How Chicken Evangelism Works

How chicken evangelism works may be different every time. What it means is share Christ before you chicken out. Here’s one experience.

I dropped my mouse. (Not a pet mouse, you know, but the computer kind.) Anyway, my mouse broke and I needed a new one.

Radio Shack summoned. While there I bought a replacement, paid for it, and walked toward the door. The clerk who helped me choose the new Logitech mouse was sitting at his desk near the door.

“Have a nice day,” he volunteered as I neared the exit.

“Thanks, you too. And thanks for helping me with the mouse.”

“No problem.”

Then it gently hit me. I don’t exactly know what hit me, but without thinking, I asked his name.

“Lucas*.” He returned.

“Oh, that’s a Bible name. Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?”

“No. I have not.” He spoke with a definite tone giving me the impression he had considered the matter and decided against it. Nevertheless, he continued matter-of-factly, “I was raised a Lutheran, went to a Lutheran school. I had too many questions they couldn’t answer.”

“I too was raised a Lutheran,” I said quietly. “ I learned a few things.” At the mention of a “few things,” he gave a faint smile. I didn’t feel it necessary to tell him I am a graduate of Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul and own a Master’s Degree from that institution.

“I’ll be leaving in less than a minute, but I have something meaningful to pass on before I go.” Lucas looked interested.

“Jesus Christ died for our sins — I probably have more of those than you. He died for our sins, and He rose again from the dead. He is offering a free gift. We can receive Him and His free gift of salvation like a child receives a gift from his father. “

“Would you be willing to receive the gift in child-like faith?’ I was moved as I asked. I sensed an anointing. God was letting me see how chicken evangelism works.

I was a little surprised when he responded, “Yes, I would.” Only 30 seconds earlier his defenses were up. Now, after hearing the gospel, his defenses were non-existent. The gospel has it’s own power!

“Ask Jesus Christ into your life like a little child. When He comes inside, He works from the inside out.”

“I will,” he repeated and gave another faint smile.

“I hope to see you again, Lucas*. If I do, I’ll ask what happened and how’s it going. Bye for now.”

Just think. If Lucas* does just what he said he’d do, his name will be indelibly engraved in heaven, and his sin will be forgiven. Jesus will come inside and guide him. Eternity and earth will both be different.

Some people think it can’t happen like this. But I know it can and does. Read some stories. Furthermore, I didn’t change right away after I received Christ. I was still a case to make heaven and earth fall to their knees and weep. (Oh, my poor mother and brother and sister!)

The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith. If there is anything I’ve learned, it’s this. Make the gospel clear.

If you have a story of how chicken evangelism works, post it in the comment box. If I can lead someone to Christ, so can you. Just ask, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” And for God’s sake, give ‘em the gospel!

Chicken Evangelism–Bring Up Christ before You Chicken Out

Today we made a man cry. Not in sorrow, not in joy, but because God moved on his heart.

My wife and I were Christmas shopping at the mall in Iowa City. (Yes, I know it’s January, but Kari is a great bargain hunter. We were buying presents – pajamas for the whole family — for next Christmas while they’re on sale now. While checking out at the counter, we fell into conversation with the young man who seemed to be the store manager.

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Jason*, but I have a nickname too.”

“OK, what’s your nickname?”

“They’ve called me ‘Ironman’ for the past 6 years. I dress up as Ironman and do fundraisers. My favorite fundraiser is ‘Save the Children.’”

“Like pro-life?” my wife asked.

“Yup, that’s my favorite.”

“You sound like you’re a believer. Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” I asked.

“Yes, I did. But I’ll be honest with you. I’ve given up on Him.”

“Oh, how’s that? Tell us more.”

“Too many bad things happened. The last time I prayed, my grandmother died. I didn’t want to pray anymore, cuz I didn’t want any more people to die.”

“I really appreciate your honesty. I can tell you’ve really been tested.”

“Yeah.”

We talked on a bit more as he was folding our pajamas. After listening, I wanted to give him hope and encouragement.

“Are you reading your Bible?”

“No, I don’t read it at all right now. I just can’t. I want to get back. I’m trying. I’m doing everything in my power to get back, but I just can’t do it right now.”

After listening for awhile, I wanted to encourage him.

“Here’s what helps me. Reading the Bible, going to church, and getting filled with the Holy Spirit including talking in tongues.”

Kari interjected, “We know a really good pastor here in town. He’s Brad Sherman and the church is called Solid Rock Church.”

“After we go, my wife and I will pray for you,” I said as we picked up our purchases and nodded toward the door.
At this the man started wiping his face. His tears flowed freely and His voice was cracking.

“You are the second people who have made me cry today,” he said. He stopped everything and was unashamedly pouring out his soul to us, total strangers moments before, but now heart-felt confidants.

“Thank you so much for talking with me,” he said as he stuck out his hand for us to grasp.

We left. Shortly outside the store, we stopped in the mall corridor and prayed for this tender-hearted man. With such a gentle spirit, we suspect he’s called into ministry.

I’m so glad for Chicken Evangelism. Chicken Evangelism simply means to share Christ before you chicken out. We continually marvel at how open people are. People want to talk about their faith.

Chicken Evangelism — It’s the call to adventure!

Have you got a personal evangelism story? Share it in the contact box. Thanks.

Here’s an example of Chicken Evangelism. Brian Dobony tells the story of how he went to the grocery store for food. The carryout worker ends up taking the Bread of Life.

Way to go, Brian!

Some people — more than we know — are prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive Christ as Savior. Jesus brought many into the kingdom on His first encounter with them. Let’s take faith and do what Jesus did. A revival of personal evangelism is already going on!

Chicken Evangelism (Not actual photo of James)

James’ story is not unique; rather, it’s  typical. His story ilustrates how chicken evangelism works. It shows the power of the seed of God planted within man’s spirit, even if he’s rebellious. It also shows the power of prayer and the love of God toward us all.

I met James only one time and that was for a few precious minutes together. We met at the Muscatine Mall at Christmas time in 2010.

My wife was wrapping presents at a store in the mall. While waiting for her to finish her shift, I sat down in an empty chair beside another waiting man.

I introduced myself and began a conversation with James. He was in his twenties and dressed in sweat clothes, if I remember correctly. We talked about sports to pass the time.

Since I’m passionate about Christ, I asked him without much delay, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” (I knew I needed ask within the first minutes of conversation; if I delayed, I would “chicken out.”)

James responded to my “chicken evangelism” question rather dejectedly, “No, I haven’t. But my wife has.” (Did he think his wife’s Christianity would rescue him?)

“That’s good for her,” I returned, “and I have some really good news for you too. Jesus Christ loves you. He died for your sins … and He rose again from the dead! He has a free gift for you that’s called ‘Salvation!’ It’s not because we are good or bad — it’s just a free gift.

James listened quietly and didn’t say much.  I asked, “Does this make sense to you?”

“Yes,” he said after pondering a moment.

“Do you understand what I’m saying about salvation?  That it’s a free gift because Jesus paid the price for our sins?”

Again, “Yes.”

The conversation flowed naturally; nothing dramatic, but very real. My new acquaintance was sitting right beside me; just two guys talking in the mall.

I continued, “Since this makes sense to you, is there any reason why you would not want to accept Christ Jesus into your life right now?” It was all very matter-of-fact. After prompting, James bowed his head and prayed. I didn’t hear his words, but after a while he lifted his head and announced, “I did it!”

He seemed happier than he was a few minutes before, but nothing very emotional. As we talked, he explained that his wife attended an Assembly of God church. I strongly encouraged him to go with her to church.

I have never seen James since that life-changing moment at the mall, but I’ve never forgotten him. Neither has God.

Chicken Evangelism — James’ Story Sequel

Recently, I said hello to a woman I recognized at the HyVee Restaurant. She introduced me to her daughter who was with her. The daughter turned out to be James’ wife! They enthusiastically started telling me about James. He has become a genuine disciple of the Lord Jesus, attending church every week. He is faithful as a husband and father, serving God whole-heartedly. They explained he had enrolled in a “Road to Emmaus” course which had been instrumental in bringing him along in his walk with Jesus.

His wife literally beamed as she reported her husband’s commitment and said, “James has never forgotten you!”

Have you tried bringing up Christ with a stranger … before you chicken out? How wonderful is Chicken Evangelism! James’ story verifies that we are “born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable . . .” (I Peter 1:23). You can reach people for Christ through chicken evangelism. It starts with love. The reward is LIFE for all who believe! We can do it because the seed of Christ is in us!

When you lead someone to salvation through Christ, tell your story in the comment box or by contacting me directly. I’d like to hear from you. Your story will encourage others. Let’s get this revival going!

Chicken Evangelism News

Four items squeezed into a five-day period gave me some encouraging Chicken Evangelism news. (Chicken Evangelism means to share Christ early, before you chicken out.)

First, I led a twelve-year-old girl to assurance of her salvation.

Her mother sent her inside the church building to pick up something the family needed. (We had talked with the family on the telephone, but had never met them in person.) The girl and I chatted briefly until I asked her, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” She said she wasn’t sure, but didn’t think so.

I took some time to present her with the good news of the gospel. Upon hearing, she readily bowed her head to pray and receive her Savior.

But what about follow-up?

People sometimes ask what I do about follow up with someone who receives Christ. That question leads me to the second encouraging Chicken Evangelism news event in this five-day period.

About a year ago a man named Antemeo came to our farm to buy a lamb. During his visit I led him to receive Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Since he lived miles away, I never saw him again and my only follow up was some brief prayers.

But now, Antemeo was in our driveway again, seeking to buy another lamb. I was excited to see him and asked several questions. “Are you following the Lord Jesus now?” Antemeo smiled and twisted his hand back and forth to indicate “yes and no.” “Are you attending church now,” I continued. Again, his answer was “sometimes.”

I was elated. Here was a man who when I first met him was not following God at all. Now he was “sometimes” following Him. A year ago, he never attended church. Now he sometimes attended church!

Next question: “Do you have a Bible?” He replied, “Yes.” And are you reading it?” Again, “Sometimes” was his reply.

I am so encouraged by this. Some may think this is terrible, that he is merely a lukewarm Christian and that he needs to make a full life change. I agree he needs to make a full life change.

But look! When I received Christ Jesus into my life as a teenager, my life didn’t change dramatically. In fact, at that time, my life didn’t change at all. I was still as ornery as ever. But Christ came inside me. The Savior had entered my life! His power didn’t show outwardly until many months, even years later.

It can be the same for Antemeo or for anyone else who receives Christ as Savior.

The third piece of encouraging Chicken Evangelism news

A man in our church named Brian happily reported he had led a fellow to salvation on their first encounter. Brian went to Fareway Foods for groceries. After Brian paid, the “carry-out boy” pushed Brian’s cart out to his car. Brian had never met this high school aged boy before. Brian practiced Chicken Evangelism. In genuine Christian love, he gave the man the good news of the gospel and asked if he were ready to receive Christ as Savior. God had prepared the young man’s heart. He readily prayed by the car to receive the salvation that Jesus had paid such a great price to offer. Praise God!

Here’s the fourth piece of good Chicken Evangelism news, all within five days.

We have a wonderful pastor in our town named Todd. He and I had earlier discussed personal evangelism and I had shared how God was using me to bring up Christ with strangers before I chickened out.

Now Pastor Todd was calling me on the phone to let me know he had just led a man to salvation. During Todd’s conversation with this man, Todd thought, “Why not?” and popped a God question. It turned out the man was not a believer in Christ, but the Lord had prepared his heart. Todd led him to a sincere faith in Christ!

This made me so happy because I know that as pastors practice personal evangelism and lead folks to salvation, parishioners will follow.

It’s fun to lead prepared people to Christ. Everyone can do it. These Chicken Evangelism news reports show that. If you have a story of how you have led someone to eternal salvation, please pass it on to me on the contact page. Thanks.

Just remember–share Christ before you chicken out.