The Paper Will Emphasize The Biblical OT And NT Setting Of P
The Paper Will Emphasize The Biblical Ot And Nt Setting Of Personal
The paper will emphasize the biblical (OT and NT) setting of personal evangelism, research on strategy in evangelism, and the objective strategy or plan in outline form to demonstrate evangelism (Disciple Making) in the following areas: evangelism, Bible school evangelism, benevolence, the encouragement ministry, and youth and family ministry. The paper itself must be 20 full pages in length, not counting the cover sheet, table of contents, and bibliography. All documentation must be done in the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition format. Footnotes are required at the bottom of the page, not endnotes.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The biblical foundation of evangelism is rooted deeply in both the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT), providing a theological and illustrative backdrop for effective disciple-making strategies. Understanding the scriptural context is essential for developing objective, strategic approaches to evangelism and related ministries such as Bible school evangelism, benevolence, encouragement ministries, and youth and family outreach. This paper explores the biblical setting of personal evangelism, reviews research on evangelistic strategies, and outlines specific plans tailored to various ministry areas, demonstrating how biblical principles inform effective disciple-making processes.
The Biblical OT and NT Setting of Personal Evangelism
The OT and NT serve as foundational texts for understanding the biblical basis of personal evangelism. In the OT, the concept of God's people being a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6) underscores the responsibility of believers to evangelize those outside the faith. The call to Share God's salvation message begins with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3), who was called to be a blessing to all nations. The prophets further emphasized the importance of calling others to the covenant relationship (Jeremiah 29:7). These texts highlight that evangelism is rooted in God's mission and His desire for all nations to come to know Him.
In the NT, personal evangelism reaches a new level through the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) explicitly commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing personal interaction, teaching, and baptism. The early church exemplified evangelism through personal testimony and outreach, as seen in Acts 8:26-40, where Philip shares the gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch. The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys further demonstrate strategic personal evangelism by establishing churches and mentoring new believers (Romans 1:14-16). These biblical narratives set a foundational understanding that evangelism is both a divine calling and a personal responsibility grounded in biblical history and theology.
Research on Evangelism Strategies
Contemporary research highlights a range of strategies for effective evangelism, emphasizing contextualization, relational approaches, and the use of technology. Evangelism is most successful when strategies are biblically sound, culturally relevant, and relationally driven. Studies suggest that personal relationships and genuine friendships create openings for sharing the gospel naturally and meaningfully (Gibbs, 2011). Likewise, data show that involving local communities and understanding cultural nuances significantly enhance evangelistic outreach (Tucket, 2014).
The research advocates for a holistic approach combining evangelism with discipleship, where new converts are nurtured in Scripture and community (Coleman, 2010). The concept of “Disciple Making Movements” (DMM) emphasizes rapid and sustainable growth through strategic planting of churches that prioritize evangelism and disciple-making as intertwined processes. Various models exist, including the “Blue Ocean Strategy,” which seeks new, untapped contexts for evangelism outside traditional settings (Rainer & Rainer, 2014). These strategies underscore the importance of intentional planning, biblical fidelity, and cultural engagement.
Objective Strategy or Plan in Outline Form
To demonstrate evangelism through a biblical, strategic lens, an organized plan is crucial. The outline below reflects a biblically rooted, practical, and measurable approach to disciple-making across different ministry areas:
- Evangelism
- Prayer-driven outreach—seeking divine guidance (James 1:5)
- Training believers in personal testimony and sharing the gospel
- Developing relational evangelism programs within the community
- Utilizing media and technology to reach broader audiences
- Bible School Evangelism
- Integrating evangelistic themes into curriculum
- Hosting outreach events and community service projects
- Encouraging students to invite friends and family
- Providing evangelism training as part of student development
- Benevolence
- Offering compassionate aid with gospel presentation
- Building relationships through service opportunities
- Sharing testimonies during assistance programs
- Using benevolence as a platform for spiritual discussions
- The Encouragement Ministry
- Visiting and praying with individuals in need
- Providing biblical encouragement and hope
- Facilitating small groups focused on encouragement and accountability
- Incorporating evangelistic messages into encouragement activities
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Organizing youth outreach events emphasizing biblical values
- Mentoring families with practical discipleship
- Engaging youth and families through relevant social activities
- Training youth to become evangelists within their peer groups
Conclusion
The biblical foundation of evangelism, both in the OT and NT, provides a comprehensive blueprint for effective disciple-making and outreach. Research confirms that relational, contextual, and strategic approaches yield the most fruit, especially when aligned with biblical principles. Implementing an organized, objective strategy across various ministry areas ensures the sustainable growth of Christ’s kingdom, fulfilling God’s mission of salvation for all people. The outlined plan serves as a practical guide for churches and individual believers committed to the biblical mandate of evangelism and disciple-making.
References
- Coleman, R. (2010). The Master Plan of Evangelism. Regal Books.
- Gibbs, L. M. (2011). Relational Evangelism: Sharing Christ in a Changing Culture. InterVarsity Press.
- Rainer, T., & Rainer, L. (2014). The Book of Church Growth. B&H Publishing.
- Tucket, M. (2014). Cultural Strategies for Evangelism. Tyndale House Publishers.
- Stott, J. R. W. (2006). The Message of Evangelism. IVP Academic.
- Stiles, S. (2012). The Disciple-Making Pastor. B&H Publishing.
- Wagner, C. P. (2012). ChurchTransform: Reaching the Unchurched in the 21st Century. Regal.
- Yong, A. (2017). Evangelism in a Pluralistic Society. Baylor University Press.
- Hunter, G. (2013). The New Religious Landscape. Oxford University Press.
- Keener, C. S. (2009). The Gospel of Matthew. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.