Chicken Evangelism–Bring Up Christ before You Chicken Out

There’s Something Strange Going on with Personal Evangelism These Days

While speaking at a minister’s conference I asked for a show of hands. “How many of us have led someone to Christ Jesus through personal evangelism (not in a church altar call) in the past two or three months? Only five percent or less of the hands went up.

I recently googled “personal evangelism” and perused the top ten sites. Each had excellent training and content. What struck me as strange, however, was this: Not a single one of the top ten sites had a story of personal evangelism.

I repeat. The sites were fabulous. Great training, great instruction, great organization, and some great sermons. But no stories. No examples, just telling other people how to do it. Now perhaps the owners of the sites actually are leading people to Christ through their own personal evangelism. I hope so, but it doesn’t show up on their sites.

(I do know that Chris Walker of Evangelismcoach.com — his site is number two on Google for personal evangelism — does practice what he preaches. Chris Walker is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is the principal writer for Evangelism Coach. In online conversation with Chris, he related personal experiences where he won souls to the Savior.)

Do I Have It Wrong About Personal Evangelism?

Maybe I have it all wrong. It seems to me that leaders of evangelistic sites ought to be showing the way by stories of how God has used them in personal evangelism. Please don’t just tell the rest of us how to do it; show us the way. Here’s my invitation. “Tell us about the people you have led to salvation in out-of-the-pulpit-experiences. (That sounds like out-of-the-body experiences. Maybe all of us need to get “carried away,” or at least experience some kind of a down-to-earth “trance” where we share our faith with an unbeliever at work or on the street!)

We preachers somehow want to win souls from the pulpit, yet put short priority on winning people one by one. Most of the people in our churches will never preach from the pulpit nor lead a vast crusade. We leaders need to model personal evangelism in such a way that our people will see how it’s done.

What we prioritize, our people will too.

Personally, God’s making some progress with me in this matter. I’ve been able to lead some people to Christ, even the first time we’ve met. I call it “Chicken Evangelism” and it’s a lot of fun. You can do it too. If you wish, invite my wife and me to your church or group and we’ll show you how.

Do You Have a Personal Evangelism Story to Tell?

Since you’re at this site, chances are you’re a leader. Do you have a personal evangelism story to tell? If you do, it will encourage other believers. Please pass on your story by writing it in the comment box or contacting us on this site. Take your time and make it as short or long as you wish.

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