Evangelism in the early church was not propelled by the attractional worship venues, great music ministries, or interest piquing events of the churches. Evangelism and disciple making was propelled then, and can be today, by the personal networking of ordinary believers who faithfully shared the gospel with those they knew and those they met.

You have a network of people that only you can influence for Christ. That may include inviting them to church. It’d be better, and more effective today, if it included you actively witnessing to them, teaching them to obey, and leading them to reach THEIR network as well.

Identifying Who I Can Reach

Have you thought about who in your network of relationships are open to spiritual conversations? You probably have someone right now who is a neighbor, a family member, or friend on a social media platform, who is open to learning more about Christ. Think about it and write down a few names.

The term used for these people is Persons of Peace. A person of peace is someone who:

1. God is drawing to Himself and opening their heart to the Gospel. (see John 6:44; Acts 16:13-15).
2. Is open to hearing your story, God’s story and the Gospel.
3. Welcomes you. Invites you in to their life and relationships.
4. Has an interest in spiritual things and / or are interested in your life as a believer.
5. Opens doors for you to meet others and gain more opportunities to share your faith.

Who do you know right now who is a possible person of peace? Who has reached out to you and asked spiritual questions? Who has ask you about your church? Who has commented or liked your post about spiritual things on Social Media? Is it possible that God may be preparing that person for reconciliation and salvation? And is it possible that he wants to use you to lead this person to know and follow Him?

One of my favorite person of peace experiences was when Heather and I were trying to start a church in a rural area. The only potential gathering place was an old fire station, which was also used for community events. We were praying for persons of peace and finding none to this point. I mustered up the courage one day to stop by the fire station to ask them about using the old station for Bible Studies. I met the fire chief and within five minutes he had asked me questions about God and church, asked me if I would be the chaplain of the Fire Department, and offered me the use of any of the department facilities for church events at no cost, without me even asking. He was one of our first persons of peace. Over years of friendship, the chief has opened up many doors of ministry for me and most importantly, committed his life to Jesus Christ as well. God was preparing him and me for that moment in time. What a rush to see God working and drawing people to himself.

God is preparing people around you as well. Think about who they may be right now.

A few other resources on Persons of Peace: