Principles of Effective Evangelism
Mark 5:1-20
I) A Changed Man
A. Through the Power of Christ
Mark 5:6-8
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
B. Through the Presence of Christ
Mark 5:15
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
II) A Commanded Mission
A. Target he Aims
Mark 5:19
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
John 1:40-41
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
“Why did you join the church?” – a national survey:
o 6 – 8% Walked in on own initiative
o 2 – 3% Liked the program
o 8 – 10% Liked the pastor
o 3 – 4% Had a need
o 1 – 2% Were evangelized
o 3 – 4% Attracted by Sunday School
o 70 – 80% Invited by family/friend!
o 83% of persons active in church come by a friend or relative.
o Average church members can identify 7 unchurched friends.
o 82% of those non-active would come if invited by a friend!
B. Task he Achieves
Mark 5:19
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
Matthew 5:13
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Life Group Questions
1. Why is it that Christians don’t get the fact that their personal lives are as important to the witness as the message they share?
2. People are watching us every day to see how we will respond to hardships, difficulties or even tragedies. How many times have we looked at these circumstances as an opportunity for someone to see God through our response?
3. The change that people need to see in our lives is so critical to our witness are we giving it the right amount of attention? (allowing God to form us with his Power and fill us with his presence) How much time are we spending with him to allow this to happen?
4. Who do you feel you have the most influence with, in your life right now? Are you using this influence to draw them to Christ?
5. Do you have people right now that you are targeting with the gospel, if not why?
6. If you had to could you put down with pencil and paper what God has done for you? Sometimes this will help when it comes to knowing what to tell the one you are trying to witness to.