Evangelism: How to Do It Effectively

Why Isn’t Evangelism Bearing Fruit?

In today’s world, evangelism is everywhere—crusades, conferences, tent meetings, and viral videos. Yet the sobering reality is that 80% of converts fall away, becoming backsliders. Why?

Because the gospel is often presented as a solution to earthly problems: “Accept Christ and you’ll receive healing, prosperity, restored relationships, jobs, or visas.”
This kind of message centers on man’s desires rather than God’s holiness. It may produce quick results, but it doesn’t lead to genuine transformation.

The way we present the gospel shapes the response it receives.

Jesus Never Promised Comfort

Contrary to what some modern evangelists promise, Jesus never said that following Him would make life easy. In fact, He said the opposite:

“If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” — John 15:20
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

The early church didn’t chase luxury—they endured hardship with joy:

• Acts 14:22: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
• 1 Corinthians 4:11–13: The apostles faced hunger, homelessness, and insults.
• 2 Corinthians 11:24–27: Paul recounts beatings, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, and danger on all sides.
• Hebrews 10:34: Early Christians accepted the seizure of their property with joy.

Jesus promised a cross, not a cushion.

The Result of a Man-Centered Gospel: False Converts

When people come to Christ expecting material blessings, they’re not actually responding to the gospel. They’re responding to a sales pitch.

This leads to:

• Shallow commitments.
• No conviction of sin.
• No transformation.
• No fruit.

When trials come—and they always do—they become disillusioned, bitter, and eventually walk away.

Effective Evangelism Begins with the Sinner’s Mindset

Why doesn’t the good news make sense to many sinners? Because they don’t understand the bad news first.

“The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” — 1 Corinthians 1:18

They have no awareness of God’s standards, no sense of judgment, and no fear of eternal separation from Him.

“They are darkened in their understanding… because of the ignorance that is in them.” — Ephesians 4:18

Until the Law exposes their guilt, they will not feel the need for grace.

The Power of the Law in Evangelism

The Bible teaches that the Law of God is essential to awaken a sinner’s conscience. Before someone can see the beauty of the cross, they must first see their desperate need for it.

What Does the Law Do?

• Reveals guilt – Romans 3:19
• Gives knowledge of sin – Romans 3:20
• Exposes our deep depravity – Psalm 49:7
• Leads us to Christ – Galatians 3:24

The Law cannot save. But it prepares the heart to receive salvation.

You cannot offer a cure until someone sees the disease.

The Law Is Universal

Every human being has a conscience. As Romans 2:15 says, God’s Law is written on the heart of every person.

When we speak to a person’s conscience, they feel the weight of sin. When we aim only at their needs, we miss the mark.

“Conscience is the courtroom of the soul.”
Speak directly to the inner voice God has placed within every person.

The Law Convicts and Prepares the Heart

When a person is truly convicted by the Law:

• They mourn their sin.
• They realize they are helpless without God.
• They are ready to receive mercy.

That’s when grace becomes meaningful. That’s when salvation becomes personal.

The Problem: No Standard of Measurement

Most sinners don’t think they’re in danger. Why? Because they compare themselves to other people—not to God.

“You thought I was just like you.” — Psalm 50:21

They assume God’s standards are flexible like theirs. The Law gives them a ruler by which their sins can be measured and judged.

“Whoever keeps the whole law and stumbles at one point is guilty of all.” — James 2:10

The Ten Commandments: A Roadmap to Conviction

Want to help someone see their need for salvation? Walk them through God’s moral law.

Here’s how each commandment exposes our guilt:

1. No other gods – Have you truly loved God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
2. No idols – Have you made God into your own image to suit your lifestyle?
3. Don’t misuse God’s name – Have you ever used “God” carelessly?
4. Keep the Sabbath – Do you honor God with your time?
5. Honor your parents – Have you shown consistent respect to those who raised you?
6. Do not murder – Jesus said hatred is murder of the heart. (1 John 3:15)
7. No adultery – Jesus said lust is adultery of the heart. (Matthew 5:28)
8. Do not steal – Even something small counts. Have you been dishonest or greedy?
9. Do not lie – Ever twisted the truth, exaggerated, or deceived?
10. Do not covet – Are you content or always wanting more?

If you’ve broken just one, you’re guilty before a holy God. That’s the bad news.

And that’s what makes the good news—that Jesus bore our punishment—so powerful.

Back to Biblical Evangelism

If we truly care about the eternal souls of those around us, we must abandon the man-centered message. Instead, we must return to the biblical model:

1. Use the Law to awaken the conscience.
2. Let the Holy Spirit convict the heart.
3. Offer grace through Jesus Christ alone.
4. Call for repentance, not just a quick prayer.
5. Disciple the converted into mature, fruit-bearing believers.

Final Word

True evangelism is not about impressive numbers or emotional responses. It’s about truth, love, and obedience.

We must preach a gospel that:

• Honors God’s holiness,
• Exposes man’s sin,
• Offers Christ as Savior,
• And prepares believers to suffer for His name.

Let’s stop selling Jesus as a product. Let’s start presenting Him as Lord.