PERSONAL EVANGELISM: ONE-ON-ONE WITNESSING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 4:29
"Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?"
Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 8:30-35, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Peter 3:15
INTRODUCTION:
Evangelism is the heartbeat of God, and every believer is called to be a witness for Christ. While corporate evangelism, such as crusades and church outreaches, is powerful, personal evangelism—one-on-one witnessing—is one of the most effective ways to lead souls to Christ.
One-on-one witnessing allows for direct engagement, personal connection, and addressing individual concerns. Jesus demonstrated this with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Through a personal encounter, she believed in Him and became a witness to others.
In this study, we will explore the importance, methods, and biblical principles of personal evangelism, as well as how we can effectively share our faith with others.
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE-ON-ONE WITNESSING
Personal evangelism is a direct approach to soul-winning.
a) It follows the example of Jesus (John 4:7-26)
Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman in a personal conversation.
b) It allows for deeper conversations and addressing doubts (Acts 8:30-35)
Philip explained the Scriptures to the Ethiopian eunuch.
c) It reaches people who may never come to church (Luke 19:5-10)
Jesus reached Zacchaeus outside a synagogue setting.
d) It helps in mentoring and discipling new believers (2 Timothy 2:2)
We can guide new converts personally.
e) Biblical Example: Andrew Leading Peter to Christ (John 1:40-42)
Andrew first found his brother Peter and brought him to Jesus.
2. QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE PERSONAL EVANGELIST
To be effective in one-on-one witnessing, certain qualities are necessary.
a) A heart full of love for souls (Romans 9:1-3)
Paul had great compassion for lost souls.
b) A solid knowledge of the Word (2 Timothy 2:15)
A personal evangelist must rightly divide the Scriptures.
c) A lifestyle that reflects Christ (Matthew 5:16)
Our lives should be a testimony of God’s grace.
d) Patience and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:14)
The Lord opened Lydia’s heart through Paul’s message.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Boldness in Witnessing to King Agrippa (Acts 26:27-29)
Paul shared the gospel with wisdom and boldness.
3. METHODS OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM
There are different approaches to one-on-one witnessing.
a) Using personal testimony (Revelation 12:11)
Sharing what God has done in your life can impact others.
b) Explaining the gospel through Scripture (Romans 10:17)
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
c) Asking thought-provoking questions (Matthew 16:15-16)
Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” to engage His disciples.
d) Leading a person in the sinner’s prayer (Romans 10:9-10)
Helping them confess faith in Christ is essential.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus Teaching Nicodemus About Salvation (John 3:1-7)
Jesus patiently explained the concept of being born again.
4. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES IN PERSONAL EVANGELISM
Certain challenges may arise when witnessing to individuals.
a) Fear and timidity (2 Timothy 1:7)
God has given us a spirit of boldness, not fear.
b) Rejection or resistance (Matthew 10:14)
If people refuse, move on and pray for them.
c) Lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)
Studying the Bible prepares us to answer questions.
d) Time constraints (Ephesians 5:16)
We must make time to share the gospel.
e) Biblical Example: Moses Overcoming His Fear of Speaking (Exodus 4:10-12)
God assured Moses that He would put words in his mouth.
5. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PERSONAL EVANGELISM
Without the Holy Spirit, evangelism is ineffective.
a) The Holy Spirit convicts sinners (John 16:8-11)
Only God can change hearts.
b) He gives us the right words to speak (Luke 12:12)
The Spirit teaches us what to say.
c) He opens doors for evangelism (Acts 16:6-10)
Paul was led by the Spirit to Macedonia.
d) He empowers believers for boldness (Acts 4:31)
The disciples spoke with great boldness after prayer.
e) Biblical Example: Philip Led by the Spirit to Witness to the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
The Spirit directed him to the right person at the right time.
CONCLUSION:
Personal evangelism is a divine assignment that every believer must embrace. One-on-one witnessing is a powerful tool for winning souls, as it allows for personal engagement and addressing individual concerns. Jesus, the apostles, and early Christians used this method effectively.
As believers, we must be intentional about sharing the gospel with those around us. With love, knowledge of the Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can become effective soul-winners and fulfil the Great Commission.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a passion for soul-winning and personal evangelism.
2. Holy Spirit, empower me with boldness to witness for Christ.
3. Father, give me wisdom and the right words to share the gospel effectively.
4. Lord, open doors for divine appointments with those who need salvation.
5. Every spirit of fear and timidity in my life, be destroyed in Jesus' name.
