Why Unique Evangelism

     UNIQUE  EVANGELISM: A SOMEWHAT UNIQUE 

METHOD WITH 

GREAT NATIONAL AND WORLDWIDE POTENTIAL. 

CLIFFORD F. “CLIFF” MAIER,  BIBLE COLLEGE DIPLOMA,1955;  PHD,1971.

                                                                                                    VERSION 12,  9/15/2023.  LATEST REVISION

HUGELY SATISFYING EVANGELISM: 

Would you like to do some hugely satisfying evangelism? Evangelism that virtually never leaves you feeling defeated?  Evangelism by which you know you might very well have helped rescue some individual from a disastrous eternity?  This, because you graciously took just a few minutes to share the gospel with them.  Evangelism which virtually never results in anger being expressed toward you? (At least it virtually never has been in my case--in the hundreds of times I have now shared this form of evangelism).  Rather, frequently, it is gratitude that you thought enough of the recipient to share with them.

Evangelism, also, in which you never have to brood over how you are going to finally break the news to some individual that you are a Christian and that you would like to have a conversation with them about spiritual things? (Not that this is not also an appropriate thing to do at times).  Rather evangelism in which you have multiple opportunities to share the gospel virtually every time you are out and about?  Evangelism in which your greatest challenge is deciding which opportunity (or opportunities) are most appropriate to pursue?  Evangelism, too, in which you do not feel, or fear that your options are limited to only  your relatives, friends, neighbors,

Evangelism also in which you share the gospel with an individual, and then you are often  compelled either by their circumstances or yours to leave the matter entirely to them as to what they will do with it--how they are going to respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings? That response may include them indicating to you right there, at that time, or later through contact information you leave with them, that they wish to have your continued help with the salvation issue, or some other spiritual matter.  If so, as a caring evangelist, you will, of course, seek to help them with that. That may take considerable time; but if they don’t indicate that, you are then freed up to use your time to take advantage of other opportunities--sometimes many opportunities. This given the nature of the kind of sharing we are primarily talking about here.  (Why this is so will become clearer shortly). You are freed up except to pray for them as God may lay them on your heart to do so from time to time in the future.

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS FORM OF EVANGELISM.

As a result of God’s promptings and help, I have developed an evangelism method that I use which focuses on giving out special tracts following some special introductory conversation, which then enables a witness to get the gospel into the hands of many more of the most difficult to reach kind of non-believers, relatively easily; and usually also to do some witnessing with them while doing so, or later. Them being strangers is not at all a hindrance to accomplishing this--in fact, it often helps! It’s similar to what some of Jesus’ experiences were. Often better among strangers than among his family and acquaintances ( Mark: 6:1-5). 

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The way I create opportunities to get tracts into people’s hands is by building rapport--by showing friendliness, by the generous use of compliments and thank yous, to show empathy where that seems like it might be appreciated, or by such things as casual offers to help. Not pushy offers, however.  I offer the compliments and thank yous for kindnesses and services done for me; or for some special quality or achievement of  theirs. After building rapport, I offer them a tract or two which I always refer to as a “gift”--something very significant to do. It furthers that rapport I am seeking to build. These techniques virtually invariably result in people opening their hearts to you, and for them quickly to be ready to accept a tract from you--sometimes very readily--often surprisingly readily. This then also contributes, if the circumstances are appropriate, for them to be ready to listen to a few comments from you about the fantastic things that are in the tracts as well as the importance of that for them. Building that rapport prevents recipients from feeling, when the time comes to give them the tracts, that the tracts are being pushed on them.  All of these things help to make the whole process a pleasant experience--even fun, even exhilarating at times--for both the recipient and the witness. 

ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF THIS FOR ME:

My wife, Eleanor, and I2 came up with this method of evangelism as a result of observing the effect it had on various repair/service people who, from time to time, came to our house. In general, in the brief time generally available to us, we made it a point to be friendly and to thank or compliment them for the good work they did for us. Then we offered them a tract, which they almost always readily took. That sometimes led to some discussion about spiritual things. In some instances even to a sharing of the gospel, or to setting up an appointment for doing so later. That experience prompted me to think, “Why could this not also work on a wider scale--out there in the public square at large?” That is, by just being friendly and finding reasons to thank, compliment, or offer casual help to people in various situations? I tried it, and it has worked beautifully. I was hooked.

For me this method of evangelism only started about three years ago, (2020). This, even though I have since become aware that some individuals such as  William Fay and Barry Meguiar (and likely some others) have relatively recently been advocating methods somewhat similar to the one I am advocating. (More on Fay and Meguiar in the  second footnote).  In my case, the method developed in conjunction with the increased security restrictions in general which had recently been imposed and the Covid 19 lockdowns. Prior to that, as a retired professor, I and others, including my wife, had been seeking for some years to obtain leads with students on our local university campus and then going to their dorm rooms, and sharing the gospel with them. All of this became pretty much impossible under the new, much more restrictive guidelines that emerged.

It depressed me that we, as non-current university personnel and others, in 2020 could no longer go on campus to seek to win some of those impressionable young college students to Christ.  That’s when I woke up to the fact that there were college students (and other potential recipients) all over our community, working off campus, at all kinds of jobs, or doing other things.  Could we not, discreetly and wisely, using the techniques we had employed with our service/repairmen, probably also build rapport with many of them, then give them a good gospel tract or two in an ingratiating way; and then hopefully also have a few additional words with them about the fantastic things in the tracts about God, etc. etc. and about the importance of taking spiritual things seriously? Also to seek to leave them feeling so convinced and inspired by what we shared with them that they would voluntarily offer to read the tract(s); or readily agree to do so, if you asked them if they would? 

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     Much of this, of course, would have to be done while these students and others were on the job working.  We would need to be very sensitive about what each work situation lent itself to, not embarrassing either the recipient or defrauding the employer.  However, could we not often find an employee or another type of individual here or there who was pretty much alone for a minute or two, often white continuing to do what they were doing, with whom we could begin some friendly chatting and say a thing or two about the value of what was in the tract(s) for them?

We tried it, and it has worked out very well. Soon the goal was not only sharing with college students but with anyone who met our criteria for presenting us with a doable opportunity.  Since we have begun using the techniques associated with this method, we have gotten the gospel into many hands; so much so that we feel that we can now say that we are experienced in doing this. And also in doing it in a manner in which we are confident that a person’s need for salvation was made clear--and in a non-offensive way.  Hopefully, this has either resulted in quite a number of  individuals having accepted Christ as their Savior--or it has helped them along the way to that end. We will never know how many.  We just trust the Lord, when He says that His Word does not return void, but rather accomplishes what He desires (Isaiah 55:11).  

Toward the end of this article I will provide you with some examples (space considerations prohibiting more) of some of the gratifying things that have happened where we have used this method to share the gospel.

NOTE: What follows, in the topics and paragraphs below, is just there to provide more insight. This so as to provide a better chance for success for those wishing to become involved in this frequently thrilling ministry. I hope and pray that many will. It’s so important. So rewarding. You may wish to scroll down to see what additional topics are covered, or covered in greater detail. 

THE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE WITH WHOM WE ARE ESPECIALLY CONCERNED IN DOING THIS FORM OF EVANGELISM--AND WHY THE USE OF TRACTS IS SO VERY  APPROPRIATE WITH THEM:

For us the most important reason, although not only important one, for using this particular method of evangelism is to get the gospel into the hands of especially two groups of people who are rather impervious to traditional methods of evangelism—namely the unchurched and secondly, the churched who do not attend churches where the true way of salvation is taught.  Given the kinds of groups they are, there is little basis for us evangelicals to believe that many of them will ever be converted through hearing the gospel at evangelical churches. It is also true, generally speaking, that many in these two groups are not likely to get exposed to and are not likely to absorb the gospel anywhere or anyhow except through this happening through various forms of personal evangelism that intriguingly and ingratiatingly gets the gospel right into the hands of these people. One of  the most effective ways this can be done is, in my opinion--based on my experiences--via tracts.  As you read more, see if you don’t agree.

In addition to avoiding evangelical churches, members of these two groups tend to studiously also avoid all other ways by which we evangelicals have tried to win them to Christ--that is through special gospel events, Christian radio and TV, Christian literature including the Bible--and such.

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     Many people in these two groups, according to the biblical standards, are from such Godless or misguided backgrounds and cultures that  they are pretty much totally unconcerned about their real spiritual needs.  As one of our neighbors said to us, “I never think about these things.” Thankfully, some gospel advertising is now being done on secular TV and  public billboards which is fairly hard for such people to avoid--but not impossible if a person is set on doing so. But that still misses many. 

What is shocking too is that there are so many people in these two groups. The numbers are staggering. According to a September 12-15, 2023 Gallup Poll the percentage of the unchurched in the United States  now is 43%, down slightly from its high of 47% in 2001.3  And also, about 20-25% of US’s church goers attend only churches that are non-Bible-believing ones. So between these two groups we have here another vast mission field right around us--over 60% of the population--wow; although these two groups are generally not identified as a mission field. Since it actually is, we evangelicals must, in my opinion, begin using much more of what my experience tells me is one of the very few effective methods we have for getting the gospel considered by these kinds of people; that is, as already said--via good tracts that almost unavoidably expose the gospel to them. This even though this method is, at the moment, pretty much “out of vogue.” This is especially urgent when in these two groups so many souls are at stake.  Jesus has commanded us to “Go you into all [all] the world and preach the gospel” (Matthew 28:19-20). This command, without a doubt, also included the lost in these two groups. Interestingly enough too, they are all so close around us, not just in some foreign field, important as those in them also are; and from this point of view, this is, of course, a relatively easy, “cost-effective” place from which to reach out to them also.

A benefit of the use of tracts is that the truth can be dispersed very casually and  inconspicuously, that is “in relative everyday public anonymity.”  These people’s fear of disdain or ridicule from members of their group, something which might otherwise prevent them from accepting something religious or being identified with anything not of their secular or religious persuasion, is pretty much--or much more--absent in such public circumstances. Usually when given tracts in public circumstances, recipients just stick them in their pocket. When they then pull them out in the privacy of their home or elsewhere, it will again be in a place where they likely do not have to fear ridicule. There some of these people may very well read the tracts, perhaps in their laundry room or someplace else where they have been tossed or left. There these individuals may become informed of something they had never really understood before.  So tracts become one of the most realistic means--can I call them “stealth devices?”--for getting the gospel considered when it would not be considered, or even mentioned otherwise among people of these two  particular belief groups.

SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL TYPES OF PEOPLE ONE ENCOUNTERS WHILE DOING THIS FORM OF EVANGELISM:

Another type of person one encounters are strangers who are already Bible-believing, church-going Christians. When this happens, it’s a real pleasure to discover them--and to get their encouragement. Sometimes they become friends, even very good friends.  A blessed bonus for doing this kind of service!

Sometimes too, you find individuals who are from evangelical backgrounds and are born-again Christians. But for some reason, they are not now attending church—so they are really part of the unchurched too. As such when such an individual senses your concern for them, as well as your encouragement, they sometimes will decide to return to church. You can then help them with that and that can be a real joy for you. We have experienced this several times.  Somewhat along the same line, one sometimes comes across individuals, often students, who in response to the question, “Do you go to church somewhere?” will say,  “No. But I do go when I’m back home.”  You can then invite him or her to your church, or encourage them to go to some other Bible-believing church that suits them better. You know that if they do not start attending while away from home, they could easily just become part of that more or less permanently unchurched group.  So it is easy to see how important ancillary ministries also emerge from doing this type of ministry, and these can also bring great satisfaction and joy to you.

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THE QUALITY TRACTS I USE: 

The basic tract we like to begin with is apologetic in nature. It includes in it some very impressive scientific facts and Scripture.  It deals with topics such as why we can be certain that God exists, the awesome intelligence, creativity, power, and authority of God, the authenticity and authority of the Bible, etc., etc. A lot of people nowadays, in our increasingly secular culture, need first of all to be convinced of these things about God before they will take what Scripture says about Him and other things seriously. The tract also contains a brief but not really clearly great presentation of the gospel.  It’s title is “God’s Three Revelations: Positive Proof for His Existence and His Love.” It was written by the late Philip DelRe, of the Voice in the Wilderness Ministries. It can be ordered by clicking on www.Exodus20.com. It can be read in its entirety on that website. It is a stunning replication of it.

The tract shows so well that it took a super intelligence to put this universe together and that this super intelligence, God, is the creator of everything in it including us. By implication, it shows that this makes us accountable to Him. The tract also shows so strikingly, the awesomeness of God's love for us. In view of all of this, and more, the tract makes evident the overwhelming need for us to accept this amazing love and pardon for our sins if it is to be well with us for eternity.  By the time one gets through reading it, it seems utterly illogical not to believe in and to accept this God and Jesus as Savior.

Having said all of these positive things about DelRe’s tract, “God’s Three Revelations...,” I have had to recognize that it is not as strong as it could be in clearly showing the steps a person must take to become a born-again, healthy, growing child of God. Therefore, I suggest that a smaller sized tract, which clearly provides that information, be inserted into the back page of the “God” tract. The tract that I/we insert is entitled, “Steps to Peace with God,” a tract by the Billy Graham Association. It is very clear and simple on this. If the "Steps" tract is used, it should be the colorful, scenic version of the tract in our opinion.  It has so much more appeal, effective design and color internally too that we think it is a much more effective tract. 

Feel free to use whatever tracts you feel will do the best job for you. But please use high quality produced tracts. One sometimes feels that the high quality glossy paper and excellently designed and illustrated aspects of the “God…” and  “Steps” tracts excites some people considerably and makes them more anxious to read them when they are given to them, especially as a “gift.”  If cost is an issue for some, a possibility is that a church might, as part of their outreach budget, buy economically in bulk sufficient tracts to enable all individuals who desire to use some, to do so free.

TO PEOPLE OF WHAT OCCUPATIONS DOES A WITNESS GIVE TRACTS?

A person can give these kinds of tracts to virtually anyone. We have given them to doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, business people, all kinds of white and blue-collar workers,

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professional people, high school and college-aged students, young or old, etc.,etc.. In other words, to anyone who presents an opportunity, according to the criteria we use.

Sometimes, when I wonder if I should try to get a tract into the hand of a person who seems a bit intimidating, I ask myself, “If I don’t, what will that mean for this person if they are not already a believer and if there is no one else who comes along and helps them to Christ?” It is those kinds of thoughts that at times help me to decide to proceed.  I have found, too, that when I do, that the responses of such people are very much the same as that of others--ready to give you “a listen,” at least--and not the belittling or mocking responses some of us have feared they would be.  Not saying that that can’t happen. But it is very, very rare with this method.

HOW DOES A WITNESS IDENTIFY A PROMISING PROSPECT AND THEN PROCEED?

Just a little more on this. If you happen to be at a place where you will be served or helped in some way, notice first of all if the person who is about to serve or help you will likely at times be alone with you, or at least somewhat removed from others--if even only for a half a minute or a minute at a time. If so, even such short times will give you enough time in most cases to build that rapport we've spoken of, and then to give them the tract, and say something about it, or about God, etc, etc. Begin, if possible, by catching the person’s eye, smiling, using their name if they are wearing a name tag, and then saying something nice that shows interest in them, admiration for them, or whatever--but purely secular, initially. Continue with that until it seems appropriate to get into the spiritual; that is while you still have time to offer them the tract(s), and to say somethings about the message in them, and its relevance for them. A variation of this procedure can, of course,  also be done with people who are doing other things too.

If, on the other hand, the person who you think might be a prospect proves instead to be very, very busy, or if a lot of people are milling around him or her, and if you feel that seeking to get their attention would likely only irritate them, or if you feel it could not be done in any kind of privacy, this does not then represent a good prospect. They should not be approached, even if a witness does not have alternate possibilities. To try to witness to such a person in this kind of a circumstance would almost certainly embarrass them. That is something we try never to do. We want their receiving their tract to be a good experience for them. For it to be otherwise, would almost certainly result in them not reading the tract even though they might have accepted it.     

If a person is bright and bubbly, chances are they are a good prospect if their circumstances reveal the possibility of them having a minute or two of time to engage with you relatively privately at some point. But if a possible prospect happens to be more subdued, that does not mean that they are not a good prospect.  Some people would never think of engaging in or saying or revealing something personal to you if you do not take the first step. But as soon as you do, they almost invariably open right up, should the other criteria such as time and relative privacy also be present. 

WHAT KIND OF THINGS CAN YOU COMPLIMENT OR THANK A PERSON FOR--OR ASK THEM ABOUT? 

Again as already suggested--for many things. It can be for their smile or their great attitude. Or their efficiency. Or an item of clothing that they are wearing. Or your admiration for people like them. Also whether they are a high school or college student? Are they local? If not, where are they from? How are things going for them presently?  Is there something you could pray for them about? Once they have served or helped you, if that is the case, of course, thank or compliment them for that. 

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Once they have accepted the tracts, you might ask if they believe in God and then about their beliefs about Jesus, about their religious background? What church they attend? About the truth of the Bible, in their view? etc. etc. Whatever seems appropriate at the moment? Whatever God brings to mind? But keep in mind that likely there will be only a short time for any of these things to be discussed. Select what seems most important or relevant  for the occasion. Don’t hold people longer than it is obvious they wish to be. 

While there are, within certain parameters, many things a witness can focus on with a prospect, it's helpful also to always have some central, important things in mind that a witness will always try to get to.

The paragraph below contains an example that is still a little more specific as to what we might say after having befriended someone in a particular situation. (Skip it if you wish).  

“When people serve or help me/us as nicely as you have ( or kindly, thoughtfully or whatever the appropriate word for the situation may be), I/we always like to give them a little “gift.” Then after pulling the tract out of your pocket or purse and giving it to them so they can see that it is about God, you might say, “It is about God. I don’t know if you believe in God. If you do, this will strengthen your belief in Him. If you don’t, it may very well cause you to become a believer in Him.”  (Or you could say, “ Do you believe in God?” If the answer is positive, one might then ask, “Do you also believe in Jesus?”  If it is positive again, you might ask, “Have you then accepted him as your Savior?”  (Those who happen to believe in God almost always quickly respond with,“Yes;” ; those who believe in Jesus usually even  more so.)

Responses to these kinds of questions often then open the door to further conversation, especially with retirees, who often have more time. If it does, I/we usually ask such questions as what their church background is. Then, again if time permits, we might ask them if they are sure of going to heaven?  Again whatever you say should always be what seems appropriate for the particular situation you are in. God will direct you. However, often you’ll only see that He did when the encounter is all over; sometimes only later; sometimes never. But believe that He did then too. Trust  Him!  If sufficient interest is manifested, it sometimes may seem appropriate to try to set up an appointment; if not, just emphasize the importance of seriously considering the information in the “gift.”

Should you have only had time to get the “gift” into a prospect's hands, and time for little more,  be glad anyway--especially if it was received with a positive attitude. It gives the Holy Spirit something to work with. You accomplished one of the basic things you set out to do. That is to get the gospel into the hands of people, some of whom, on their own initiative, would never pick up something that might cause them to consider the gospel.  Even in the rare cases where the “gift” may have been rejected, feel good anyway. You did your part. 

WHERE CAN YOU DO THIS TYPE OF WITNESSING? EXAMPLES:

The places are almost endless: As already suggested, while shopping, during medical appointments, running errands, at recreational events, while on vacation, traveling, at work, while socializing with someone, with a person sitting alone who is looking bored, troubled, or anxious about something and who might like to talk to someone about it (Be offering them empathetic glances if you sense that).  Also to a person who looks like he or she just likes to talk (They may even be the one who initiates a conversation with you).  Or a person reading a book or a newspaper in a sparsely occupied waiting area, etc. You could ask,” Do you like to read?”  If the answer is “Yes,” you could respond with something like, “Well, I do too, and I’m giving away a couple of little booklets that, in my opinion, deal with some very significant issues which you might like to check out too. Would you like to have a couple?”  The person might then ask, “What are they about?” If so, you would then have a chance to tell him or her honestly and confidently. That might then lead to a significant conversation about spiritual things.  But if he or she says they aren't interested, you might just then say, “Fine. Just wondering. Sorry to have interrupted you. All the best.”  No skin off your nose.  He or she was given a chance in a gracious way. There are just so many ways to turn situations into opportunities.

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