Fundamentals of Evangelism
by GAT, written 09/22/2025 updated 11/02/2025
Introduction
These fundamental principles serve as the basis for our evangelism program. In evangelism we are proclaiming the person, accomplishment, and faithfulness of God. The Gospel message may encompass broad Biblical concepts, should focus attention on God's character and achievements, while of necessity pointing singularly to Jesus Christ. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me' " John 14:6.
The Breadth of the Gospel
The Gospel is for everyone in the world, whosoever believes (John 3:16). God desires all men to be saved (1Tim 2:4) and to show mercy to all men (Rom 11:32). Jesus draws all men to Himself (John 12:32). Jesus "gave Himself as a ransom for all" 1Tim 2:6. Jesus Christ is Himself the propitiation, the atoning sacrifice, for the sins of believers and for everyone in the world (1John 2:2; see John 1:29). See Born From Above: The Father's Testimony of Immanuel regarding salvation for every one believing.
The Core of the Gospel
The essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in 1Cor 15:3-4, that:
- Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures
- He was buried
- He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures
These fundamental events did not occur in a vacuum. As such their necessity, history, context and application need to accompany a presentation of the Gospel.
Three Guides For Sharing the Gospel
If you are wondering where to begin sharing the Gospel, consider the following guides. The first is more concise than the others. The last reference includes cross references and a brief explanation after each section.
The Power of God's Word
The Christian witnessing about Jesus is a servant, a vessel, and an implement in God's hand. Men deliver the Gospel while God opens the eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to believe. We persuade others with truth, share our own experience, employ logic and reason, develop trust and build relationships; however, the power of God's word works internally and changes to the heart occur from within. Jesus spoke of His Spirit, "When the Helper comes ... He will testify about Me" John 15:26 and "when He arrives the same will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" John 16:8. Paul wrote about the Gospel saying, "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" Rom 1:16. See Heb 4:12 The Word of God.
Begin Evangelism With Prayer
Acknowledge God with reverence before ministering to others. Be thankful for God's gift of eternal life. Remember from where you came, God's patience and mercy towards you, that God knows the heart and that you are one member of Christ's body acting corporately. Ask God for opportunity and His guidance to share the Gospel. Ask that His kingdom, grace and peace abound.
Be Equipped to Evangelize
The Holy Spirit equips believers differently to evangelize, as one sows and another waters. God appoints some men as teachers, preachers or evangelists. Some evangelize through personal relationships, others to large crowds, still others to complete strangers. Every believer knows the Gospel, has a meaningful testimony and should be ready to share it.
Put on the armor of God, and then use it. See Eph 6:10-18.
Be prepared with and know the Gospel as written in the Scriptures. The Gospel does not need to be softened, embellished, partially withheld, custom tailored, delivered with bias or prejudice. "but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts" 1The 2:4. Study God's word to apply it accurately, direct to the point. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" 2Tim 2:15.
Be ready for dialogue with your audience including their acceptance or rejection, to give an effective defense of the Gospel and God's character, to address objections and excuses, to steer away from misdirection. Leave room for their personal worth and dignity, time to contemplate matters and for their interaction with God's Spirit.
You are bringing someone to where the Lord is staying so that they may see and experience Him. Call for action with loving-kindness, patience and gentle strength. Lead gently and with direction.
Take the Gospel To The World
Jesus instructed His disciples to go to the nations, out into the world. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" Mar 16:15; see Mat 28:19, Luke 24:47, Col 1:23. Sometimes a witness is one-on-one or one person to a crowd, but generally endeavor to take one or more believers with you.
Listen
Be ready to listen before you begin sharing the gospel. Sometimes the first words become vague or out of focus before actual listening commences. Listening is an acquired skill. You must want to listen, focus, filter out noise and understand that communication takes two. The audience will tell you their perspective and what is important to them. More importantly the Spirit of the Lord will tell you what is necessary for and relative to a potential believer.
As a witness for Jesus Christ you may not immediately understand why you turned that way in a crowd, looked toward a certain person, heard a particular sound, recalled an obscure verse of Scripture; but it is God who is at work in and through you, and preemptively in the heart of those needing to hear the Gospel. Listen to God and follow Him.
Give An Account of Your Faith
Your personal experience with God has weight, in that you know whom you have believed. A personal conviction and testimony lends credibility; as you were saved from eternal death once and forever, your life is sustained daily and you have the hope of a future resurrection. "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" 1Pet 3:15. Read about Faith, and how Faith Is Necessary.
Plan For Discipleship
When someone believes in God they will need to join a local fellowship of believers and receive discipleship. Plan in advance of an evangelism campaign a means for fellowship and discipleship of new believers.