How Can I Overcome My Fear of Evangelism? (Mack Stiles)
Jun 10, 2024
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Mack Stiles, Director of Messenger Ministries Inc, discusses overcoming fear and uncertainties in evangelism. He shares practical tips on persuasion, navigating rejection, missed opportunities, and staying motivated in sharing the gospel message.
Evangelism requires a persuasive approach in explaining the gospel to convince others of Christ's truth claims.
Combining teaching the gospel with mercy ministries is essential for transformative evangelism, addressing people's core need for salvation.
Deep dives
Understanding Evangelism as Preaching the Gospel with the Aim to Persuade or Convert
Evangelism, as defined by J.I. Packer, involves preaching or teaching the gospel with the aim of persuading or converting individuals. This concept emphasizes the importance of explaining, preaching, and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in a persuasive manner that seeks to convince others of the truth claims of Christ. Rather than a mere data dump, evangelism requires a thoughtful approach that aims to see individuals persuaded by the message of Christ.
Balancing Teaching the Gospel with Mercy Ministries and Practical Help
Balancing teaching the gospel with engaging in mercy ministries and practical help requires a nuanced approach. While both aspects are important, evangelism remains a central priority in sharing the message of salvation. The gospel brings about transformative change, addressing the core need for salvation in people's lives. Thus, the integration of teaching the gospel with mercy ministries is essential to effectively share the truth of Christ.
Overcoming Fear and Sharing the Gospel with Boldness and Love
Fear of rejection or inadequacy often hinders individuals from sharing the gospel. To combat this fear, it is crucial to pray for boldness and clarity in communicating the message of Christ. Additionally, cultivating a profound love for Jesus can inspire a genuine desire to share the gospel with others. By prioritizing prayer, love for God, and trusting in His sovereignty, individuals can overcome fear and confidently engage in evangelism.
In this episode, Mack Stiles offers a guide to evangelism to those who feel scared and unprepared.
J. Mack Stiles is the director of Messenger Ministries Inc, an organization that promotes healthy missions. Mack and his family lived in the Middle East for twenty years, where he was the founder and director of the Fellowship of Christian UAE Students (FOCUS) in the United Arab Emirates. He is also the author of 'How Do I Get Started in Evangelism?' from Crossway.