Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
I invited colleague officers across Canada to respond to share at least one strategy / approach they use
to communicate the gospel that is effective in their ministry setting and to under the evangelism
principles that play out in their ministry experience of reaching people with the gospel. These are their
responses.
We have a therapy dog at Gladstone. He is a border collie who is a qualified Ottawa Therapy Dog.
Through interaction Ezekiel, the residents of the shelter and those individuals from the street who access
our programs are learning what unconditional love looks like. As we discuss this love, it is so very easy
then to turn it around and explain the unconditional love of God and how much greater it is than that of
a dog. Often, I will use the tactic of turn the letters of "dog" around and what do you get? "God" has
created the dog to show us what His love is like.
The principles that we base our approach on is that of friendship evangelism and Wm. Booth's original
strategy of soup, soap and salvation - if they are hungry, they are not going to listen to what you have to
say. All of our outreach programs have a food component that draws the folks in. As we share in food
and conversation, we build relationships/friendships with them and then, when we have earned the right
to speak into their lives, we begin to discuss eternity in the light of salvation.
Ottawa, ON
Certainly not new and some would say not even innovative, but Alpha has been the single most
effective evangelistic tool we have experienced through our officership. Quite simply put, it gets results.
Kingston, ON
I try, by God's grace, to live out the gospel in my daily life - from the way I talk to my hairdresser, to
the way I interact on Facebook, to what I say in Sunday school.
Kitchener Community Church is blessed with a Kung-Fu master. He and his wife made a proposal to
the Mission Board about "Kung-Fu for Christ" - free classes offered. Since September, we have been able
to offer Kung-fu for Christ on Thursday nights. We have around 55 kids from the community (low income
was the targeted demographic) as well as from our corps, and about 35 adults. Every class we bow to
Jesus Christ, we have a devotional, Scripture reading and prayer. Students earn badges for reading and
memorizing Scripture. We have given out dozens and dozens of Bibles. Families are reading the Bible
together and coming on Thursday nights with questions! (I am mighty excited about this program!) As
well as a dozen trained instructors from the corps, who are eager to bring Christ to our community, we
have about 6 other volunteers who make coffee for parents while they wait for their kids (coffee and
connections - prayers result from these conversations!), and who watch the children while their parents
are in class (again, offering Christian activities). Two families have come to Sunday school and worship.
The prayer request box is being used.
We pray. Prayer is making a difference in people's lives. As we see God at work, our faith is strengthened
and we are more able to share Jesus.
Kitchener, ON
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
I operate a cafe and during the time people are eating we sing a few songs and I present the gospel. I
usually relate my message to something happening in the community or some of the needs I know some
of my clients have. Many of my clients suffer from addiction and/or mental illness. Also, many of them
think they are beyond forgiveness. I am careful to balance the holiness of God with his love for a
humanity he created and was willing to send His son to die for. My message points to the cross. We have
a large wooden cross I literally point to many times in my preaching. At this time of the year it
overshadows the Christmas tree. I encourage testimonies of God saving people from a life of sin and
misery.
Kirkland Lake, ON
One of the strategies we employ at HPT is the philosophy of creating opportunities for friendship
evangelism. One example is through Kids Club. Studies have shown that children tend to be most
receptive to the good news story of Jesus so we place great emphasis on our kids club program. This is a
community outreach for children 6-12, who are bused to the church each Thursday where we have
activities and a meal planned. One of the activities is a Bible time where lessons are shared. At special
times in the year we invite parents to attend and during these times we seek to make connections
between members of the Corps and the community. We seek to have the children involved in a church
program once a year and parents are invited to attend.
Principle One: Be yourself. Most people see through a fake presentation an individual portrays. Being a
genuine person with others often open the door to deeper conversations.
Principle Two: Be vulnerable. We all have struggles and issues we deal with. Portraying an "I have it all
together" demeanour" does nothing to strengthen a relationship.
Principle Three: Be Patient. Most people do not like to be pressured into making an immediate decision.
When someone says no to an invitation; don't abandon the relationship. Another opportune time may
present itself.
Principle four: Be aware. God through His Holy Spirit prepares people for his message. It is God who
saves- not you. Humility and grace go a long way in being accepted by those outside the kingdom. More
flies are attracted to honey than vinegar.
Winnipeg, MB
In order to spread the gospel to those yet to come to faith it is extremely vital to risk and invest time
into people. Only through relational ties will people give an ear to "the hope we possess" 1 Pet 3:15.
If people perceive that they are a target or a project they will never feel genuinely concerned for and
allow themselves to trust the message bearer. Remembering that we are partners with God and that is
the Holy Spirit that will do the convicting. Living out our faith with love and concern, regardless if we
agree with current lifestyle choices or pursuits, will give rise to opportunities for us to share the message
and hope of Christ.
The difficult part is having patience when the there is such urgency and the benefit of being a part of the
family of God is so monumental for the health of people's lives - but a cake is ready when it's ready.
This is how we live and it is what we would teach from the pulpit as well.
I would add the importance of a positive social media presence as part of living missionally.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and many other online communities are a daily way of life for
many. These avenues provide opportunities for Christians to become aware of the popular interests, hot
topics and conversations that are taking place in our own neighbourhoods - as well as globally.
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
As Christians in the online world, we can offer hope, encouragement and unconditional love. Our
integrity and authenticity in this regard can build the foundation upon which faith conversations can
then take place. (2 Cor. 2:15)
Stratford, ON
We have just started a new street ministry with our Canteen that we use to share the Gospel of
Jesus Christ - not just coffee! We are also preparing our workers for their adventure during the Pan Am
games in the summer of 2015 for service evangelism carrying backpacks full of hot chocolate. It worked
great during the Olympics of 2012. Many of the Southern Baptists (known for aggressive evangelism)
went home and ordered the items so they can carry this non-threatening service on in their areas.
We truly need to be the kind of people that Christ expects us to be. Personal evangelism is all about
character / who we are and how we display ourselves to others. If we are those kinds of people we will
build the Kingdom.
Brampton, ON
Friendship evangelism is the best. Being able to sit down with someone and listen to them share about
themselves, their interests, their life stories always opens doors to share about God's faithfulness. I will
chat with people each time I meet them until I feel it is appropriate to bring the conversation around to
Spiritual things. I don't like to bombard them immediately or scare them off. I wait until they appear
comfortable with me and then share. It seems to work!!!
Peterborough, ON
I heard a while ago about a retired Christian who printed up tent cards that had - LISTENING CORNER
printed on them. He would go to Tim Horton’s and put these cards on a table and sit there waiting for
someone to come and he would listen to them. This proved very effective.
We have modified that by having Volunteer Listeners come during our food bank hours and set up coffee
and an area that we have called a LISTENING CORNER. This has proven faintly successful and we have
had at least conversions and are disciplining these people at the present time.
I believe that training your people in developing "their story" is one of the most effective means of
training for evangelism.
We encourage them to write out their story and we work with them to develop it to the point it is natural
to tell their story to friend, Co-workers and others in their circle of influence. This, of course, is Friendship
Evangelism.
Toronto, ON
The one approach that has been effective for us so far in our time in Parry Sound is in being willing to be
where the people are even when it isn't what we "normally do" and to be open to share when you are
there. Sometimes to open the door it takes spending a little bit of money or resources to give back to
others. An example of this is that we had some extra Gatorade sitting in the food bank from a large
donation and knew that the Terry Fox run was coming up on a Sunday in town. We made arrangements
to be there for the run in order to hand out the Gatorade to the runners and those who were waiting for
them to complete their run. So while there were a few of our members who had to "miss church" they
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
were able to be a witness and "do church" on the streets of Parry Sound. Sharing a message of hope and
their experience living for Christ with all those they came in contact with. This has also happened at the
rebuilding of a park, in the parking lot of Sobeys during food drives and at the town's tree lighting
festivities.
Parry Sound, ON
The last 7 days of each month we run a free meal program called 'Bread of Life.' During this time,
members of our community, which is poverty stricken, can receive a free meal between 3:30-5pm. The
reason that the meals occur during the last 7 days is that this is the time that most people are lowest on
funds (gov't cheques usually come out at some point during those 7 days).
Different Christian groups/churches take on 1 of the 7 days to help serve and clean (we have a good
group of corps and local community volunteers who help prepare the food, as well as our hired chef).
We also run clinics several days of that week: free legal counsel, free medical consults and free dental
consults. All those who run the clinics are Christians.
There are some people who attend the meals that will come at the beginning and stay to the end even
though they are done their meals. The reason is that they are in need of not only being physically fed,
but socially fed as well - this is a good time of community/fellowship for them. Some of our volunteers
help serve, well some come to sit with folk while they eat and converse and evangelize.
Kingston, ON
Pioneer Club ministry. We run this Bible-based program for children and currently enrollment sits at
around 70. Through this program, many young families are becoming connected to this church.
Through Pioneer Sundays and other special functions, their comfort level is growing and they are more
open to being here. Many parents join in the closing worship time at Pioneers with their children.
Starting in the New Year, we will have a coffee time for parents while their children are in class. Also,
many of the children have joined other church programs, ie. music, Christmas concert, and so more and
more we are seeing "our Pioneer families" become a part of us. We give glory to God - it seems He is
bringing them and we are trying to be faithful stewards of that. This might not look like evangelism in
the traditional sense, but evangelism today is about building bridges, as we nurture relationship through
an atmosphere of trust and caring.
Our active Cradle Roll program is also a great avenue for reaching out to families. We have between
50-60 on our Cradle Roll. Our Cradle Roll Sargaent makes home visits at birthday time, and we hold an
annual Christmas Party. Then many of our children graduate from the Cradle Roll into our Pioneer
program. It's a great link and we are very encouraged by what we see happening.
It is not about the special worship services, it is not about a dynamic preacher, it is not about the money
you spend on special functions, it is not about a campaign. It is about people - respecting where they
are, building bridges with them, showing them that they belong. Then we pray that God will lead us as
we connect them with Him…there is no real formula, it is more of a mindset.
Gander, NL
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
Over the years Craig and I have found that being seen in the community is effective; it opens up
opportunity for people to become comfortable with us and makes us approachable. While some people
do not want the 'in your face' gospel message, living the gospel in practical ways is effective (greeting
neighbors, helping those in need, being courteous and friendly). This past week we gave the McDonald's
Drive-thru attendants a Christmas card when we received our order (a joy for us, and an unexpected card
for the worker)… Be a living gospel; people see what you do much clearer than hearing what you say!
Napanee, ON
We play Christian music and show Christian movies during our Soup Kitchen hours (7;30am to
2:00pm Monday through Saturday) and we have a daily devotional before we serve lunch. We play only
Christian music at our Thrift Store. We make use of Faith and Friends through our Food Bank as well as
invitations to our Messy Church program. Most of all we work to show the grace of God through our
interactions with those we serve. We open each day with prayer for the salvation of souls, that we would
reflect the love and care of Christ to all others and our faithfulness to the ministries God has called us to.
try not to use the many technical tools......pay at the pump, Bank 24 machines etc. that take away from
our people contact........I can't remember the last time I led a machine to Christ..
Prince Rupert, BC
Our family service officer, Aux.-Captain Fabio Correa is a real evangelist. Every opportunity with
people is an opportunity to share Jesus, according to his ethic. At Christmas when dealing with
Family Service clients, he often finds grateful tears flowing down the cheeks of needy clients. They often
ask, 'Why do you help us so? Why do you do this?' Then Fabio tells him that Jesus is the reason, and we
do this work in his name. Then he asks if they would like to have Jesus sharing their lives and living in
their hearts. In the corner of the basement at Yorkminster Citadel, in the bustle of Christmas toys and
administration of care work . . . a shrine is silently convened where the God of the heavenlies meets the
hearts of needy earthlings. I have seen this with my own eyes. This is evangelism, and it doesn't require
anything except being willing to speak the name of Jesus into a situation.
Toronto, ON
Our approach to Evangelism in Dartmouth begins with relationships. One of the things that I have
done here is I walk my neighbourhood. I visit with the locals here in a two-three block radius and I have
gotten to know them over the last year and a half. I go to the same person for haircuts, coffee, service on
the car, etc. (you get the picture).
I have also become the chaplain for the city's Fire Services Branch. I used to be a firefighter and I have
found this to be quite a unique opportunity to get to walk with those whom I normally wouldn't see! The
message here is to use our previous experiences in life to open doors that would normally remain closed
to us. It has served to propel us into the community.
Dartmouth, NS
I try to give people tools, namely, training them to share their story of coming to Christ, and training
them to give a brief gospel presentation such as the bridge illustration (memorizing the verses). When
you tell your story, it is non-confrontational; it is simply a description of what has happened to you. And
you can only tell what God can do for others if you have thought through how to present the gospel whether you use the bridge illustration or some other presentation.
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
Underlying this is the notion of relationship. We have a relationship with God that we nurture through
prayer - including prayer for others. We also need to cultivate relationships with those seeking God and
then look for opportunities to share our story and the gospel with them. That's how I have led people to
the Lord. I should add that a process for discipling those you lead to the Lord is a long term follow-up.
Ideally those who lead a person to the Lord should also then spend several months with them helping
them to grow in their faith.
Pickering, ON
One strategy that has worked well in ministry is heart for the harvest, a program that is used by the THQ
Program Department. It is equipping the congregation to witness others and bring them to faith in
Christ and bring them to a church family.
My fundamental evangelism principle is to listen to others. This is not the same as listening with an
agenda, but just listening because the person speaking is a child of God and I am interested in where
they are.
Winnipeg, MB
I actually used Evangelism as part of our Tuesday night Bible Studies for a period of time…Last year our
Theme for 2013 was May Jesus be seen in 2013. Currently we are praying about our 2014 Theme and
feel God leading us to make it, "Evangelism- Believe"…Sunday evening meeting at a Cabin with food,
fellowship and musical praise…We will be having once a month " Bring a Friend Sunday for Food and
Fellowship"…I attended a Church Plant meeting in Winnipeg 2 years ago and one of the key things that
seemed to stand out in being the most effective evangelism was 'Hospitality' which no doubt most of us
already knew.
Thompson, MB
If you can reach the children, you have a better chance at reaching the family. We are situated in the
middle of a low-income housing area--the largest between Toronto and Ottawa. There are hundreds of
kids within walking distance of the corps. All our children's programs--including choir, piano/guitar
lessons, band, kids club, moms and tots--are available to the kids of the community, free of charge. Our
children's choir, for example, has over 25 kids even though there are only 2 (sometimes 5) that attend
our corps regularly. When the choir is asked to sing in our Sunday morning services, this brings out
several families and extended family members that normally would not attend church. When we give
out food at the food bank or serve community meals, we are sure to tell families about the programs we
have to offer, give pamphlets and personally invite people to join in.
Building the relationship is KEY. We need to take time to really listen to people
Kingston, ON
We cold-call evangelise. We've had Muslim men kneeling on the sidewalk of the notorious street in
prayers of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ this year - hallelujah (among other good accounts
of conversion). It is a tough way to evangelise but sometime it works and, while friendship evangelism is
more effective, there are far too many people who either don't have any Christian friends or their
Christian friends are slackers who don't faithfully evangelise.
keys-posture:
- holiness (and be 'fessed up and filled up as you go)
- love (the love of Jesus in you never fails)
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
formula:
a. find a sinner;
b. explain the gospel;
c. give the person opportunity to repent and believe.
Edmonton, AB
The underlying principle is the very same for me as I share my faith. I treat others how I would like to be
treated… The concept of loving people wherever they are, walking with them on their journey and
respecting their right to choose to accept or reject anything allows them the freedom to ask questions of
what motivates me to do what I do. And when they ask, then I am accountable to give an answer for
the faith that I have within me.
Prince George , BC
One of the greatest assets to any officer's ministry is pastoral visitation. It is a dying art for MANY. Yes,
officers visit when they have to - funeral homes, hospitals etc. but HOME visitation is very rare. One of
the greatest ways to grow your church is to know your people. Home visitation helps them realize that
you are interested in them, who they really are. You cannot get to know people from a brief hello\goodbye at the door on Sunday morning.
Home visitation enables you to converse with people regarding their family\children, work, what they
are interested in. You talk about what they do at the corps - if uninvolved what they would like to do at
the corps. They also get to know you as a person. An informal setting helps people to see you as an
approachable person as well…Robert and I make it our priority to visit all our families, those who attend
and those who do not. We work through the corps list (retirees, seniors etc. throughout the days).
{Principles are based around} needs based ministries - do what works for your group (how will you know
what works?) visit them, ask them, don't assume.
Use the time people give you.
Oshawa, ON
Connecting with the people who receive assistance from our food bank is the best and primary
opportunity for evangelism for us here. Just getting to know them and their needs is opening many
doors to share God's love.
Praying for the eyes to see opportunities is a big thing for me. I was provided with many "God-moments"
while I was in the hospital following my surgery. One in particular: upon my release, I was waiting in the
lobby for Randy to bring the car up to the door. There was a woman sitting in a wheelchair there and I
commented that she looked worried. She burst into conversation, saying that she had just finished
praying asking God why there wasn't anyone there for her to talk to! What an opportunity! God is
good!
Wesleyville, NL
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
We are currently working on re-starting an Alpha Course in the New Year.
Key Principles we use for evangelism are:
· Respect - We treat people as souls for which Jesus died, not as projects.
· Dignity - We present the Gospel in a manner that glorifies God and demonstrates consideration
for the listener. We honour their ability to choose Christ.
· Urgency - We share the Gospel with the awareness that opportunities are short and fleeting, and
we know not when each person may step into eternity.
· Authority - We present the Gospel not in our own strength or expertise, but in accordance with
the truth of Scripture and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
· Faith - While recognizing that not all come to faith, we believe that some will accept Christ and
we act on that belief.
· Reality - We share the Gospel through the experience of Christ in our own lives. We share Who
we know, and not just what we know.
· Persistence - If God hasn't given up on the lost, neither will we.
Grand Prairie, AB
Business cards for our Corps. All Corps programs will be on this card and contact information. Each Corps
member will receive 20 cards for distribution among family members, co-workers and friends. Also this
invitation will be on the back of the card: “This card entitles you to unlimited free worship services at the
Salvation Fort McMurray Corps. Service starts @ 11:00 a.m. each Sunday.”
Principle #1 – Be convinced in your OWN heart that "Just where HE needs you the Lord has placed you"
and that the people around you and in your community are the people you are called to reach for such a
time as this.
Principle #2 – Get involved in your community. Show up and participate in community activities and
events. This connects you with so many "OTHERS".
Principle #3 – Involve members of your congregation who have the gift to reach out and connect with
other people
Principle #4 – Practise the gospel according to Tim's. It is a super place for one - on - one coffee
conversation. The dynamics of our community allows this to be a positive way to reach people.
Fort McMurray, AB
So what works in evangelism involves having the right, dedicated people with the right heart for mission:
- sports evangelism - I've seen various types of sports groups used to incorporate new families into
corps life
- community garden - led by the right team of volunteers this puts corps people in touch with
community folk
- music instruction - either Blasting Brass music camps each summer at London Citadel- attractive
to Asian families OR Tuesday night music groups at corps as community outreach...free theory
and instruction in brass, percussion and/or vocal
- Open Door was initiated at North Toronto Citadel in the 1990's and still thrives as a front foyer
'drop in' for community people, a place for corps volunteers to connect and bridge the gap
between church and society
- Conversation Circles for those wanting to practice their English language skills - hosted and led
by corps people
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
There was a time as a corps officer when I didn't feel I was terribly effective in accomplishing the 'one
great purpose" of my life...to bring people to Jesus. It seems I didn't have the gift of evangelism, although
I tried to be a faithful witness. In sharing this personal perspective with some of my corps folk, I learned
differently. They corrected me - indicating it was not my role to bring the non-Christian into the church it was God's people who are called to do that - and I had the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel and
invite them to come to Jesus. It took a team to accomplish the mission. They created safe places (often
outside of the church building) to connect with pre-Christian people.
I think now (in retrospect) that I have been faithful to use the gifts God has granted and to trust and train
his people to do the rest, as the Spirit leads us.
Scarborough, ON
RCMP Chaplaincy has been one of the wonderful and effective opportunities for ministry and evangelism
I have been blessed to be a part of here in our Community.
Remember the scriptural role we have been given by God; planting & watering/nurturing the seeds
sown. The rest is God's work. Realize you're not bringing God to others, He's already there, just be
available in word and deed as God chooses and enables - remember you are an ambassador; but be real,
genuine and transparent. People will be much more open to the gospel when it isn't trying to be sold as
some remedy for a better life (even though that it is often one of the blessings that takes place!).Truthful
expression of the joys as well as the struggles is vital in this regard.
Meadow Lake, SK
Acceptance for where a person is and as they are, along with time that allows friendships - or at least a
respect and trust to develop - is our means of sharing the gospel.
We have opportunity weekly through a mid-week service and meal to share God, his love and clearly in
words to share the good news of Jesus - but it is the time outside of the chapel and church meetings
where our treatment of people and our actions that really draws the attention of people.
We do not see evangelism as a one time - short term expression - but a long - sometimes very long - time
of being with people and being God's love in many practical ways
Cranbrook, BC
Visiting the local workplaces (fish plants/processing, the fishing docks, etc., local lumber and
construction sites) to see where people work helps us gain a better understanding of their workplaces.
We try to incorporate local hobbies/ways of life into activities for men's fellowship. The food bank
deliveries (yes, they deliver here) is a way to see people's homes and get to know them on a personal
level-we bridge this over to the Corps activities.
Being "real" with people helps-we are Pastors-but we are also human. We don't have all the answers,
but we serve the One who does. We make sure we stand "with" people.
New-Wes-Valley, NL
For a season the church family was very passionate about 'Evangelism Explosion'. One of its tactics was
to use a way to remember how to evangelize by using your hand/fingers to remember 5 steps -- during
our time there, we had one Elder specifically responsible for evangelism -- he worked with the youth to
teach them this and they did do some door to door evangelizing that was a growing experience for them
and did touch the hearts of many in their homes. I know this approach is not commonly used but it did
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
seem to have value there. We also taught it to a mission team who was going to Costa Rica - they used
it there.
Primarily though we feel evangelism needs to be greatly founded in relationship building -- taking the
time to get to know people and then lead then to Christ as they are more connected to you. We do try to
keep evangelism as a purpose of many events or programs -- ensuring what we are offering to the
community and church family are things that are inviting for people to want to come too.
Abbottsford, BC
We encourage our various groups within the assembly (Youth, Men, Women, Elderly) to organize
separate activities for persons who would fit their own group. Activities would vary from presenting a
Christian movie where we would serve popcorn and soft drinks, a soup kitchen activity for another group,
a cooking Learning experience for others, etc. Each group is encourage to invite people from their
perspective neighborhood, friends, kids who attended Fresh Air camp, etc. We are also seeking through
our beneficiaries to become volunteer workers who we encourage to participate in Church activities. We
associate with other churches when they are willing to participate in an evangelism activity.
Demonstrating love and friendship has always been very successful in reaching out to the community.
Montreal, QC
We have regular Mercy Seat calling/Invitations to salvation/prayer for needs (at least once/twice a
month). Pray about the timing and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. I find this approach very effective.
Our congregation has doubled, at times tripled as we have added 12 souls to God's kingdom through
effective mercy seat calling.
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Be approachable – people need to feel that they can come to your office and talk about
anything.
Be accessible – this goes along with approachability. There are times you must stop unimportant
matters and attend to the urgent needs of corps members and walk-ins and those who leave
messages.
Be a good listener – give attentions to people's concerns with eye contact; put away papers and
do not answer the phone.
Be a person of integrity – when I was a cadet in training traveling throughout the territory, I
watched many officers attend every important function involving the Army. I have followed that
example. If the community is giving, please attend to receive and gave a big thank you.
Be mobile – get involved in the community. Lieutenant Mary is involved with the Lions Club and I
am a member of Kiwanis Club. Both organizations love and support the Army tremendously, but
we must be actively involved and occasionally, some members attend church. The community
love to see the officers give back and spend a little of their time and service with them.
Be invitational – invite many people to church, and have a great attitude. Even when I'm not
having a good day, I've learned to express thankfulness to God.
Be reminded – we are not alone, we have a great Army of experienced officer at our disposal;
when I need help I call and ask and I receive.
Fort Francis, ON
Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
Whenever someone expresses a difficulty / concern with you, ask if they mind if you pray for them. We
do this at the food bank. We do this in the courts. We do this at all of our ministries here.
Always say grace in public settings: Bow your head, fold your hands for a 5 second silent prayer if by
yourself; if in a group you as leader do that, may others will assume the prayer posture even if they are
not praying. As a family, we will often pray a sung grace in restaurants (not too loud as to be obnoxious).
This opens the door to many people coming up to you and opening conversations where it is easy and
natural to share the gospel.
A key principle, I believe, is that it is never inappropriate to share the gospel. It is how one shares the
gospel that may be more appropriate in one setting or the next.
Swift Current, SK
One of the strategies that I've used a few times in the last year which I found to be useful is taking
ministry outside our Corps building. This has taken the 'church stigma' away from the event but still
allowed us to be TSA (volunteers are always branded and the flag flown proudly outside) while our event
took place. I found that more people are open to attending a church-organized event when it has not
been present within our building or on our property. This has opened doors to new families who have
come to church and who are seemingly more comfortable in the Corps now that they have been
introduced to us in another location. The community centre and recreation field (operated by the Town
of Arnold's Cove) have been great people to work with in this regard. A second thought would be to
facilitate these kinds of relationships with people within the towns which we have been called to serve.
1) Maintain our doctrinal beliefs. It is important that we maintain our standards of what makes us The
Salvation Army and that we do not lose our identity in trying to be relevant in today's society. We can be
relevant without compromising ourselves.
2) Be all inclusive when evangelising.
3) Be aware of church language; especially language specific to TSA.
4) Be open to ecumenism and working together with other denominations to formula a strong Christian
presence within the community.
5) Be present within your community. I have intentionally taken the time to speak to those who work in
such places as the post office and the local coffee shop each I time I am there and especially taken
measures to be known within the school system. This has allowed me to be known by name "Lieutenant"
 and I think more approachable to those when they need the church.
Arnold’s Cover, NL
One of the local newspapers here in the area has allowed me to write devotional thoughts from time to
time and they've been in the paper. It is a simple way to have the Gospel and Biblical message out there.
That evangelism is as much about demonstration as it is proclamation. Food Bank assistance and
Christmas Hampers and other acts of service are demonstrations of evangelism. Our lives are sometimes
the only message about God people will hear/see.
New Liskeard, ON
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Evangelism Strategies and Initiatives
In my experience as an officer there is one word that sums up what I have seen as the most effective
form of evangelism: Service. Simply serving others has opened many doors to conversations about Christ
and to church attendance. Serving with an "ulterior" motive like "getting them saved", "getting them to
church", or "getting them to listen to our opinion on something" is far less effective than simply serving
out of love and kindness with no strings attached. Serving, and then through service building
relationships, puts us over time into situations whereby Holy Spirit can give us the right words at the
right time when people are ready to hear them.
At Ocean Crest, which is a fairly young Salvation Army congregation (22 years), a large percentage of the
congregation, who have no Salvation Army background, chose this as their church home strictly because
they saw us serving in the community.
Campbell River, BC
Friendship evangelism has worked best. When I meet people who do not have a relationship with the
Lord or a limited understanding of the gospel I tend to create a friendship that lends itself to sharing the
gospel.
One means of evangelism that I have found successful in my ministry is small group/home based Bible
Studies and Ladies’ Book Club.
Winnipeg, MB
Aside from living out our faith, we have utilized the church sign to invite passers-by to various events; we
also distributed numerous items during the Santa Claus Parade (Edge for Kids, Self-Designed Scripture
Cards and invitations to our advent services). Our sign did successfully recruit someone for our Summer
Camp at Home and we saw this mother-daughter duo continue to attend our corps. The most effective
strategy though has been living out our faith in the community. Through various conversations with
people we have been able to introduce who we are and what we do here in Goderich; this has sparked
the interest of a few people in coming to check us out.
Some of the underlying evangelism principles that play out in our experience of reaching people with the
gospel: the main principle is to walk the talk, to use Jesus Christ as an example and endeavour to live and
interact with people as he did. Another one would be looking at how we can go to the people instead of
simply waiting for people to come to us. Another one would be remembering to do everything in love and
with prayer. We have also been focusing heavily on the integration of our ministry unit - looking at how
to evangelize through corps, thrift store and community and family services - keeping in mind that we
are essentially one unit.
Goderich, ON
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