Sharing Christ

As followers of Christ, we are called to be involved in the process of helping people to find The Savior. So how can we be more effective on our mission? Here is a summary from the study, "YOU are more likely to influence the people you know for the gospel than a tract, billboard, commercial, TV or radio preacher. Those things may help, but relationship is central"

This is from A recent Lifeway Research study which presented the following information. The top 5 times when people are more open to consider matters of faith:

1. During the Christmas & Holiday season - 47%
2. During the Easter holiday season - 38%
3. After a major national crisis such as 9/11 - 38%
4. After a natural disaster - 34%
5. After the birth of a baby - 28%

Here are four things every follower of Christ can do to help influence people around you for Christ.

1. Praying: every believer and the church praying for lost people.
2. Engaging: every believer sharing as a trained witness for Christ.
3. Sowing: every lost person receiving a complete witness (this is so much more than "do you want things to go right in your life," or "ask Jesus into your heart." It is understanding that the Gospel presents our need for salvation, and invitation to be saved, and then there must be a response on the part of the individual to the Gospel.
4. Harvesting: every church harvesting and celebrating every salvation experience.

We need to make a Big Deal about every person who comes to Christ in faith. After all, there is a party in heaven (Luke 15:7 & 10).

The researchers also asked the question when people were most willing to receive information about a local congregation. Here were the responses:

1. Personal conversation with a family member - 63%
2. Personal conversation with a friend or neighbor from church - 56%
3. Informative ad in the newspaper - 48%
4. Outdoor sign or billboard - 46%
5. Newspaper or magazine advertising - 46%

You can read more of this research here with comments.