Key Thought : Sharing what Christ has done for us on a one to one basis is a critical part of the church’s long-term evangelistic work.

[Teaching plan for “Defining Evangelism and Witnessing” April 2, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Acts 4:13, 5:42.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. According to these Scriptures, what does it take to be an effective witness or evangelist?
C. Personal Application: Do we tend to be bold and persistent in our witness, or are we more likely to be compromising and sporadic in our efforts in witnessing? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t like pushy Christians. You can’t force people into religion. People will look at you as a fanatic or crazy.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Mark 5:18-20.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. The demoniac was told by Jesus to share what God had done for him. Do you think it was a natural thing for him to do? How long do you think he continued in his personal testimony? Would there be a time when it would become ineffective?
C. Personal Application: Have you developed a personal testimony about how Christ has affected your life? Do you think a personal testimony is an effective way to witness? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”Personal witnessing isn’t going to work today. Nobody wants to hear about God or what He’s done in someone’s life. Smokers don’t want to hear how someone stopped smoking. Sinners don’t want to hear how someone stopped sinning.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Acts 13:43-46.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is it more important to know what the Bible says or to have had a personal experience with God? Are there dangers in excluding either?
C. Personal Application: How well do you know the Bible and how well can
You use it in your own witnessing to others?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “There are a lot of
Interpretations of the Scripture about Jesus and various teachings. If a
Person is sincere in their beliefs and can testify about God’s working in
Their life, then what they believe must be true. So there must be different
Paths to salvation and eternal life.” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read I Peter 3:15.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Do you consider evangelism as a personal testimony, a Bible study group,
A set of meetings in a public place, or something else? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application: What does it mean to be ready to give an answer to Everyone who asks? How many times have you been asked about your Faith? What kind of answer were you able to give?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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