Ep. 019 | Outreach and Evangelism | The Farming Model of Evangelism

 

Episode Summary

In this episode, Bart and Nathan discuss the "Farming Model" of evangelism, building on principles shared in Episode 17. They explore a strategic approach to both individual and corporate evangelism based on the parable of the seed from Matthew 13.

 

Hosts:

• Bart Blair
• Nathan Bryant (Executive Director of Assist Church Expansion)

 

Key Points

The Need for Evangelism

• A 2021 LifeWay research study found 71% of people are open to hearing someone's life story when meeting them for the first time
• In the UK, 75% of non-Christians who had conversations with Christian friends about Jesus felt comfortable, and 33% wanted to know more
• Only 55% of non-Christians who knew a Christian said that person had ever talked about their faith

The Farming Model of Evangelism (Six Steps)

1. Choosing the Field
   • Identifying who God is calling you to reach
   • Focus on relationships where ongoing connection is possible
   • Consider both individual relationships and corporate community focus
2. Preparing the Soil (90% of the work)
   • Removing obstacles to faith through building relationships
   • Addressing sociological barriers rather than just theological ones
   • Creating connections between non-believers and multiple Christians
   • Building spiritual momentum through relational momentum
   • Listening more and talking less
3. Planting the Seed
   • Sharing the Word of God, specifically about Jesus and the gospel
   • Creating the right environment for growth
4. Cultivating
   • Giving time for the message to grow and mature
   • Not rushing to "close the deal" prematurely
   • Creating the best circumstances for spiritual growth
5. Harvesting
   • Picking the fruit when it's ripe
   • Recognizing when someone is ready to make a decision
6. Creating a "Greenhouse" Environment
   • Evangelistic Bible study approach (5-7 weeks)
   • Elements needed: Word of God, prayer, connection to believers, gifted teachers
   • Research shows significantly higher retention rates with this approach

Corporate Evangelism Strategy

• Churches need a clear process and strategy
• Leveraging different spiritual gifts within the church body
• Providing clear pathways for members to connect non-believers
• Working as a team to reach the community

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "The Soul Winning Church" by J.A. Metters
• Previous Episode: #17 on the principles of evangelism

The Revitalize My Church Podcast releases two episodes each month with the goal of helping churches navigate change and reorient to a new and healthy future.