Christians, why do lean toward formulas to reach the lost?

Question

I notice so many want to package a formula, a+b+c=evangelism.
For some it is "The Way of the Master" approach, convincing people of their sin through asking questions like, "Have you ever in your whole life, lied?"
For others it is through giving aid to the needy and hoping that they will respond to Christ's love showing through us.
For others, they assume that people know their sins, and its our job to tell them God loves them anyway.
For others, it is handing out gospel tracts to every person they meet.
Now, all of these methods have a place... there are some who need to convinced of their sin, others who just need to know that God still loves them, there are those who need to see the Body of Christ at work with the poor before they'll believe. And there are some who just simply have never heard a clear presentation and need to see it laid out in print for them.

So why don't we pray and ask God to show us what THAT person in front of us needs, rather than try to follow the same>>>

formula for everybody?

The woman caught in adultery did not get the same sermon as the rich young ruler or the blind beggar.

So, my question is, do we trust God enough to let Him show us each person's need?

Randall C.
That didn't really answer the question. One could presumably instruct with OR without a formula.

Good point mjbrightergem33, precisely what I mean. Jesus knew their EXACT need, and while we don't, if we rely on the Holy Spirit He can show us that exact need of each person. You understood my point.

Still, I hope others will read and give me their thoughts.

Ms Golden the question was why some christians think one formula will work for everyone, you are right its about belief, but how will believe unless they hear? So my question was, why do some people try to invent a method or formula for evangelism, instead of following the lead of the Holy Spirit?

Answer 1

i dont have any other formula except the truth .. i use bible references alone usually with a little reasoning added .. its tough today for when u think u are correct what need you of reasoning>>
this WOMAN that committed adultery did JESUS not know she was entrapped by the priests? JESUS KNEW ALREADY IN ADVANCE WHAT THEIR REAL OBJECTIVE WAS. they did not care about justice or they would of brought the man also remember its stated she was caught in the very act of adultery>> come come folks reason it out do u get caught in the act and the other is not also brought to justice. THE RICH YOUNG RULER , WHAT WAS JESUS responce to him
this man approached him first HE CALLED HIM god JESUS also knew his heart , his reply was what says the scripture and then called off a few of the commandments .. the rich young ruler knowing in his heart something else was missing asked what do i lack then?
jesus seeing that money was his real master said sell all you have and give to the poor .. no way riches were his idol he would not give this up. yet all he did was tell zachius a rich tax collector come down i am eating at your hous tonight this man and his wealth were no problem he stated LORD I WILL RETURN WHATEVER I TOOK DISHONESTLY 4 FOLD .. and give to the poor too. look i dont pretend to know how he could dothis either but his heart was already broken and willing to give up everything for he knew he needed a new heart ,, ,JESUS did not use gimmics or formulas just the truth .. those that use formulas often wont listen to just reason or scriptural references other than those they teach to make a point weather or not if it just doesnt fully fit. bro mj ,, believe it or not

Answer 2

Not every member of a congregation has the same calling. Some do pass out tract and minister individually on the streets. Others aid by various ministries that deal with the poor, the homeless, the uneducated, in all nations of the world. Some are meant to work in soup kitchens and other teach in our schools (ha-ha....we are still there!). There is no formula, as you seem to believe. We do as God directs us. If that means stopping and picking up groceries for a home-bound disabled person or teaching The Word by helping irrigate a field in Ethiopia...it's still bringing glory to God and that, my dear friend, is our major objective. To Bring Glory To God.

Answer 3

Roman 12:1-2
Because they don't rely on GOD's word to lead them through the Holy Spirit.

Answer 4

JESUS the Living WORD

SPOKE THE WORD

and ONLY THE WORD is TRUTH

and as a BELIEVER we can do no more then those who was before us , as the disciples , THEY told what THEY SAW and HEARD of the WORD Jesus Christ

as a person who is a believer can ONLY WITNESS what they themselves have SAW and HEARD of JESUS CHRIST

and HE TOUCHED each of US in a way that is Unique to our situation as it did the disciples.........The Gospels are the account of the SAME things..JUST told in Different detail opposed to EACH INDIVIDUALS SIGHT and HEARING !!!

SO MUST WE SPEAK THE WORD
in the manner WE HAVE SEEN it and HEAR IT from Jesus Christ !!!

NO Formula to it

JUST simply the WORD which is Given to us !!!
and thus WE speak to others in that manner . And EVERYONE has the NEED of the WORD
not our opinion of thier situation
as it is written " One PLANTS , One Waters , BUT ITS GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE !!!!!!!!!!!

SPEAK THE WORD
HE WILL DO THE REST

Answer 5

Remember the story of Mary and Martha! Martha was caught up doing everything SHE THOUGHT she should do, but only to her frustration. It was Mary, who sat at the feet of JESUS, who chose the better way.
Things haven't changed! We still need to sit at the feet of JESUS and not worry about anything! HE will tell us what to do! HE will instruct us! HE will make us fishers of men!
In our own strength, we'll fish all night and catch nothing, but as we learn to follow the lead of the MASTER, we'll always cast our net on the RIGHT SIDE for a catch!

Answer 6

Totally agree with the 'needs' ministry. People don't care about scripture, or prayer, or even Jesus. People want their needs to be met, and when that happens it opens the door for ministry. I believe we have to find the balance, between JUST meeting needs, (food pantry's and such), and forcing "religion" down people's throats. Meet the need and that shows the love and care of Jesus, and then introductions are possible, and in order.

Answer 7

I do like Your thought and all that you stated. I also tend to see what you see in respect to even the whole concept of organized religion. In my view even the "church" [used as most want to use it] fails in ministering to believers due to formulas, systems, etc.

I personally like the one on one system and like to use the get acquainted part to listen to the other person carefully to see if in fact he will tell you where in fact he has a need. Likewise I desire the idea of doing my best to let my God direct the path of the conversation. In my view God know best and will open the doors if we will only let ourselves be used as tools and not as the master mechanic.

I find I can talk to a non-believer better if I learn to get to his level and converse with him in the kind of words he understands and uses. I try not to mention the Bible except in answer to the question if ask of me, "What is your hobby or what do you do with your time?" I answer that with I spend most of my time reading the Bible for I do like that book very much.

The quoting of Bible verses and telling a man he is a sinner who does not read the bible, accept it as a book other than a book written by men, or see it as not a special book in my opinion is a waste of time. I personally feel that one who does understand the principles and concepts in the Bible can easily give simple examples as Jesus did in the parables to make a point.

My friend you are right - too little of the talking to God and seeking his leadership in our actions.

Answer 8

you seem confused. i dont even understand your question too much. and not all christians are that way. and its not about being convinced of anything. its believing . you make your own choices. and if you want to do right by god...well its more simple than others think. obey the ten commandments,read the holy bible, and pray.prayer changes. and if you really want to no the answer to you question. you just answered it yourself.

Answer 9

I tend to use the formula (ab)^2 c/a) (a+c-b^2) That usually brings them around to my way of thinking. I also sometimes use this one ( s+l-a=p u+p s-id+e th^e h+ea-d) That one always gets them) Interesting question. Bravo!

Answer 10

2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;