Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #4 — Evangelistic Networking

Picture: Counsel #4 — Evangelistic Networking CCL 115.1

At some point, Christians who want to share the gospel will need to build relationships with non-Christians. While it’s easier to start with people you already know well, you might not have close relationships with non-Christians, or the people you know may not be open to your influence. Paul found a good alternative. He networked. During his travels throughout the non-Christian Roman empire, Paul would look for synagogues and start preaching there. Essentially, he connected with locals who already had some things in common with him and had spiritual interest. He would keep attending and reaching out until he built friendships and saw conversions. Like Paul, Christians can also be evangelistic networkers!^[143] CCL 115.2

“Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” Acts 17:2 CCL 115.3

“Paul's work was to bear the tidings of salvation to a people who had no intelligent understanding of God and his plans…. Grieved at the idolatry everywhere visible about him, he felt a holy zeal for his Master's cause. He sought out his Jewish brethren, and, in their synagogue at Athens, proclaimed the doctrine of Christ.” Ellen White in Sketches from the Life of Paul, p. 90.2 CCL 115.4

Reflect: What networking opportunities exist that could help you build connections for sharing the gospel? CCL 115.5