AN OVERVIEW OF WITNESSING

Witnessing is a process that takes many different external forms. However, there is a common basic pattern behind all the varied external forms. The basic pattern includes:

Preparation. Develop a sufficient spiritual life to produce and sustain your witness. Long-term witnessing is sustained by those who transition from being a believer to being a disciple. Disciples are rooted in (know and live in) the Word, John 8:31-32. Basic Disciplemaking 1 can help in understanding the Word ... and Disciplemaking 2 in learning how to witness.

Prayer. There are many things to pray about before, during, and after witnessing. Pray for yourself ... and for your witnessing partner and co-laborers. Pray specifically for those who need Christ. Pray for boldness ... and for open doors.

Partnership. Co-laboring with committed, like-minded believers is very important. Recruit a witnessing partner or team.

Planning. Paul wrote, "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" Colossians 4:5. Jesus said, "Be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves" Matthew 10:16. Use your head ... think ... plan ... review ... strategize.

Penetration. There is no impact without contact. You must make meaningful contact with people if you are going to witness to them. You are the Gospel in flesh and blood. You must penetrate the world around you so that you can tell people about Jesus. Engage people with your life and words.

Practice. Put what you learn in Disciplemaking 2 into practice. Prove yourself to be a doer of the Word and not merely a hearer, James 1:22-25. Study this course ... applying it as you learn.

Presentation. Presenting the Gospel (including the invitation to receive Christ) is only the tip of the iceberg ... but it is critically important. We have been given the ministry and word of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Paul said, "How shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?" Romans 10:14. Give the Gospel to lost people ... and invite them to receive Christ as their savior.

Perseverance. Effective witnessing is exciting and joyful ... but it is also hard work. It is the result of God's work through you as you persevere. Witnessing takes effort ... continued effort. It requires perseverance, Luke 8:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:58.

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Disciplemaking 2, copyright 2003, is available free from www.MyDisciplemaker.org where you can study online or print free copies. You may copy this course, any any part of it, for free or at-cost distribution ... without change to the content ... and with this copyright policy attached. Published by www.ActsOneEight.org.