Christianity was possibly the original network marketing organisation in the way that the disciples shared their message about Jesus and spread Christianity throughout their land. The basic principles of evangelism have been adapted in countless ways to build large secular businesses.
Perhaps this networking idea could be applied much more to Christian training for church evangelism and outreach. Ensuring church members understand the following basic ideas might help the fellowship to share their faith and help them grow as a group. This could be achieved through a series of sermons or a one-day church seminar.
Understanding the Concept of Christianity and Salvation
How can Christians share their faith and tell other people about God, Jesus, Salvation or the Bible unless these concepts are fully understood and experienced by the individual? There is more power in sharing through personal knowledge. The first essential is for churches to ensure that members have a basic knowledge of what Christianity means and have accepted its message for themselves.
The Bible is the Christian’s handbook and is the ultimate tool for training. Reading it daily is the first step to sharing its contents with others. Everything needed for the task is contained within its pages for those who believe in its authority. There are several good Bible study courses available which could be used as a guide to reading it regularly.
This point is illustrated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where it says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Belief Through Faith
To talk convincingly about God, the Christian needs to have unswerving faith in Him. People are persuaded by heart-felt personal experience. It is easy to have a belief in something that is seen, but a belief in a religious figure is something that needs to be felt by the individual. Faith is something that comes with having a personal relationship with God, through regular prayer and Bible study.
The Bible emphasizes that this faith is freely given: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Enthusiasm When Confessing Faith
People are often drawn to someone who talks and acts as if their salvation and belief in God is the most important thing in their life. Religious faith is a subject often under discussion in the world and Christians are sometimes challenged about their beliefs. There is often more impact when a person stands up for their religious convictions in a sincere, non-judgmental way.
Jesus mentions this point to his followers: “Therefore whoever confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
Regular Support Through Prayer
Prayer is an essential communication with God and a powerful tool for supporting one another. Church and Christian fellowship can provide ongoing teaching and encouragement. A regular prayer meeting, no matter how small, can be a wonderful way for believers to connect with each other and strengthen their faith through praying together.
Many people believe, through faith, that God answers prayers. Even amongst unbelievers, prayer is often the first thing asked for if someone is in distress or trouble. Jesus himself promised that: "Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24
Building a Network Through Evangelism and Personal Testimony
The most effective way to build a network of believers is to help people to commit to a personal faith so that they can then tell others. Talk honestly and sincerely about the gift of salvation that is available to everyone, especially when someone asks about Christianity. It is a great responsibility to plant the seed of awareness.
Training With Bible Study and Church Fellowship
For new believers to become confident and grow, they need to experience teaching by example. Meeting together, and discussing or studying their religion and sharing fellowship, are all ways for young Christians to grow in faith. Regular church attendance, Bible Study groups and sharing meals or coffee breaks together can all help with personal faith development.
Responding to People’s Needs by Taking the Gospel into the World
It is essential to meet people where they are, in whatever circumstances, and to be sensitive to their material and spiritual needs. It is surely better to get to know someone before trying to tell them about personal faith. It's much friendlier to find out someone's own beliefs and interests and to listen, before even trying to talk about religious conviction. Perhaps the person needs more practical help which the Christian can do something about.
Evangelism in the Christian church is a type of network marketing. But it is not something that should be reserved for a few "called" to such a position. Everyone can be equipped to share faith through some of the steps outlined. A church fellowship could hold a seminar to go over all these points anew.
When the young church began, it was a small network of believers who followed one of the basic principles commanded by Jesus: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19.
From such small beginnings, the Christian Church eventually grew into one of the largest religious networks in the world.
Sources:
- All Bible verses are from the New International Version.
Rosemary Gemmell - Professional freelance writer of published short stories and articles in the UK, US and online. Author of historical romance and ...
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