A Gospel Deprived Of The Gospels

When sharing the Gospel with people, we tend to spend too much time in the epistles and too little time in the Gospels.

Presentation Evangelism

Typically, we have a presentation prepared to give to someone or to a group of people.  It is logically structured and has Scripture verses to match our points. 

Most of the Bible quotations will come from the letters of the New Testament, and then a few from the Old Testament Law or prophets. When the Gospels are quoted it is limited to a sentence that makes a quick theological point.

This is a fine way to share the Gospel.  It is direct, succinct, simple and systematic.  And it makes the decision clear.  Though this approach works well in many settings, it is not always the best method to use.  

Missing Information

All around the world people are missing the story of Jesus Christ.  Most have never ever heard it, not even once.  And those who have, usually don’t remember much or very well, and need to hear it again.

From my experience, some of the most common questions are: Who was Jesus?  When and where did He live?  What kinds of things did He teach and do?  What is the meaning of the cross?  They want to hear stories.

Storytelling Evangelism

The four Gospels were written by the four Evangelists with evangelistic purposes in mind.  They were doing evangelism as they wrote their accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  And they even show examples of Jesus Himself doing evangelism.

Jesus rarely gave people straight answers, but answers that would challenge theological assumptions and lifestyle behaviors.  Even His speeches were structured to make people search more honestly for truth and righteousness, rather than supply answers.  

His style quickly separated people into two groups, those who wanted to follow Him, and those who would rather have nothing to do with Him.  But even those in this last group would remember what He taught them.

Choosing a Method

The presentation approach works extremely well with those people who are ready, or those who need a quick overview of Christianity.  The storytelling approach works better with those less ready, have little knowledge, or those who have little interest at all.  

Don’t always lay it all out early.  Valuable conversation might get lost.  Instead, select a story from the Gospel accounts to tell about Jesus.  Then ask questions.  Listen to the answers.  Give people time to think, process and ask further questions.  You already know the Gospel presentation, so relax and enjoy how the Spirit leads!

Many time you might find it best to combine the approaches.  If so, start with the stories.  Don’t assume people already know them.  Be careful not to let your Gospel be deprived of the Gospels.  It is the best part!