Evangelism: The Direct Style
Biblical
Example:
Peter in Acts 2
Theme Verse:
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction.
Traits:
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Confident
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Bold
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Assertive
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Skips small talk, gets right to the point
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Has strong opinions and convictions
Cautions
Be sure to seek God's wisdom so you will be appropriately sensitive and
tactful.
Allow the Holy Spirit to restrain your desire to come on strong.
Avoid judging or laying guilt trips on others who approach evangelism
with a different style.
Suggestions for Using and Developing This Style
Ask friends for feedback on whether or not
you have the right balance of boldness and gentleness. Keep in mind
Paul's phrase in Ephesians 4, "speaking the truth in love." Both truth
and love are essential.
Prepare yourself for situations where you will stand alone (read about
Peter in Acts 2 and other Scripture). The nonbeliever you confront with
the truth will sometimes feel uncomfortable. Even nonconfrontational
Christians who are with you will sometimes feel that discomfort. That's
okay. Under God's guidance, challenge people to trust and follow Christ,
and he will use it.
It is critical that you listen and value what others say before telling
them what you think they need to hear.
Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to
the personality of the person you hope to reach.
Peter's Direct Approach
It's no secret that Peter was a "Ready-Fire-Aim" kind of
guy. Whatever he did, he did it unhesitantly and with full force. When
Jesus asked the disciples in Matthew 16:15 who they thought He was,
Peter didn't mince words; he declared flat-out that Jesus was the
Messiah. Then a few verses later he challenged Jesus' stated mission
head on. Can you imagine trying to correct the Son of God? You might, if
you have the direct style yourself!
When Peter was in the fishing boat and wanted to be with Jesus, he
didn't hesitate to do whatever it took to get close to Him, even if it
meant trying to walk on water. And when their enemies came to take Jesus
away, Peter was ready to cut off their heads.
All Peter needed was to be convinced he was right, and there was almost
no stopping him. He was confident, he was bold, and he was right to the
point.
Is it any wonder God chose him as his spokesman on the day of Pentecost
in Acts 2? It was a perfect fit! God needed someone unafraid to take a
stand, right there in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus had been crucified
a few weeks ealier. He wanted to let the thousands of people who were
there know in no uncertain terms that they'd crucified the Messiah, and
that they needed to call on Him for His mercy and forgiveness.
Peter's personality was custon-designed to fill the bill. With the
empowerment of the Holy Spirit, he stood quite naturally and confronted
the people with the facts. And God miraculously used his efforts: three
thousand people trusted Christ and were baptized that same day.
As exciting as that historical event was, we need to turn our focus to
today. Do you realize that there are a lot of people in your world who
won't come to Christ until someone like Peter holds their feet to the
fire?
I have a friend who for years played church and pretended to be a
Christian. He'd heard lots of good teaching, knew the gospel message
inside and out, and could quote numerous Bible verses. The only thing he
lacked was a direct-style evangelist who could get in his face about his
need to start living the truth he knew. Then one day God sent one. This
man looked my friend in the eye and told him he was a hypocrite.
That made him angry, but it made him think. And within a week's time
he'd committed his life to Christ, a decision that has transformed his
life over the last twenty years.
Some people are just waiting for a contagious Christian who won't beat
around the bush, but who'll clarify the truth of Christ and challenge
them to do something about it. Could that Christian be you? Do you
resonate with Peter's approach, or are you ready to move on to the other
five options?
If you think this approach is for you, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you
to know how, when, and where to direct your words and challenges, as
well as the wisdom you'll need to do it with an appropriate mix of grace
and truth.
This information is adapted from the book and Participant's Guide,
"Becoming A Contagious Christian", by Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg and Bill Hybels
