Like Jesus’ original followers, believers today are sent into the world to be his witnesses (see Luke 24:48; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). I pray that The Salvation Army will never lose or abandon a sense of urgency in living its mission. Let’s always speak to people about Jesus, the joy of our salvation and the peace that comes from knowing him personally. While evangelism takes many forms and is an integral part of who we are and vital in every season, the summer months afford us wonderful opportunities for sharing our faith.

Jesus’ ministry was primarily outward facing. He didn’t confine himself to the indoors but engaged people wherever he encountered them—in the marketplace, along the road, on hillsides and at the well.

Outward facing is a fitting way to describe intentional ministry outside of our buildings. Summer is a season when we seek to reach the communities we serve through creative activities, such as outdoor church services, sporting activities, barbecues and day camps, to name just a few. Local mission teams are trained and commissioned for such ministry, which might include prayer walks, community gardens, musical expressions and sponsored festivals. The list grows and grows.

The more relaxed approach of outward-facing ministry encourages relationship building and conversations that can lead to presenting Jesus and reaching the lost. The mission never changes, but our method must be pliable and flexible. Jesus talked with people about spiritual matters in familiar places. He did not need a special environment or control over the circumstances to discuss things of eternal significance.

Early in my ministry, I was introduced to a simple yet effective three-step approach to evangelism. It was referred to as the “three Cs”: contact, common ground, Christ presented. The three Cs can occur over a short or long period of time as relationships are established.

Contact is the starting point. Rather than waiting for people to come to us, evangelism and outreach invites us to be courageous and bold and to move into our communities and neighbourhoods. From parks to coffee shops, we can make acquaintances and build relationships. The outdoors offers a relaxed setting in which to engage the community.

Common ground refers to establishing a conversation of interest, a relationship. When we establish common ground, we build relationships with people and begin the journey of being an important influence in their life. Jesus was a friend to all and sought opportunities to connect with people and to influence them (see Matthew 9:9-13). Like Jesus, we must build relationships with people who are not Christians to reach them with the gospel.

Christ presented points to sharing your testimony by simply telling the story of what Christ has done in your life. It doesn’t have to be long; in fact, three minutes is just about the right length for any situation. As you tell your story, you could start by dividing it into three parts: your life before you received Christ, how you came to Christ and how Christ is changing your life. 

The great joy of knowing Jesus is sharing Jesus. Let us be intentional about presenting the gospel. One excellent way is the Romans Road approach, easily memorized from Scripture:

• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”—Romans 3:23
• “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8
• “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 6:23
• “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”—Romans 8:1
• “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”—Romans 10:9
• “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”—Romans 10:10
• “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”—Romans 10:13

Lord, help us all to be outward facing, bold and courageous in sharing our faith. As a missional movement, help us not to shy away from community engagement and evangelism. Bless our Army, an outward-facing movement, as we seek the lost and share the love of Christ.

For many other resources to help you share your faith, visit salvationist.ca/corps-mission-evangelism.

COMMISSIONER LEE GRAVES is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

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