It does not take much effort to look at the Church today and realize that it tends to function more inwardly. We urge our members to bring new people to church, essentially inviting them to join the “Jesus club.” In all seriousness, however, every member of the community must be a soul winner for the Kingdom of Christ. This is not just because we are soldiers under His command but because this is how the Triune God interacts and works through our witness to the world. Hudson Taylor famously said:

“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”

Still, we find that many churches today focus on programming and directing people’s everyday lives to make everything better. The problem with this type of gospel is that it seems to be no gospel at all. Don’t get me wrong, our lives will undoubtedly be better because we have the joy of everlasting life and a secured place before Jesus in His eternal Kingdom. But our concern extends beyond this, for we are under a Kingdom command. Clive Staples Lewis wrote:

“The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christ. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time.”

Even the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon, wrote;

“Soul-winning is the chief business of the Christian minister; it should be the main pursuit of every true believer.”

The urgency of soul-winning in Christianity is rooted in several key biblical, theological, and eschatological principles. Here’s a breakdown of why evangelism is considered urgent:

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus commands His followers to “Go and make disciples of all nations”, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to actively share the Gospel. Delaying evangelism means failing to fulfill a direct command from Christ.

2. The Reality of Eternal Destiny (Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:15)

Christianity teaches that every person faces eternal life or eternal separation from God. Since people are constantly passing into eternity, the need to share the Gospel is urgent, and salvation through Christ must be offered before it is too late.

3. The Shortness of Life (James 4:14)

Life is described as a “vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes”. Because no one knows how long they or others will live, the call to evangelize is immediate.

4. The Unpredictability of Christ’s Return (Matthew 24:36, 2 Peter 3:9-10)

The Bible teaches that Jesus could return at any moment. Evangelism is urgent because, after Christ’s return, the opportunity for salvation will be gone.

5. The Condition of the World (Romans 1:18-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

The moral and spiritual state of the world is deteriorating, and people are perishing without Christ. This calls for a sense of urgency to bring the message of hope and redemption.

6. The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)

The Gospel is the power of God for salvation. Christians believe that it transforms lives, and withholding it means people remain in spiritual darkness.

7. The Joy of Salvation (Luke 15:7,10)

There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Sharing the Gospel leads to the transformation of lives and brings eternal joy to those who receive Christ.

Reflection: 

The urgency of soul-winning in Christianity is both a divine command and a response to the reality of life, death, and eternity. Every moment matters, and believers are called to seize every opportunity to share the Gospel. What is the strategy we should employ to be “fishers of men?” Soul winning (evangelism) is both a spiritual and strategic effort. While the Holy Spirit ultimately brings people to salvation (John 6:44), Christians are called to share the Gospel effectively. Below are some of the best strategies for soul-winning:

1. Prayer-Centered Evangelism

Key Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – “Pray for all people… that they may be saved.”

  • Pray for boldness (Ephesians 6:19).
  • Pray for opportunities (Colossians 4:3).
  • Pray for conviction and transformation in the lives of unbelievers (John 16:8).
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to guide conversations (Luke 12:12).

2. Relational Evangelism (Building Genuine Relationships)

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

  • Build trust and friendships with non-believers.
  • Show genuine love and care (John 13:35).
  • Evangelism is more effective when people see Christ reflected in your life (Matthew 5:16).
  • Share personal testimonies—how Jesus changed your life (Revelation 12:11).

3. The Use of Apologetics (Defending the Faith with Reason & Evidence)

Key Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

  • Answer tough questions with logic, historical evidence, and Scripture.
  • Learn key topics such as the resurrection of Christ, the reliability of the Bible, and the uniqueness of Christianity.
  • Use resources like William Lane Craig or Lee Strobel to help explain faith rationally.

4. Gospel-Centered Conversations (Using Scripture Effectively)

Key Scripture: Romans 1:16 – “The Gospel… is the power of God for salvation.”

  • Share the core Gospel message:
    • God’s Love – John 3:16
    • Man’s Sin – Romans 3:23
    • The Penalty for Sin – Romans 6:23
    • Christ’s Sacrifice – Romans 5:8
    • Salvation by Faith – Ephesians 2:8-9
    • Invitation to Believe – Romans 10:9
  • Use tracts, digital resources, or personal stories to explain these truths.

5. Evangelism Through Acts of Love and Service

Key Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

  • Meet physical needs (helping the poor, sick, or distressed) to open doors for sharing Christ (James 2:15-17).
  • Show love in practical ways—people listen when they see Christ’s love in action.
  • Engage in community service, mission trips, and outreach programs.

6. Digital Evangelism (Social Media, YouTube, and Online Ministry)

Key Scripture: Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”

  • Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and blogs to share the Gospel.
  • Share testimonies, apologetics content, and sermon clips.
  • Engage in one-on-one online conversations.

7. The “Jesus at the Center” Approach (Focusing on Christ, Not Religion)

Key Scripture: John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

  • Many people reject religion, but they are open to learning about Jesus.
  • Focus on a relationship with Christ rather than arguing about denominations or doctrines.
  • Lead discussions about who Jesus is and what He has done.

8. Discipleship-Focused Evangelism (Follow Up and Mentorship)

Key Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 – “Make disciples of all nations.”

  • Winning a soul is not enough; help them grow in faith.
  • Invite them to church, Bible study groups, or online discipleship programs.
  • Connect them with mature believers who can help them in their journey.

The best strategy for soul-winning is a combination of these approaches, depending on the audience.

  • For intellectuals → Apologetics is powerful.
  • For hurting people → Acts of love and testimonies work well.
  • For youth → Digital evangelism is impactful.
  • For close friends & family → Relational evangelism is key.