Running head: METHODS OF EVANGELISM 1
Methods of Evangelism
Crystal Renaud
Liberty University
METHODS OF EVANGELISM 2
The Four Spiritual Laws
Summary of Method. The founder of Campus Crusade for Christ (now known simply by the
abbreviated name CRU), Bill Bright, is “an energetic salesman-turned-evangelist who recruited
an army of volunteers to preach the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus to
college students” (Sutton, 2011). In order to clearly share the gospel message to the students on
campus, Bright wrote a short pamphlet entitled, “The Four Spiritual Laws” that described a
roadmap for becoming a Christian. The Four Spiritual Laws were, 1) God loves man and has a
plan for him, 2) man is sinful and separated from God, 3) Jesus Christ is the only way through
which man can experience God's love and 4) each person must receive Jesus Christ as his savior
in order to know God's love and plan.
Advantages of Using This Method. The biggest advantage of using this method is its simplicity
—four simple truths made up of just four sentences. If a new Christian didn’t know how to share
their newfound faith, it could be quite testimonial. They could share their own story of salvation
by explaining what each of the four spiritual laws means to them and why they chose to accept it.
I believe another advantage is that while it points out the need for a Savior due to our sin, it
doesn’t aggressively burden the recipient with shame. It is a loving way of presenting what
Christ did for them and why they need Him. Additionally, the gospel is short and sweet with this
method. It isn’t drawn out or full of scripture that can be confusing to someone new to
Christianity or religion. Being able to explain the gospel in such a simplistic way could be an
ideal evangelistic tool for someone who is more shy or new to faith.
Disadvantages of Using This Method. As a method that originated and is largely used on
college campuses, the reach is limited. Additionally, the method is used as a recruitment tool for
joining Campus Crusade for Christ, but may just be preaching to the choir. “Most students who
get involved considered themselves active Christians before entering college” (McMurtrie.
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2001). While this method had been a major tool in evangelism on campuses across the country,
students have moved onto other ways of reaching others with the gospel message. “Students no
longer blanket campuses with copies of the four spiritual laws in the hope that someone will be
inspired to come to a meeting. Today, Campus Crusade prefers the personal touch” (McMurtie,
2001).
Lifestyle Evangelism
Summary of Method. Lifestyle evangelism is a newer form of evangelism that gained
popularity beginning in the 1990s and is most notably attributed to Dr. Joseph Alrich. It is a
method of evangelism that is rooted in living your life in such a way that you represent Jesus
Christ well. The idea is that through your example of service and holiness, you bring people to
Christ through your actions. Those who use this method leave people saying, “I want what they
have.” Lifestyle evangelism “is a way of living beautifully and opening one’s web of
relationships to include the nonbeliever. A person is exposed to both the music and the words of
the gospel” (Aldrich, 2011).
Advantages of Using This Method. The greatest advantage to this method of evangelism is that
if you are surrendered to Christ and allowing Him to use you as a vessel among your friends,
family, and colleagues, then you are evangelizing simply by living your life. While it may sound
easy, it is easier said than done. Jesus tells his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another” John 13:34-35 NIV. I believe this is Lifestyle
Evangelism in action.
Disadvantages of Using This Method. Some have argued that lifestyle evangelism is an
inadequate form of evangelism and could possibly go against what scripture says about speaking
METHODS OF EVANGELISM 4
the gospel clearly and verbally. With this method, the greatest disadvantage or concern is that
individuals would be encouraged to live by works alone and not speak truth in love to those
around them who need to hear it. In order for this method to be a truly effective form of
evangelism, one must include verbal presentation of the gospel in addition to representing the
gospel with their life.
Way of the Master
Summary of Method. Way of the Master is a form of street evangelism that uses The Ten
Commandments (or the Mosaic Law) from the Old Testament as a roadmap for salvation. It is a
method of evangelism that was developed by Ray Comfort along with actor Kirk Cameron. The
method of using the commandants is used to show an individual their true sin nature and their
need for a Savior. Scripture tells us, “the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers
and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious” 1 Timothy 1:9 NIV. The Way of
the Master evangelism method is based on the idea that we should all be ready to be evangelists
and to use the commandants “as a mirror to show [others] that [they] need cleansing” (Comfort
& Cameron, 2006).
Advantages of Using This Method. According to Comfort & Cameron (2006), “when you use
the Law to show lost sinners their true state, be prepared for them to thank you. For the time in
their lives, they will see the Christian message as expressing love and concern for their eternal
welfare” (p. 49). The biggest advantage to this method is its directness. The evangelist is able to
immediately show the individual their true state; a sinner who is separated from God. Some
believe that the Mosaic Law was designed to be an evangelistic tool.
Disadvantages of Using This Method. The greatest advantage of this method can also be seen
as the greatest disadvantage. This method is direct and to the point, but it is also quite invasive.
METHODS OF EVANGELISM 5
Many people already believe that Christianity is overly judgmental and this method could
intensify those beliefs right out of the gate. Instead of building a rapport with an individual first,
the evangelist would dive right into an individual’s sin nature by dissecting their life based on the
laws presented in the Old Testament. While pointing out our sin is important, it is off-putting to
have a total stranger point out your sin upon your very first meeting. When Jesus was at the well
with met the Samaritan woman, He was direct with her about her adultery and marriages, but He
began by getting to know her. He saw hear heart.
Application of These Methods to My Own Life
What method best suits you? Of the methods I have written about here, the evangelism method
that best suits me is lifestyle evangelism.
Why is this the best method for you? I believe that out of all of the evangelistic methods
presented in this module, lifestyle evangelism is the most easily adaptable to every Christian. We
are all sinners in need of a Savior and do not deserve the grace we have been shown through
Christ’s death and resurrection. I say that because if we are truly saved ourselves, then we should
desire to live our lives in such a way that our lives represent Jesus Christ and all that He has done
for us. Personally, I have lived a life of addiction and eventual recovery. I know without a
shadow of a doubt that God rescued me at just the right time and don’t know where I would have
ended up if not for His divine intervention. When we are able to live our lives as people who
have rescued from certain death, others should be able to see that gratitude by our actions. I have
been able to use my life as a beacon for others who are in a similar boat as I was. That is why I
find lifestyle evangelism to be so powerful.
Is this the best method to use with the people in your life? Why or Why Not? Yes, lifestyle
evangelism is the method I most often use in my own life and it has worked for as long as I can
METHODS OF EVANGELISM 6
remember. For most of my adult life, I have lived my life differently than most of my other
family members. I am the one who attends a Christian university. I am the one who worked for a
church for seven years. I am the one who now runs a non-profit women’s ministry. I am the one
who goes to church on a regular basis. And yet, I am not looked at like I am weird or don’t
belong in my family. I believe it is because I live my life in such a way that my family sees Jesus
when they look at me. I pray that by my example of service, surrender, and gratitude that my
family will come to faith as well and God would use me to be the one they ask when that time
comes.
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References
Aldrich, J. (2011). Lifestyle evangelism: Learning to open your life to those around you.
Multnomah Books.
Comfort, R., & Cameron, K. (2006). The way of the Master: How to share your faith simply,
effectively, biblically-- the way Jesus did. Orlando, Fla.: Bridge-Logos.
McMurtrie, B. (2001). Crusading for Christ, amid keg parties and secularism. The Chronicle of
Higher Education, 47(36), A42-A44.
Sutton, M. (2011), Bill Bright and Campus Crusade for Christ: the renewal of evangelicalism
in postwar America. Religious Studies Review, 37: 233–234.
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