Evangelism is a process that includes the presence and proclamation of the Gospel,
persuasion, planting, perfection, and participation. Let us examine this process:
PRESENCE:
"Presence" evangelism is that which radiates the qualities of Jesus through demonstrating
Christian character and concern. The world will not be reached for Jesus without an
authentic Christian presence. Believers must learn to build relationships, identify with,
and serve unbelievers. You cannot win sinners if you have no contact with them.
PROCLAMATION:
Many believers remain "secret-service" Christians, so to speak. They think their presence
among unbelievers is enough to fulfill the Great Commission to evangelize the world.
But the command of Jesus is that we verbally communicate the Gospel through preaching,
teaching, and witnessing. We must also demonstrate the power of the Gospel through
healing and deliverance. These are ways the Gospel is proclaimed.
PERSUASION:
Proclamation of the Gospel does not end the process of evangelism. The Gospel must be
presented in such a way that people are persuaded to become believers in Jesus Christ.
PLANTING:
The new convert who has been persuaded to follow Jesus must then be "planted" in a
local church fellowship or a church must be "planted" among a group of new believers.
PERFECTION:
As a result of this planting, converts mature spiritually as discipling is accomplished
within the context of the local church. (Spiritual maturity is called "perfection" in the
Bible).
PARTICIPATION:
The process of evangelism is complete when new believers become active in the task of
evangelism themselves and begin to reproduce spiritually.