Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

I am not an evangelist. In all likelihood neither are you. There may be among my readers, one or some who may be called to evangelize. This devotional isn’t about that.

Think about those big tent meeting or the filled stadium where people come forward to give their life to Christ. The main speaker at those events is in all likelihood an evangelist. Now answer me this; how did those that received Christ come to be in that place, that day, that hour, for that purpose?

Do not say advertising. People throw circulars away without a thought. They ignore posters at a glance, they change the channel during commercials. So how do so many end up giving their lives to Christ on those days? It is likely they had someone like you in their lives doing the prep work.

2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

We, each and every one of us, have been given the ministry of reconciliation. This ministry is the leading edge of evangelism and is done one on one, in relationship. The saying is bring someone to Christ but the truth is bring Christ to someone. He dwells in the hearts of His believers and reveals Himself to those that are called to respond with a yes.

Do you believe that Christ dwells in your heart? If so then why would you ever think that He is less than God just because He dwells in you? Evangelism begins with you and might be finished in the big tent meeting, in your local church, or maybe, just maybe in your own home.

Luke 10:5-7 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

We are commanded to go and make disciples. Devotionals do not accomplish that. As much as I would like to believe they have a roll in the salvation story, evangelism is most effective face to face.

Enter in where peace can be found and establish relationship. Eating and drinking such as you are given is an act of hospitality. People who are receiving you are receiving of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Your ability to show Christ begins with a receptive heart. Establishment of trust is key in developing disciples, you must show trust in order to gain trust.

This year I have spent many weeks explaining the gospel in simple terms and in more complicated terms. The majority of those who read my devotionals are Christians. What value is there in delivering the gospel over and over again to believers? The answer to that question is firmly entrenched in the answer to this question. What approach do you use to bring the gospel to the lost?

A complete understanding of the salvation process is required to evangelize. How can you lead others to Christ is you do not know how salvation works and why it works? Your approach can be different, but the one basic element that makes any approach effective is establishing relationship. Build trust, show love, answer honestly, and give glory to God.