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CELL GROUP EVANGELISM, OR, HOW TO AVOID KOINONITIS   By Massimo Lorenzini   KEY VERSE: “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 5:42, NIV).   OVERVIEW: Evangelism is one of the essential purposes of a cell group. Any ministry that bears the name of Christ ought to give priority to evangelism. Jesus began His own ministry on earth by preaching the gospel (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus called His disciples saying, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).   What is Evangelism? How would you define Evangelism? Read Romans 10:13-15, 17 and notice what is required for evangelism to take place. What do you see as the essentials for evangelism to take place? Being Salt and Light Fellowship and care take place naturally in most groups. Staying focused on evangelism is a challenge. Read Matthew 5:13-16.   What was Jesus’ goal in uttering the similitudes of Matt 5:13-16?   How should this goal affect cell group ministry?   Staying Focused on Evangelism Based on Jesus’ actions in Matt 9:35-38, what caused Him to have compassion on the lost?   Based on His instructions to His disciples, specifically what should we ask the Lord to do when we pray concerning evangelism?   Targeting Those in Our Sphere of Influence Have everyone in the group create a “Three Most Wanted for Christ” list. Also, add all the names to a group prospect list. Work the list by praying for the individuals regularly, by visiting them with the intent of offering a verbal witness for Christ, inviting them to the group or other church activities, and serving them by helping to meet their felt needs.   Holding an Evangelism Meeting Every six weeks or so have an evangelism meeting that includes fellowship, food, testimonies, and a gospel presentation. Have group members invite those on their most wanted for Christ list. They can say something like, “I’d like to invite you to come to a house party with some of my friends from church. They will be sharing about the difference God has made in their lives  Consider relocating the meeting that night to a neighborhood that is closer to those you are trying to reach.   Evangelism Night Overview FELLOWSHIP: Have food out, music playing, lights on, fun mood. Then gather the group together and begin group time. Be relaxed.   ICE BREAKER: What do you look forward to most about growing old? Least? (Spend time on this. Make sure everyone has time to speak.)   SHARE VISION: Share briefly what your cell group is and does. Place Emphasis on building relationships with God and others.   SELECT THREE PEOPLE AHEAD OF TIME TO SHARE A BRIEF TESTIMONY (NO MORE THAN 2-3 MINUTES EACH) ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:             1. What this group means to me.             2. How God has helped me with an issue or problem in my life recently.             3. How God saved me. (Be concise and free from Christian jargon).   SAY: A few weeks ago, I was asked this question, “What’s the difference between religion and Christianity?” Let me share with you, briefly, the difference. (Do not read the following word for word. Let it be natural.)   Religion ·        Is spelled “D-O” ·        Trying to do enough good things to please God.   The problem is, we can never know when we have done enough. Even worse, the Bible says that we can never do enough (Rom 3:23).   Christianity ·        Is spelled “D-O-N-E” ·        Jesus did what we could never do . . . lived the perfect life we could not, and He died on the cross to pay for our wrongdoings.   Our response is not just to know this, we have to humbly receive what He has done for us. And we do that by asking for His forgiveness and leadership in our lives.   (At this point, ask them a follow-up question like: “Does this make sense to you?” or “What do you think about what I just said?”)   Invite them to turn to Jesus in faith and receive what He has done for them.   CLOSING Invite everyone back next week, then carry on the fellowship. Talk with any unbelievers to see if they have any questions and to see if they are interested in learning more.

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