Sermon Tone Analysis

*                     "EVANGELISM MADE SIMPLE"*  *INTRODUCTION* 1.

The importance of sharing the gospel with others cannot be   over-emphasized...   a.

Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation - *Mk 16:**      15-16*   b.

He has provided the gospel as God's power to save all who believe      - *Ro 1:16-17* 2.

But what is the most effective way to reach people today?

The   Institute For American Church  Growth asked over 10,000 people this   question:  *"What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this**   church?"*

Their replies were:   a.

I had a special need - 3%   b.

I just walked in - 3%   c.

I liked the minister - 6%   d.

I visited there - 1%   e.

I liked the Bible classes - 5%   f.

I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%   g.

I liked the programs - 3%   *h.

A friend or relative invited me - 79%* 3.

What can we learn from a survey like this?   a.

It confirms that gospel meetings as traditionally held have lost      much of their effectiveness   b.

It justifies churches' concern to pick their preachers carefully      and to give special regard to the quality of their Bible classes 4.

The obvious point of the survey is this:  *If churches are to grow,**   it will be through the efforts of individual members!*   a.

Preachers, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they      will only maintain the size of the congregation   b.

Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, however, for they can      reach people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact   -- But the fact remains: *The greatest potential lies with people who**      have some contact with members of the local congregation* 5.

Two things are needed to utilize contacts made through members of   the congregation...   a.

*Concern for the lost* by those members - cf. *Mt 9:36-38; Ro 9:1-3;**      10:1*   b.

*Knowledge of how* to increase opportunities to share the gospel [Assuming the concern is there, this lesson contains *seven simple steps*to increase opportunities for sharing the gospel with relatives,friends, neighbors, and others.

These steps are based upon observations of what has consistently provenfruitful in other places and are confirmed by the results of the aforementioned survey.

The first step is to...] *I.

DO THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR A CARING, EDIFYING CONGREGATION*    *A.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT...*      1.