THE GREATEST OBSTACLES TO SOUL WINNING

By Evangelist Joshua Katai 

What is Evangelism?

 Evangelism is not door knocking. It is not "Shoving religion" down someone's throat.  It is not "selling" religion. Biblical evangelism is a process, a loving process, a caring process.  It is the process of bringing a lost person into a saved relationship with Jesus Christ by the proclamation of the Gospel message (Romans 1:16). In evangelism, we are "taking every thought of unbelievers captive to obedience to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is accomplished by means of the message of the Gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18-24).

 Obstacles to Evangelism

Question:  Why do many Christians not share their faith with people?  What are your reasons?  
 Let's look at some common obstacles to many people.  Our enemy, the devil, wants every one of us to be hindered by these hurdles.  By identifying the hurdles and being honest with ourselves, we can be better servants of God and more effective in our evangelism.

  Fear F.E.A.R = False Evidence Appearing Real.

(Numbers 13:25-33). Do we sometimes make things worse than they really are?  Did you react badly when someone shared his faith with you? Question: why are some people afraid to talk to their friends or family about Jesus? Fear of rejection is the primary reason.  Let's look at some passages that deal with fear. (Matthew 10:28-32, Acts 18:9-10 ,2 Timothy 1:7-8)

Share the Gospel without FEAR

Improper Training

Evangelists and elders are supposed to equip and train the members "how to" do evangelism (Ephesians 4:11-16). God expects the body to grow and the responsibility to equip the saints for this central ministry rests upon the leaders (2 Timothy 2:2). lessons like this help equip members.  The most effective and practical way, however, is to do evangelism with someone who is comfortable with it and good at it. You learn by doing.

               

                           Soul Winning Training

 

                    

 Misunderstanding

Many people have a false conception of what evangelism really is. They view evangelism as door knocking, door-to-door sales, manipulation, or some other act that is unkind and unnatural. Question: Did Jesus do evangelism?  Was he manipulative, unkind, or a high-pressure salesman?  He was the most loving person who ever walked on this planet!  His mission was to do evangelism and to teach others how to do it properly (Luke 19:10). Proper evangelism is a caring way to share your faith with those you love.

Have the right understanding 

  Lack of Love
God's love motivated Him to do something to save people from their sin (John 3:16). How can we sit quietly by and watch our parents, friends, family, and others we are supposed to love go to hell without saying anything? Paul said that the love of Christ controlled him (2 Corinthians 5:14). Paul felt under obligation because of his love for God and for people (Romans 1:14-16).  If we love God and love people, we will not be able to be silent (Acts 4:18-20)!

Share the Gospel with LOVE

  Poor People Skills

Abrasive attitudes or poor people skills can make you ineffective in evangelism and make you not want to share your faith.  It is the loving Christian's responsibility to improve his or her people skills in order to be effective with lost souls. Luke 2:52 Jesus grew in favor with man. In other words, he increased his people skills. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Paul "Became all things to all people." This does not mean that he "compromised" his beliefs or principles.  It does mean, however, that he adapted his personality and mannerisms to gain credibility with those whom he was trying to teach. In order to be effective, you must constantly improve your people skills. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 quarreling, arguing, and condemning are not useful when trying to reach someone for Christ.  Several points need to be recognized from this passage; you are the Lord's bondservant. You are NOT to be quarrelsome and argumentative. „ You are not trying to win the argument; you are trying to win a soul. Arguing or poor people skills can cause a person to remain trapped in the devil's trap. You are trying to gently release a person so he can repent, come to his senses, and serve God.  Never back a person into a corner.

The Key is to improve Your people skills

Disobedience

Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to preach the Good News to the lost. The followers of Jesus understood it to be a matter of "obedience" to preach. Acts 4:20 Acts 5:28-29, 41-42 We are disobedient when we do not share our faith, and disobedience is sin. Sharing the word of Christ with others is just as much an individual command for Christians as loving one another, taking the Lord's Supper, and being baptized.  You cannot eliminate it or delegate your responsibility to someone else.

 

Obedience Brings fulfillment

      
     


      Lifestyle

Habits and questionable lifestyles in Christians can hinder people's respect for us, and therefore keep our message from leaving a proper impression that can save that person. 1 Peter 3:15-17; 4:15-16 Colossians 4:5,6 1 Timothy 4:16 Matthew 5:12-14, 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 Watch your life! It is not healthy to place a stumbling block in someone's way and keep him from learning about God because of your life (Matthew 18:6-7).

 

Make Soul Winning a Lifestyle

             
      




       Evangelism is Not My Job
      In Acts 8:4, every member in the Jerusalem church thought it was his job. The apostles and elders stayed in Jerusalem.  Every member preached everywhere he went. This is an approved Biblical example, and the following are inferences and direct commands: Acts 4:20; 5:19 Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20 It is your job as a Christian to share your faith, and that's evangelism.  How can you say it's not your job to love people?  The greatest expression of love is to share the message of eternal life! The rich man in torments sure wished he could be evangelistic to his 5 brothers (Luke 16:27-28).

Soul Winning is Every believers responsibility

  No Contact with the World

Jesus was a friend of sinners (Matthew 9:10,13; 11:19). The Pharisees and apostles (at first) criticized Jesus for associating with sinners, the demon possessed, sinful women and little children. Jesus came to save sinners. Salt is useless as long as it stays in the shaker (Matthew 5:12-14). We must mingle and make friends with sinners if we are ever to save them. Learn how to be a friend of sinners. That's being Christ like! Learn practical ways to make good friends outside the church so you can bring those friends to Jesus.

 

Always take the Gospel to the Lost

 Poor Bible Knowledge

 We are commanded to be able to know our Bibles and be equipped to share our faith (1 Peter 3:15,18). Not all of us grow at the same pace, but we all are expected to grow to be able to teach people the saving message (Hebrews 5:12-14). Attend all classes, study daily, ask questions, and take the initiative to be equipped to fulfill your ministry.

Study to show yourself approved

 Not Enough Time

This is an excuse rather than a reason.  It is an excuse also caused by having a misunderstanding of what Biblical evangelism is.  It is "lifestyle" evangelism.  If you buy groceries, gas, clothes, or other products then you have time for evangelism.  If you golf, fish, sew, shop, or play, then you have time for evangelism.  Don't make evangelism a scheduled event; it must become a natural part of your daily life if it is to be effective. Share your faith as you go. Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians 4:5-6 Paul shared his faith on a ship, in a jail, in a crowd, one on one, and in a school. He shared everywhere he went.  People talk about what is important to them. How important is Jesus in your life? There may be several hurdles to evangelism. None is really an acceptable excuse.  What is your reason for not being effective in evangelism and what are you going to do to solve that?

 

  Make time for the Gospel

 





Church Problems

Sin in the church is no little thing. It can cause Christians and non Christians to be lost (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). It is every member's responsibility to make the church a great place for Christians to assemble as well as a wonderful place for non-Christians to visit and feel loved and welcome. Every church May have problems but those problems should not hinder you to win souls for the Lord. You should rise above every problem of the church so that you can do evangelism effectively. As you go out for evangelism people will ask questions about your church that can put you off and make you feel like your evangelism is worthless, but you must stand your ground and defend the gospel as well as your church.

 

Overcome every church problem

Jesus is Lord - Blessings!