7 Mistakes to Avoid when Evangelizing

Recently, two believers were talking about their congregation sacred mission. One, an elderly woman, was very proud to remind the other one, a young man, for how long she's been a Christian. She was very mad at youngters who are trying to be involved in church leadership position. But, when it comes to her attitude toward lost sinners with regard to the great commission, she admitted that she's never been a soul winner.

From a spiritual perspective, our age disparity in the ministry would be irrelevant when it comes to our mission as Christ witnesses, for the difference lies merely in our commitment to reach the unreached, as well as how we approach non-believers. Here are seven (7) missteps to avoid when evangelizing:

Never use the word "Pagan" to identify a non-believer

The word "Pagan" may refer to "a follower of a polytheistic religion, an irreligious or hedonistic person." If you do not want to be perceived as judgmental, use the word "brother" or "sister" when referring to your interlocutor.

Never say to your neighbor "refuse the truth or you'll rot in Hell"

You should never pretend that you're saved once and for all, and, at the same time, affirm that your interlocutor would be a dead working person. Remember, only God knows the saved and unsaved. Your mission is to spread the grace of Jesus as a testimony even though the world would choose to play deaf and reject the truth.

Avoid arguments about religious doctrine

Arguments between believers and non-believers about religious doctrine are fruitless. Second Timothy 2:24 instructs us to "avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they give birth to strife's. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all, able to teach, and patient..." Instead of referring to one's religious doctrine as false, let the truth speaks for itself, while asking the Holy Ghost to help you in this matter.

Do not ask for favors; you should refuse them if offered

Christian are ambassadors for Jesus. Everyone must see Christ through you. Therefore, you should act biblically. It is inappropriate to receive gifts from a person to whom you are presenting the Gospel. "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent." (Exodus 23.8, NIV)

Never go out alone for Bible study

Christians should never go out alone for Bible study. They must follow Jesus' footsteps in this matter. "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go." (Luke 10:1)

Avoid dating your Bible student

Taking your Bible student on a date is inappropriate. Bible study should not be a means to an end, but a response to your calling in Christ, which consists of "making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Do not promise anything in return for conversion

Christians should not make promises to new converts. Instead, they must share God's promises with them such as forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), eternal life (John 10: 27,28), and promises to supply every need they have. (Philippians 4:19)