The P.A.I.N. of Evangelism

A lot of Christians identify evangelism as a stressful, discouraging process -- a really pain-full experience. Yet we are called upon by Jesus to be, not gospel gunslingers, going out to put more notches in our Bibles or scalps on our belt. Rather, as those who have experienced the love, and grace, and forgiveness that Christ gives, we have the opportunity to share good news -- the gospel ... euangelion ...That's what "evangelism" means -- telling good news.

Irvine Presbyterian Church has found it helpful to think of evangelism in terms of PAIN. Yes, P . . . A . . . I . . . N.  P.A.I.N stands for:

Prayer
Availability
Invitation
Neighborliness

I. PRAYER is the basis for all evangelism.

A. Evangelism is God's job.

1. "...we are ambassadors, God is making his appeal through us." (2 Cor. 5:20)
2. No one comes to faith except as the Holy Spirit draws them.
3. Prayer opens doors, softens hearts.

B. Practical application: Who are you praying for who does not know Christ?

1. Not just general, but specific.
2. List 3-5 people; pray for them by name, regularly.
3. If you don't know of 3, then ask God for that.

C. Discovering your network -- your network is built around four elements -- family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Criteria for including people in your network:

1. First name basis.
2. Regular contact with them.
3. They don't seem to know Christ.
4. You and they are responsive and open to cultivating a relationship (not necessarily with God)

                  Source: Heart for the Harvest (c) Search Ministries (1990)

II. AVAILABILITY. We need to be available:

A.  To God -- where, when God wants to use us.

B.  To people -- not to pounce or attack, but open to relationship.

C.  Practical application: We can be available with our:

1. Time -- listening, deepening relationships.
2. Talent -- whatever abilities we have.
3. Treasure -- tickets to ballgame, theater; house, he.

III.  INVITATION. Among the most painless and obvious ways to do evangelism is to invite non-believers to the events of the Church and other Christian outreach.

A.  Main Church events -- they're not just for "us"; Sunday worship, holiday services, concerts.

B.  Special events: Men's Breakfast, Women's Retreat, Bible Study, Youth Concert.

C.  Special interest groups: Active Parenting, Marriage workshops. All of these events can be doubly effective if we see them as not just for ourselves, but for the people of our community who aren't committed to anything.

IV. NEIGHBORLINESS is the natural process of caring for those around you.

A.  There is a tremendous amount of hurt in the world around us.

B.  Neighborliness involves seeing and initiating the care and love of Christ where people are. And we can do that!

C.  Practical application:

1. Extend ourselves -- not just retreat behind our automatic garage door openers.
2. Be present for your neighbor -- be there.
3. Keep quiet most of the time.
4. Be accepting.
5. When appropriate, share prayer or scripture -- but not preaching!
6. Above all, be available -- to help, shop, baby-sit, groceries, offer transportation