The Six Styles of Evangelism (With a Test)
6 Styles of Evangelism: The six styles are: Direct, Intellectual, Testimonial, Relational, Invitational, and Service. Every single person has God-given gifts and abilities that fall into one or more of these six approaches.
The Direct Approach:
This approach is what we see in Acts 2 where Peter addresses the crowd on Pentecost. He boldly proclaims the Gospel to those who are present. It is very direct. Those who have this gift get straight to the point. They preach Christ and they seek a response. The issue isn’t forced but the person with this approach directs the conversation to a discussion on faith.
The Intellectual Approach:
The biblical person who best exemplifies this approach is Paul. In Acts 17 Paul reasoned with philosophers and deep thinkers in Athens. Today this is practiced by apologists and other logical thinkers. The intellectual evangelist is challenged to have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Gospel. Intellectual roadblocks can be a significant barrier to belief. These roadblocks can include questions and objections that cause doubts about the veracity of Christianity. However, this approach is becoming more important in today’s world.
The Testimonial Approach:
The most effective way to describe this approach is with one word: Storytelling. Storytelling has been an effective method of teaching since the beginning of humanity. This approach uses a very natural, conversational way to evangelize. It is sharing our story. Sharing personal stories of one’s own walk with Christ often carries unique weight. They often do things that facts alone cannot provide. One of the best Biblical examples is the story of the blind man in John 9 healed by Jesus. When he was asked who healed him, he replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind, but now I see.”
The Relational Approach:
This approach is exactly as the name describes. Some people’s evangelistic abilities come from the natural ability to relate to people. This person loves being with others, and it is a wonderful way to share Christ. The story of the calling of Matthew in Luke 5:27-29 is a great biblical example of this approach. Jesus sees Levi in his tax collecting booth and calls him saying, “Follow me.” Levi (Matthew) follows him and invites a number of guests to his house for dinner that night with Jesus. This approach places a high value on building relationships. It requires a commitment of time because relationships take time and energy to build trust.
The Invitational Approach: (The Disciple Andrew in the Gospels) Woman at the Well in John 4.
This approach is similar to the Relational approach. However, it is characterized predominantly by inviting people to church events such as services, retreats, bible studies, and other faith based activities. It is definitely one of the most natural and easiest ways new believers can reach out to others. It is particularly helpful to those who feel they don’t have the right words.
The Service Approach: Dorcas Tabitha in Acts 9.
This is another way to share our faith with people. If you are a person who naturally notices the needs of others, this might be the perfect way to share your faith. A person who prefers this approach enjoys sharing the love of Christ through deed over word. They find this approach to be easy because it is the way God made them. Actually service evangelism is at the heart of the Christian faith. Most of us have been made by God with gifts and talents that call us to be kind to others and assist those in need. At the same time, a service evangelist knows that it is not by our good deeds but by God’s grace that we are truly saved.
You can download and take the following test to see what style of evangelist you are: