5 Steps to 5-Star Evangelismნიმუში

Welcome to 5 Steps to 5-Star Evangelism!

Five-star restaurants and hotels are known for excellence and being the best in their field. But what if followers of Jesus could be five star in their field?

What if every believer knew how to share their story of faith with compassion and confidence?

Each day in this plan focuses on one step toward becoming a faithful, "five-star" ambassador for Christ. “5-Star Evangelism" is a seminar that has been conducted all over the world for pastors and leaders. It teaches the five main areas that equip us to be first-class ambassadors for Jesus. In this daily plan, each day will help you with one of these areas.

For more training resources visit www.OneMinuteWitness.org and enjoy the next couple days as you become 5 Star in sharing your faith.

Day 1 — Compassion: Seeing Through the Eyes of Jesus

You don't have to change who you are to care about where people will spend eternity. Whether you're quiet or outgoing, God can use your personality to reach people—if your heart is moved and controlled by compassion.

Here is your fuel for sharing your faith: deeply caring for people.

Compassion is the fuel for evangelism. It's not about being perfect, persuasive, or pushy—it's about seeing people through Jesus' eyes. When He looked at the crowds, He didn't see strangers; He saw sons and daughters who were "confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." No matter how they appear, everyone struggles with fears, loneliness and even depression. They need Jesus!

That's where it starts: not with fear or guilt, but love. The kind of love that moves you to act.

This is my story, I wasn't afraid to preach before thousands, but I realized I was afraid to talk to one. I didn't feel confident to share my own faith story. In fact, the Lord impressed on me that I didn't have a "fear problem." Rather, I had a "compassion problem."

The Greek word for compassion (*splanchna*) means to feel something deep in your gut. It's love that hurts enough to do something about it. Jesus didn't just feel sorry for people—He moved toward them, healed them, and laid down His life for them.

How do we see people through the compassionate eyes of Jesus? These verses help us:

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'" (Matthew 9:36—38 NLT)

See what Jesus sees.

When you look at others, don't rush past them. Ask God to help you see them as He does—each one deeply loved, deeply known, and in need of His grace. Remind yourself they may not know the forgiveness only found in Jesus.

Feel what Jesus feels.

Compassion means "to suffer with others." Not a very fun word! In the Greek it has to do with your bowels, like a bad stomachache you feel for someone else. Let your heart be stirred by the brokenness around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you His compassion for those far from God and allow it to lead you to action.

Do what Jesus does.

Jesus went to where the people were—homes, streets, markets, and wells. Only two of his thirty-five recorded miracles were in the synagogue. Jesus was a "friend of sinners." Just as Jesus left his comfort zone to rescue us, be willing to leave your comfort zone to reach someone today!

Pray what Jesus prays.

Jesus prayed that we would continue his mission. His mission was to seek and save the lost. Just as God sent Jesus, He sends you! As it says in Matthew 9:37 "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." Pray for hearts that care and hands that go.

Reflection: Who can you love like Jesus today? Ask Him to show you someone who needs to be seen, felt, cared and prayed for.