Why We Often Fail in Evangelism

The Bible says to always be ready to make a defense to everyone who ask you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).  

It seems to me that we are failing big time in the area of evangelism.  I think there are some reasons for this, and here are three that I have observed:

First, we see our part in evangelism as simply inviting people to church.

We do not know how to “give an account for the hope that is in us.” Part of the problem is that we have not been trained by the church we attend. We do know how to invite people. This we have been trained in. So we do our part to invite people to church. We wrongly conclude as a result, it is the pastor’s part to do the evangelizing.

The problem with this method is that if the church is geared up to do this, then much of the messages over the weekend will be simple, shallow and for the unchurched. The saints who need to be edified and built up have to sit and endure a message of cottage cheese and oatmeal. But if the saints are not being built up to be strong in the faith, their marriages crumble, their relationships with others cave in, their battle with temptation is often lost, and their witness goes down the tube. Sure, saints ought to feed themselves, but wait – this does not alleviate the pastor from preparing a hearty meal now and then.

Second, some of our presentation of the gospel is often canned. 

Have you ever been cornered by a Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon? They have their presentations memorized. This is because they speak often from the head and not the heart. They do not have a personal relationship with God that is real and personal. They do have a relationship with their church’s creed and customs. This is what listeners often receive.

When Francis Schaeffer was asked how he would spend an hour with a non-Christian, he said: “I would listen for fifty-five minutes, and then, in the last five minutes I would have something to say.”

This is a wise approach. We need to get out of our minds that we are going to lead someone to Jesus the first time talking to them or even the second. It may take a lot longer. We have to build trust.

Third, evangelism is not only personal, but it must be done with wisdom. 

Wisdom possesses more than knowledge; it expresses knowledge through understanding. It considers life circumstances and applies knowledge with skill.  Again, this takes us back to listening before we give an answer – any answer.

We need to see evangelism as a long-term endeavor. Stop checking the list and defeating others. Be incarnate in your evangelism. Slow down and practice listening with love.

Most conversions are not the result of a single, point-in-time conversation, but the culmination of a personal process that includes doubt, reflection, gospel witness, love, and the work of the Holy Spirit.