7 Steps To Be An Effective “Soul Winner”
By Ps Kong Choke Kee
Jesus told His disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you Fishers of men” (Matt 4:19).
The implication is that IF we are really following Jesus, we will be fishing i.e. soul-winning. Jesus’ last words were, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”. The Christians in the New Testament went everywhere, preaching the Word.
How can we be Effective Witnesses for Him?
1. Ask for an ‘Evangelistic Burden’
One of our cell leaders, Timothy Wong shared that every time we gather for Saturday 6am to pray for salvation, we internalize the burden to save souls. That means we are making soul winning part of our nature.
We will see the world as Jesus sees it. He will lay upon our hearts a handful of people for whom we should earnestly pray for. For me, they are my brothers and sisters, close friends & colleagues.
An old song says “Lord, lay some souls upon my heart and love that soul through me; And may I humbly do my part to win that soul to Thee.”
2. Live a Consistent Christian life
Jesus said in Mat 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”.
We must live obedient lives of integrity and authentic faith. We must love when others hate, forgive when others harbour grudges, remain trusting when others panic, and be honest when all around us are cooking the books.
Not that we have to be perfect – only Christ was sinless. But we must have a growing, maturing Christian life that others recognize and respect.
Initially, my brothers & sisters do not understand why I decided to become a pastor. However, they began accepting my decision and sometimes even ask me for counsel, despite me being the youngest in the family of 12.
3. Build Bridges
When the Lord shows you those needing Christ, seek to build a relationship with them.
Remember how Jesus went to the home of Zacchaeus where many sinners had gathered?
While we must be careful not to place ourselves in an environment that will drag us down, we must be equally careful to cultivate friendships with those needing Christ. Build bridges! At wakes & funeral services, festivals, gatherings, business meetings etc.
It is my habit to deliberately connect with new comers & backslidden visitors to win them over to Christ. Today, I know 99% of the adult congregation in our church by name.
4. Learn the Gospel
Be trained to share the gospel e.g. EV2 training.
Memorize the outline & gospel verses e.g. Rom 3:23, Rom:6:23. Then, practise saying them in front a mirror or to another Christian until you are comfortable sharing them.
Keep a booklet in your car and handbags.
5. Watch for Openings
Watch for openings to share a Word for Christ.
Peter said in 1 Pet 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
Peter reminds us that the Christian faith will be frequently assaulted with false accusations. He, therefore, encourages us to have rational answers to respond to these false accusations with meekness, reverence and respect.
Meekness is not weakness. Moses & Christ Jesus were meek; however, they were certainly not weak!
Sometimes, you have to identify the ‘key influencers’. There is a ‘key influencer’ who helps me send e-flyers to more than 100 non-believers and back slidden believers every week inviting them to join us for our services.
Some people say I am very pushy. I have experienced people rejecting or ignoring me when I try to visit them. But I kept trying. Today, they hug me in church and welcome me in their homes!
Watch for openings to share a word for Christ!
6. Create Opportunities!
Often, we wait too long looking for just the right time to invite someone to church or to share the gospel with them.
There comes a point when we must prayerfully introduce the subject and do our best to impress our friends with their need for Christ. For e.g. telling them time may not be on their side; especially older ones.
7. Leave the results with God
It’s our responsibility to share the Gospel, but only God can convert the soul. Having done my best, I let Him do the rest.
If you ever feel you have botched the job, think of Edward Kimball.
He was determined to win his Sunday school class to Christ, especially a teenager named Dwight Moody who tended to fall asleep on Sundays.
His heart pounding, Kimball entered the store where the young man worked. “I put my hand on his shoulder, and as I leaned over I placed my foot upon a shoebox and asked him to come to Christ.”
It didn’t seem to go well. Kimball left thinking he had botched the job. Moody, however, left the store that day a new person and eventually became the most prominent evangelist in America during his generation.
Do our best & let God do the rest!