FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM – Part I YOUNG ADULT CELLS MAR 2006

FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM Member’s Notes

I. Introduction
Learning Outcomes:
Evangelism. The word frightens a lot of Christians. It means things Understanding, Attitude
like preaching to crowds, knocking on doors, talking with strangers,
Objective:
passing out tracts, inviting people to special church services, sharing
At the end of this lesson, you will
your personal testimony with others, getting people to pray to be able to:
receive Christ. The word "evangelism" also brings out guilt in many. • Define what is friendship
evangelism.
What do you think is the most effective way in winning people to • Draw at least 3 practical
Christ? lessons from Jesus on
friendship evangelism.
• Desire to reach at least a friend
for Christ this year.

II. What is Friendship Evangelism?

When researchers asked new converts, "What was the major

influence in leading you to Christ and the Church?", they responded:

• Church advertising: _______

• The Pastor: _______
• Organized evangelism programs: ______
• Friends and relatives: ______

[Adapted from "Evangelism: The Why and How" by Elmer L. Towns, in Church Growth
State of the Art, C. Peter Wagner, ed. (Wheaton: Tyndale, 1988), p. 53. ]

In light of these statistics, it is important that we build caring

relationships with friends and relatives. This approach to personal
witnessing goes by several names: life-style evangelism;
friendship evangelism; caring evangelism; and web
evangelism.

Who are the people on whom we have the greatest influence?

Friendship evangelism is an ___________________ building of

relationships for the purpose of ___________________ and leading
the person into ___________________________ with Christ.

Have you ever asked yourself: “Why should I witness?”

III. Friendship Evangelism in the New Testament

Friendship evangelism was practiced in New Testament times.

Can you list any examples in which a person brought his relatives
(including whole household) or friends to relationship with Christ?

1.

2.

3.

Member’s Notes
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FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM – Part I YOUNG ADULT CELLS MAR 2006

4. 19
Jesus did not let him, but said,
“Go home to your family and tell
5. them how much the Lord has
done for you, and how he has
had mercy on you.” 20 So the man
went away and began to tell in
In Mark 5:19-20, we read of a demonized man who was delivered the Decapolis how much Jesus
and wanted to go with Jesus. But, Jesus did not let him. had done for him. And all the
people were amazed.
Why do you think Jesus did not let him? Do you think the man will Mark 5:19-20
be a more effective evangelist if he had followed Jesus? Why or why
not?

What implications can you draw for your own personal life?

The story of Jesus with the Samaritan woman in John 4:4-42 is a

familiar story. Quickly read through the story and answer the
following questions.

What kind of person is this Samaritan woman?

How did Jesus initiate conversation with this woman?

How did Jesus sustain interest in the conversation and what is the
significance of offering living water?

Jesus must have touched a raw nerve in the woman when asked
about her husband. How was this instrumental in winning this
woman to Christ?

What are some reasons for the woman to leave her water jar and go
to the town to tell the people about Jesus?

What are some practical lessons you can draw from Jesus on
friendship evangelism from his encounter with this woman?

Member’s Notes
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FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM – Part I YOUNG ADULT CELLS MAR 2006

In next week lesson, we learn how to write our personal testimony

as a tool for personal evangelism. We will also hand out “Starbuck”
vouchers for those who are wanting to share the Gospel to a friend.

In the meantime, write down in the space on the right, names of 2

or 3 friends or relatives that you wanted to reach for Christ. Share
with the cell group about them and if you have any plan to reach
them this year. Pray together as a cell for these friends.
0.5

Member’s Notes
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