploys to reach the young and young at heart. Our brethren, who are students, must therefore utilize every opportunity on and around campus to win souls as a matter of duty and calling in this day and age.
- WHY REACH CAMPUS THROUGH FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM?
. IT IS A COMMAND
To evangelize means to proclaim the good news of the gospel of Christ. Jesus in giving the Great Commission to the eleven apostles says in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you.”
- IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY
Paul says in Romans 1:14, “I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise.” In like manner today we are debtors to every non-Christian because we have the good news that can save his soul. This places us under obligation to share the gospel with the lost so they can be saved. Because someone loved us enough to teach us the truth, shouldn’t we do as much for someone else? What if you were unsaved and doomed to Hell, wouldn’t you want someone to teach you the saving gospel of Christ?
- IT IS A NECESSITY
If people have not heard and learned the gospel they cannot obey it. In 1Peter 4:17 the question is asked, “What shall be the end of those who do not obey the gospel?” The answer is given in 2 Thessalonians 1:8 which says when the Lord comes He will come “In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We should not want to see anyone lost but as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:11, “Knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men.” People are going to be lost forever if we don’t teach them now!
- IT IS AN OBLIGATION
The Lord doesn’t want anyone to be lost. We read in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” They can only come to repentance when they know what to do. We also read in 1 Timothy 2:4, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Because of what the Lord has done for us, we have the obligation to teach others so they can come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “Woe is to me if I preach not the gospel.” How are we going to answer the Lord if we haven’t bothered to tell the good news to others?
- IT IS AN EMERGENCY
Our Lord in teaching His disciples, tells them in John 4:35, “Do you say there are still four months then comes the harvest? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields for they are white already to harvest.” Our Lord was speaking of the spiritual harvest of souls who would be lost in eternity if they are not harvested. There is an urgency to teach the lost for Jesus says in Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” We must work in the Lord’s harvest because if we don’t then those we could have taught will be lost and we don’t want that to happen.
- IT IS EXCITING
In the first century the good news of the gospel caused such great excitement that “And daily in the temple and from house to house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus” (Acts 5:42). We need to be as excited today. And even when they were being heavily persecuted, some even to death, we read in Acts 8:4, “Therefore those who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” What should stop us today? We are not being persecuted. We have many more advantages. We have the automobile, the airplane, the telephone, the Internet, and the printed page. We are without excuse.
- IT BRINGS JOY TO HEAVEN
Teaching the lost is the work the Lord has commanded each of us to do. Successful evangelism is accomplished one person at a time. Evangelism is not only to be done in distant lands, but we must also teach those near us, our next door neighbors. God will be with us as we teach His word to the lost. We will be successful because we read in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When we do what the Lord says to do we shall not fail.
When we teach the lost we cause all of Heaven to rejoice. Jesus tells us that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7, 10). The joy of teaching one the gospel and seeing them obey it is beyond description.
B. SOURCES OF PROSPECTS OF FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM ON THE CAMPUS
Prospects are everywhere. The vast majority of people we come in contact with are lost (Matthew 7:13-14) and need to receive Jesus Christ.
1) Friends. Fellow students who are regular contacts
2) Classmates. Students with whom we study and read together
3) Roommates. Those with whom we share the same residences.
4) Former Schoolmates. Our friends who have graduated from School
5) Benevolent Contacts. When we show care and concern for others they are more likely to open up to us.
6) Bible Study and VBS Contacts. By their attendance they have indicated an interest to know more about God and His plans for us.
7) Visitors to Worship Services. By their attendance they have displayed an interest in the church.
8) Hospital Contacts. Those undergoing serious illness can see that their life could end at any time.
9) Delinquent Fellow Students. We should always try to restore the fallen, “Brethren if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
10) Neighbors & Tablemates in the dining hall. We should want those who live near us in in school and at home to also be with us in Heaven.
11) Fellow Student Holidaying Students. We interact with these 7 days a week during holidays. We should bring up spiritual subjects and talk with them about their souls.
12) Door knocking in Hostels. A good way to find prospects in halls of residences is to purposely move around student accommodations in your neighbourhood and share the Gospel.
13) News Students. They are seeking to establish new friends and are putting down new roots.
14) Newcomers to Town. They are seeking to establish new friends and will easily welcome interest shown to them.
15) Visitors to Your Campus or Home. We engage them in lively discussions and use that opportunity to present the Gospel.
16) Those Who Take Bible Correspondence Courses. These have already indicated an interest in knowing more about God. Its and invitation to find out their relationship with Christ and deepen it.
17) Funerals. Those attending funerals, at that time, tend to realize the brevity of this life.
18) Campus Fair Booths. Here you can come into contact with many people, who stop at the booth, who are interested in spiritual matters.
19) Jails & Prisons. Many incarcerated people realize they need to make some positive changes in their lives. In jails and prisons you can always find people who are wanting someone to teach them the Bible.
20) Rest Homes in the vicinity of the campus. People in rest homes like visitors and may want a personal Bible study.
21) Noticeboard, Newspaper & Radio Contacts. These show an interest by responding to noticeboard, newspaper, TV, and radio contacts.
22) Questioners & Objectors. One who questions or objects publicly is open to a discussion. Most times it is an invitation to hear more.
23) Friends of New Converts. Many times a new convert has friends and he would also like for them to be taught the gospel.
24) Students Seeking Counseling. These are needing and wanting to make changes in their lives.
25) Friends Getting Married. Particularly if the spouse of a member is not a member.
26) People Undergoing Trauma. People undergoing serious problems are usually looking to God for help and are usually very good prospects.
C. STRATEGIES FOR CAMPUS SOUL WINNING
King Solomon in his book of Proverbs reminds us that winning souls is a wise venture (Proverbs 11:30). Every wise venture requires strategy. However, in reaching others for Christ, the soul winner needs to apply strategies based on God’s Word.
The snaring of a bird (1Cor 9:22, 2Corinthians 12:16) Here we have the idea of trap. Guile is used to secure a rare bird. Apostle Paul speaks of catching the Corinthians with guile.
The taking of a City (2 Chronicles 32:1) In battle, the winning of a city requires skill, patience and hardship. The soul winner need to extend himself in order to reach the lost.
The wooing of a Bride (Gen. 24:22-25) A bride is captivated by affectionate, pleasing words and wooing acts. If we will be used of Christ to win those who will be a part of His bride, the Church, we must be actuated by tender feelings.
The making of a fortune (Phil. 3:8) When a man seeks a fortune, he concentrates his efforts, persevere and most times deny himself legitimate pleasures in order to achieve his objective. Soul winning is an effort to change the eternal destiny of a man and this is great fortune.
The winning of a race (2 Timothy 2:3-5) To win any race implies the idea of abstinence, perseverance, self-control, eagerness and ambition. Thus it is to win souls.
The catching of a fish (Mathew 4:19) The sport of fishing requires baiting a hook on a line, keeping out of sight by the fisherman and patiently waiting. Fishes are caught one by one with a hook.
D. PREPARING FOR FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM
1) Pray to God to help you to say the right thing, in the right way. Pray for open doors, for wisdom & strength to take advantage of the opportunities. Pray for open hearts and for the prospect to have ease of understanding.
2) To embark on personal evangelism, we must ASK. We should not be afraid that we are going to make a mistake in asking a person to accept The Lord Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour. The only person who never made a mistake is the one who did nothing for fear of making a mistake, but he made the biggest mistake of all by doing nothing. If we have sincerity and love for lost souls then what we say will not be so important. We must realize that everyone has a precious soul.
3) Different people should be approached differently. Jude 22-23 says, “And on some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”
4) Be genuinely sincere when we are talking to someone about his soul. His soul is the most important thing in the world, and if he thinks we think so, then he will see how important it is. If we could only realize how precious a soul is, then we would not despair any effort to teach them the truth. Love of the lost will lead us to an untiring effort for the salvation of others. If we really love the souls of people, we cannot bear the thought that they will be lost forever. People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. People will be more willing to listen to us if they really believe we care.
5) Be genuinely interested in the interests of others. In choosing His apostles, Christ was interested in the fishing of Peter, Andrew, James, and John and He helped them catch some fish. We should help people in time of need and they will be grateful to us. If we are not interested in people, they will not be interested in what we have to say about the gospel.
6) Don’t be intimidated. The vast majority of people are a novice and their knowledge of spiritual matters is quite limited.
7) Get the person alone. Christ talked to Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and the Samaritan woman alone. It is difficult to talk to a person about his soul before others.
8) Spend time in getting people ready to hear. Jesus did. He often healed and fed people and then they were in a proper frame of mind to listen.
9) Invite non-Christians to eat with you. Christ ate with Zacchaeus. It is said of the Lord in Matthew 9:11 that He ate “with publicans and sinners.” We should be making friends with those who are not Christians so they can be led to Christ.
10) In talking to another we should remember that his convictions are just as sacred to him as ours are to us. What he believes may seem foolish to us, and it may be easy for us to see his error, but it is hard for him. It is difficult for him to give it up.
11) Never, never, never argue and always maintain a calm composure and tone of voice when talking to people about their salvation. If you argue, a soul will be lost. Many people want the truth and will welcome it if it is presented correctly.
12) Avoid a belligerent, haughty, excited, argumentative, or angry attitude. If we don’t then a wall of opposition springs up. (A) If you say “I’ll prove it to you”, in his mind he thinks “I’d like to see you do it.” (B) If you say “Let me show you”, he thinks “Maybe so but I won’t accept it from you if you do.” It is better to say “could we see what the Bible says.” Don’t quote scriptures to him. Ask him to read the scripture.
13) We should not make the other person angry. Most people don’t get angry because of the truth but because of the way or attitude in which it is presented. Some go to the other extreme and spend so much time trying to be nice and are so careful to try to keep from hurting someone’s feelings that they never get around to presenting the truth. Too many times we may care more for a person’s feelings than we do for their soul.
14) Be alert for people who are undergoing trauma such as death of loved ones, serious illness, divorce, automobile accidents, financial difficulties, etc. In times like these, people realize how vulnerable they are and many times are looking to God for help. Most times this provides a great opportunity to talk to people about their souls.
15) A person must see that he is lost and needs the Saviour. Do not allow the person to jump around with you. Examples of poor soil: (A) “Let me check with my husband.” (B) Would you check back latter?” (C) “I will accept some other time.” (D) “I would like to ask my preacher.” (E) Being passive.
E. WHAT TO SAY
1) Good morning sir, how are you today? We are on a campaign for Christ, sharing the gospel with people. We would like to share with you. Can you spare a few minutes of your time?
2) Would you like to see what the Bible says about me and you? (Have him read the scripture.) (Have him to also read the Bible passage you’ve planned to use)
3) Sister/ Brother, you’re a fine individual and I appreciate as friend. Have you ever thought of where you will spend eternity?
4) Bros/ Sister, we are going to only one of two places in eternity. I’m going to heaven, which place do you want to go?
5) Old boy/girl, can I share with you from the Bible how to go to heaven? Do you mind that?
6) You’re honest and very kind to me, can I share a very important secret with you?
F. QUESTIONS TO ASK A RELIGIOUS FRIEND ABOUT HIS SALVATION
1) Have you been saved?
2) How old were you when you were saved?
3) Did you go forward in church when you were saved?
4) Was it on Sunday morning, Sunday night, or Wednesday night when you went forward? Which day? Can you remember the time?
5) Did you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour when you went forward?
6) Did you or the preacher say the “Sinner’s Prayer” for you when you went forward?
7) Were you saved and your sins forgiven when you went forward in church?
8) If you had been killed in a car wreck, on the day you went forward, as you were going home from church, would you have gone to Heaven?
9) Have you been baptized?
G. THE REWARDS OF SOUL WINNING
Soul winning is not only a wise endeavour but a profitable one that yields multiple dividends to:
- God (Luke 15:10; Isaiah 53:11)
Winning souls makes Christ extremely happy.
- The Church of Church of Christ
Winning souls is a practical way of adding to the body of Christ, the Church.
- The Soul Won (James 5:19-20)
When a sinner is converted from the evil of his way, his soul is saved from eternal death and the blood of Jesus washes away his multitude of sins.
- The World
Salvation from sin and transformation from a sinful way of life to God’s way makes a person a better citizen and makes the world a better place to live in.
- The Soul Winner (John 15:16; Daniel 12:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:19)
Nothing can enrich the life of a Christian like that of bringing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
H. THE IDEAL SOUL WINNER
The ideal soul winner must have:
- A passion for PRAYER (John 17:1)
- A passion for SCRIPTURE (Psalm 119:11, 16)
- A passion for SPIRITUALITY (Colossians 3:16, Mathew 5:16)
- A passion for SEPARATION (1 John 2:15)
- A passion for SKILLS (Proverbs 11:30)
- A passion for REWARD (Revelations 3:11)