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Review “Relationship evangelism” is about developing relationships to increase opportunities for sharing the gospel –If we can’t or don’t develop relationships then we will miss opportunities to share the gospel –We “till the soil” before “planting the seed” Last lesson we looked at a Prospect List and a Flow Chart –This week we’ll look at how to add more prospects and how to develop a relationship –Use flow chart to remind you where your relationships are and where they are going
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Relationship Evangelism
Bridge Building(Developing Relationships)
Review• “Relationship evangelism” is about
developing relationships to increase opportunities for sharing the gospel– If we can’t or don’t develop relationships
then we will miss opportunities to share the gospel
– We “till the soil” before “planting the seed”• Last lesson we looked at a Prospect List and
a Flow Chart– This week we’ll look at how to add more
prospects and how to develop a relationship– Use flow chart to remind you where your
relationships are and where they are going
Initial Contact• Be friendly (Prov 18:24)
– Take the initiative•Go meet the new (or old) neighbors•Introduce yourself to those you regularly bump into (at work, stores, sports, community gatherings, on the street, etc.)
– Be willing to talk, be more willing to listen•Prov 18:13, 15, 20, 21•James 1:19
Become Better Acquainted• Ask questions
– Look for common interests– Be patient – lasting relationships are not
developed quickly•Prov 25:17•Keep your contacts short; don’t grill them or expect them to want to hear from you often
– Learn a persons aims, desires, fears, burdens, needs (Phil 2:2-4; Gal 6:2)•Keep it private (Prov 25:9-10)
• Be honestly complimentary (Acts 26:2-3)
Serve them• Expect to find opportunities to serve
– 1 John 3:17-18•Love is shown by deeds, not just words
– Luke 10:25-37•Opportunities will often be inopportune
– Meet their genuine needs (Gal 6:9-10)•A meal, babysitter, help around house or yard, sharing credit at work, praise for accomplishments, etc
•Let them help with your needs as well, and be appreciative
Friendship• Honesty, trust, communication, and
common interests– Prov 12:17, 24:26, 14:5
• Don’t be judgmental, but don’t avoid the fact that you are a Christian
Conclusion• Up to this point, the objective is to build
bridges (develop a relationship)– No effort to actively discuss religion
(unless brought up by the prospect)– No effort to change or convert the person– No hiding who and what you are, a
Christian• At this point
– You have made a friend– Your example of service has been noted– The “soil is tilled”, next we’ll talk about
“planting the seed”
