Home Group guide

Big Idea: To effectively share the gospel, we need to be willing to build relationships and learn to listen.

The call to evangelize is rooted in the Great Commission and reflects Jesus’ compassion for the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 19:10). It provides a biblical foundation that highlights listening and understanding before speaking. Effective evangelism begins with compassionate listening, focusing on the underlying pain. People often value feeling heard and understood more than hearing facts. Meaningful conversations can develop when we seek to understand the root of someone’s struggle rather than just responding to surface issues.
One of the easiest and most impactful methods is to ask open-ended questions about their lives, experiences, and worldview. Evangelism isn't a sales pitch; it’s about showing love and forming relationships. Be attentive and actively engage with your community.

Relationships are built through conversations, not presentations.  Here are some differences between the two approaches.

Presentation

• Begins with a Christian worldview
• Assumes knowledge and understanding of Christian vocabulary
• Focuses on salvation as a legal transaction
• Makes sense to people with a church background
• Goal is to answer any questions with truth, with a focus on winning
• Requires an immediate decision
• Success equals a positive decision for Christ

Conversation

• Begins with the other person's worldview
• Assumes little knowledge or understanding of Christian vocabulary
• Focuses on salvation as relational
• Makes sense of Christianity to those outside the church too
• Goal is to communicate information, striving for clarity of understanding
• Leaves the door open for a decision at any time
• Hopes for a positive decision, but success equals another conversation and an ongoing relationship

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re talking with someone, but it feels more like a lecture? It can seem like they’re not really trying to understand where you’re coming from, and their words might feel a bit disconnected or unrelatable. If they had approached you with more curiosity, how do you think that could have changed the conversation?

1. What are you most excited about as you think about conversations surrounding evangelism? What are you most nervous about being challenged to do?

2. When it comes to evangelism, what is God’s responsibility, and what is my responsibility?

3. Read Luke 19:10 and John 20:21. What was Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth? Considering His mission, what should be the main focus of His followers?

4. How can we engage more with our community? How does the pace of everyday life or cultural pressure lead us to neglect God’s mission?

5. Is there an area of your life you already know is out of step with God’s mission? What adjustments can you make to change this?

Watch the video from 411 on 15-second testimonies:

1. With your group, write these down and then practice sharing them either one-on-one or all together.
First, think of 1-2 words that describe your life before you chose to follow Jesus.
       
2. Use these two words to complete the statement, “There was a time in my life...” (Example: “There was a time in my life when I felt alone and inadequate.”)
Next, think of 1-2 words that describe how you came to Jesus. Example: “I was forgiven by Jesus and chose to follow him.”

3. Then, think of 1-2 words that describe your life now that you have chosen to follow Jesus. Example: “Now I get to serve him, and I feel like my life has purpose.”

4. Finally, ask, “Do you have a story like that?”

Personal Testimonies: These are powerful tools for sharing what Jesus has done in our lives. We will practice writing a full testimony to share in 2-3 minutes. Use the “Writing Your Personal Testimony” document and set aside time this week to reflect on your salvation story. Come to the next meeting prepared to share your testimony with a group member in 2-3 minutes. (Note: You don't need to share every detail of your life; focus on highlighting God's glory through your story.)

Prayer Exercise: Decide on a time that works for you to pray for at least one minute every day, asking God to move on behalf of your lost friends and family members and to give you His heart for them. Set a recurring alarm on your phone or a reminder on your calendar, and follow through each day.

Evangelism is fueled by prayer. Ask God for compassion, opportunities, and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Pray for open doors, for the hearts of those you’re reaching, and for opportunities to share.

Example: “God, we know you love people. Give us each opportunities this week to help someone see your love for them and hear how they can enjoy life in Christ. Grant us wisdom to slow down and listen to their story, and give us the boldness to talk with them about Jesus.”

If you are interested in joining a group next semester, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.

We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.