There is a tendency to be reluctant to approach someone and try to convince them that they should accept Christ. The approach could cause a defensive, negative reaction and actually accomplish the opposite of what is intended.
The book, Inside the Revolution by Joel Rosenberg, reveals an interesting perspective on evangelism, by describing the way many people around the world are encountering and accepting Christ. The process generally follows that the individuals read or hear about Jesus Christ through billboards, pamphlets, television, web sites, or by just observing Christian missionaries who bring aid. They see and feel the love and concern Christians demonstrate for others. They feel the touch of the Holy Spirit within them in many different ways, then seek out someone to learn more about being a Christian.
God works through many means to introduce Himself to people. It is very liberating that it is not so much our role to convince people that they should decide to believe – God will do that. What we need to be ready to do is to respond to their desire to know more when God speaks to them. This is our opportunity to witness and share scripture and describe what our belief in Christ means to us.
Our study and preparation for evangelism then should not be so much in how to approach others. Instead, we need to focus on knowing those pieces of scripture that are intensely inviting, encouraging, hopeful, and fundamental, so we are ready to share with those who approach us. We also need to know how to recognize that someone is reaching out to know God and Jesus (which should be easy, since they will probably say something like, "please tell me about Jesus!").
Christ is screaming out to people, and when the people hear Him, we just need to encourage them and teach them about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that is working within them. We need to remember, too, that when we evangelize or share the gospel, we are not alone and the Holy Spirit is working in us, too. God works through us and around us and within others to accomplish His needs.
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All good and accurate points. I remember the study "Share Jesus Without Fear" by Bill Fay did a good job of focusing me on the key scriptures. However, the most impactful point I learned in that study was that it takes 7 interactions before a person will be ready to accept the call and one never knows (unless it is the 7th!) which one you are participating in. But God, knows and continues to soften their heart.
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