Too Many Evangelism Resources?

Since I'm not a very proficient cook, I find grocery shopping to be a challenge most of the time. There are so many choices of the same product on the shelves that sometimes I stand in a stupor of indecision. Which one is best, healthiest, most beneficial, etc.? The job requires more work than I imagined, and I really can't put it off for too long since I must have sustenance to live. I wonder if there are any shortcuts to grocery shopping!

You know, grocery shopping isn't the only place where there is a surplus of choices that leaves one bewildered. Sifting through countless evangelism resources can be overwhelming, and it would be very tempting to simply close one's eyes and point a finger in order to narrow the choices. But looking through evangelism resources is so much more important than grocery shopping that I can't just randomly select what looks or sounds appealing on the surface, and although I don't spend the time I probably should in bettering my cooking skills, I am continually working to learn ways and processes that will help me (and you) be better able to select the right evangelism resources. Here are some things I've learned that help narrow the field:

• Audience: Before you can begin your search for the right resources, it's important that you identify your target audience. Do you wish to reach children, teens or adults? Even more detailed: if children, can they read; if teens, are they younger or older; if adults, are they young adults, middle aged, or senior citizens?

• Time investment: The length of time you spend teaching will depend on the audience. Children have a much shorter attention span than adults, and are very interactive. Teens are in a transition from childhood to adulthood, so they might be engaged for longer times, but need to be continually involved. Most adults have learned to be polite and allow you to talk, but may not be engaged in their minds the whole time due to the many directions their lives pull them. They, too, need to be able to be involved in order to stay attentive.

• Knowledge of spiritual things: So many people say that they really know who God is and what the Bible is all about, but when they are questioned on the basics of God's holiness, man's sinfulness, and Jesus' work they often can't give clear answers. If you want them to really understand the truth, it is important that your approach is careful so they don't feel put down or offended when you speak to them. If you are dealing with those who have no knowledge of God and the Bible, it is important that they be given a foundation on which to build. They need to be taught from the beginning about God's holiness and His relationship with mankind. With it laid out clearly for them, they will be able to understand what their response should be. Don't forget that your approach must be adapted to your target audience.

• Comprehending what is known: As you teach, it is crucial that your audience comprehends what you say. Rather than just filling their heads with facts, help them see that the truths of God's Word are relevant to them today. With younger ones it is important to repeat truths so it will sink into their understanding, and with adults the truths must be clearly laid out so they will really understand their need.

Hopefully these brief explanations will help you narrow your search for the right evangelism resources, and will also help you see how important it is to grow in your understanding of what's out there and what you can recommend to others.