Evangelism is more than simply proclaiming the Gospel; it is a process that requires discernment, wisdom, and sensitivity to where each person is on their spiritual journey.
While witnessing can be an event—a moment where we share our faith in response to a specific situation—evangelism is a broader, strategic effort to guide individuals closer to Christ. Understanding the spiritual condition of our listeners allows us to be more effective in our approach, just as Jesus tailored his message to meet the unique needs of those he encountered.
The Engel Scale: A Tool for Spiritual Discernment
In 1973, Dr. James Engel of Wheaton College in Illinois published a scale that describes various stages of spiritual awareness. [Google is your friend!]
This “Engel Scale” ranges from -10 (no awareness of Christianity) to +10 (effective sharing of faith and life). It is useful in helping us recognize where people might be spiritually and how best to engage with them. For example, if someone is at -9 (having no effective knowledge of Christianity), discussing deep theological doctrines or Christian lifestyle choices may not be the most effective approach. Instead, they may need a simple introduction to who God is and why faith matters.
It is much more important for the evangelist to engage with, and develop a relationship with, the listener to uncover where they stand spiritually, than to have the best thought-out theological argument. Sometimes this need will be immediately obvious and sometimes it may take years of friendship and loving care to fully understand the beliefs and needs of our hearers.
Jesus' Example of Tailoring His Message
Throughout His ministry, Jesus met people where they were spiritually and adjusted His message accordingly.
For example, when speaking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader, He used theological language about being "born again":
"Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’ ‘What do you mean?’ exclaimed Nicodemus. ‘How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?’" (John 3:3-4, NLT).
Nicodemus was already familiar with Scripture and religious practices, so Jesus challenged him to think beyond legalism and consider spiritual rebirth.
In contrast, when speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar Samaria, Jesus approached her through relational dialogue and a personal need:
"Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’" (John 4:10, NLT).
She was not a religious scholar like Nicodemus; rather, she was an outcast burdened by her past. Jesus first engaged her curiosity, then revealed Himself as the Messiah in a way she could understand and receive.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
It is important and freeing to remember that evangelism is not solely our responsibility. The Holy Spirit is at work in people’s lives, drawing them closer to God. Our role is to be obedient and discerning. Jesus emphasized this principle when He said:
"For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up." (John 6:44, NLT).
It is also encouraging to remember that we are not responsible for the entire process of someone’s salvation. Our mission may only to move them one step in the positive direction of the Engel Scale! We may plant a seed, another person may water it, and someone else may witness the harvest.
Paul expressed this beautifully:
"It’s not important who does the planting or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow." (1 Corinthians 3:7, NLT).
This truth frees us from the guilt, anxiety, and pressure of immediate results and allows us to trust God’s timing.
Practical Evangelism: Meet People Where They Are
With this understanding, how can we practically engage in evangelism? Here are some key principles:
1 Discern Where Our Hearers Are Spiritually
◦ Are they hostile to Christianity (-10 to -7)? If so, perhaps your role is to show Christ’s love through your actions rather than preaching. ◦ Are they seeking answers (-6 to -3)? This could be an opportunity to have open discussions and provide clear, compassionate explanations. ◦ Are they close to making a decision (-2 to 0)? Encourage them to take the next step in faith.
2 Use the Right Approach
◦ Just as Jesus used different approaches with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, we should adapt our message to the individual. ◦ A scientific-minded skeptic may need logical reasoning, while someone going through hardship may need compassion and testimony.
3 Be Led by the Holy Spirit
◦ Pray for wisdom and discernment before engaging in spiritual conversations. ◦ Don’t worry about being under-qualified. The Holy Spirit won’t expect you to provide logical reasoning if you’re not equiped to do so! ◦ Be sensitive to when to speak and when to listen. Sometimes, people just need to see Christ in you before they are ready to hear about Him. Remember, who you are speaks so loud I can’t hear what you say!
4 Trust God for the Outcome
◦ Evangelism is a process. Some people move quickly toward faith, while others take years. ◦ Our role is to be faithful, not forceful. Trust that God is working even when we don’t see immediate results.
Effective evangelism is not about a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires understanding, patience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Jesus modeled this by addressing individuals according to their spiritual condition. Likewise, we are called to meet people where they are, guiding them step by step toward a relationship with Christ. By recognizing their readiness and responding appropriately, we can be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission:
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, NLT).
Like a witness called to testify in a court of law we should always be ready to share our own personal experience and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But in our everyday living, let’s also be faithful in sowing seeds, trusting that God will bring the harvest in His perfect time. According to Francis of Assisi, “You should preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words!”
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study