Soul Winning

[prophet]

Reminds me of the quote "everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it" by Mark Twain (or his friend). 

And it gives me the opportunity to link one of the best sources for the subject by the Prince of Preachers....

http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/soulwinr.htm

Isn't wondrous how the "Prince of Preachers" distorts James 5:19-20 and makes it about a "individual" instead of God Himself.

Very princely of him.  Reminiscent of Saul, how God described the way a king would make everything about himself, if Israel just had ta have one.

 

[prophet]

The Evangelist is a gift to the church, and not all are evangelists....so many are out in their own power,making a mess.
But every church has someone(s) with that gift, and they will see people saved regularly.

 

[ALAYMAN]

I have been in Churches that make a big deal about soul winning. The one I am attending now makes a deal about sharing your faith and being involved in Church ... but no time is set aside each week for "visitation" and honestly, our pastor isn't "sold" on the slick soul winning methods many Churches use.

Leaves me wondering.

What sort of views are represented here on the forum regarding soul winning, sharing the gospel as a Church, and soul winning programs promoted by Sword of the Lord, or a program like Evangelism Explosion or Way of Life.

A hot button for me... in one church we were in, "soul-winning" was ALL.  Adultery and homosexuality were sins, but the REAL sin was not going out at least once a week and going door-to-door, selling Jesus (or, a prayer to get one to heaven).  No one could do anything in the church unless they went out weekly.  People had to report how many hours they were out, and how many "gospel" presentations they made; how many people were saved... and you could expect a rebuke if you weren't going.

I find it interesting that, in none of the messages, in none of the epistles in the NT, there is never a general command to people to go "soul-winning"; there are plenty of commands to live holy lives, to put off evil, to love one another, and help one another, but nary a word about soul-winning.  There are examples, yes, and we can see the burden laid on Paul, but no command to Christians.

A friend once explained to me that the Great Commission is like a mission statement for the church; it DOESN'T mean that every member does that.  Just like Home Depot's goal is to maximize sales of stuff for the home, not every one at Home Depot is a salesman; there are also cashiers, and stock takers, and bookkeepers, and deliverymen - each has a different job.  So, too, in the church, not everyone is suited to button-hole strangers about eternity.

Anyway, I rather like that outlook - it's refreshing after going door-to-door was pounded into our family for so many years.  I can see that the kids are more relaxed, now that the so-called "youth leader" is not berating them about lack of souls "down the aisle".

Two things:

1) The abuse of a thing does not de-legitimize the merit of the thing abused, otherwise we might want to throw away our KJVs since the Mormons are big proponents of that version.
2) It is not true that we are not commanded to preach the gospel (ie "go soulwinning).  The Great Commission, among many other passages are explicit about our privilege and duty.

 

[christundivided]

I have been in Churches that make a big deal about soul winning. The one I am attending now makes a deal about sharing your faith and being involved in Church ... but no time is set aside each week for "visitation" and honestly, our pastor isn't "sold" on the slick soul winning methods many Churches use.

Leaves me wondering.

What sort of views are represented here on the forum regarding soul winning, sharing the gospel as a Church, and soul winning programs promoted by Sword of the Lord, or a program like Evangelism Explosion or Way of Life.

A hot button for me... in one church we were in, "soul-winning" was ALL.  Adultery and homosexuality were sins, but the REAL sin was not going out at least once a week and going door-to-door, selling Jesus (or, a prayer to get one to heaven).  No one could do anything in the church unless they went out weekly.  People had to report how many hours they were out, and how many "gospel" presentations they made; how many people were saved... and you could expect a rebuke if you weren't going.

I find it interesting that, in none of the messages, in none of the epistles in the NT, there is never a general command to people to go "soul-winning"; there are plenty of commands to live holy lives, to put off evil, to love one another, and help one another, but nary a word about soul-winning.  There are examples, yes, and we can see the burden laid on Paul, but no command to Christians.

A friend once explained to me that the Great Commission is like a mission statement for the church; it DOESN'T mean that every member does that.  Just like Home Depot's goal is to maximize sales of stuff for the home, not every one at Home Depot is a salesman; there are also cashiers, and stock takers, and bookkeepers, and deliverymen - each has a different job.  So, too, in the church, not everyone is suited to button-hole strangers about eternity.

Anyway, I rather like that outlook - it's refreshing after going door-to-door was pounded into our family for so many years.  I can see that the kids are more relaxed, now that the so-called "youth leader" is not berating them about lack of souls "down the aisle".

Two things:

1) The abuse of a thing does not de-legitimize the merit of the thing abused, otherwise we might want to throw away our KJVs since the Mormons are big proponents of that version.
2) It is not true that we are not commanded to preach the gospel (ie "go soulwinning).  The Great Commission, among many other passages are explicit about our privilege and duty.

1. There are much better versions than the KJV.
2. The Great Commission wasn't give to you ..... plus.... the apostles fulfilled its requirements many many years ago. Not everyone has the gift to share or spread the Gospel. Stop pretending they do.... or that its the responsibility of everyone.

 

[christundivided]

Reminds me of the quote "everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it" by Mark Twain (or his friend). 

And it gives me the opportunity to link one of the best sources for the subject by the Prince of Preachers....

http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/soulwinr.htm

Isn't wondrous how the "Prince of Preachers" distorts James 5:19-20 and makes it about a "individual" instead of God Himself.

Could you elaborate on what you mean?

In other words.... Spurgeon is twisting meaning for James 5:19-20. It has nothing to do with an individual converting someone to the Gospel. God is the only ONE that can convert anyone. Plus Spurgeon generally admits that verse 19 is talking about a back slider in heart.

 

[Walt]

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

I don't understand... I recognize the quote, but don't see the application.

 

[.tim]

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

I don't understand... I recognize the quote, but don't see the application.

No direct application. Except that it doesn't say "I would rather be a soul winner than live the good life in the homes of the wicked."

 

[Walt]

I have been in Churches that make a big deal about soul winning. The one I am attending now makes a deal about sharing your faith and being involved in Church ... but no time is set aside each week for "visitation" and honestly, our pastor isn't "sold" on the slick soul winning methods many Churches use.

Leaves me wondering.

What sort of views are represented here on the forum regarding soul winning, sharing the gospel as a Church, and soul winning programs promoted by Sword of the Lord, or a program like Evangelism Explosion or Way of Life.

A hot button for me... in one church we were in, "soul-winning" was ALL.  Adultery and homosexuality were sins, but the REAL sin was not going out at least once a week and going door-to-door, selling Jesus (or, a prayer to get one to heaven).  No one could do anything in the church unless they went out weekly.  People had to report how many hours they were out, and how many "gospel" presentations they made; how many people were saved... and you could expect a rebuke if you weren't going.

I find it interesting that, in none of the messages, in none of the epistles in the NT, there is never a general command to people to go "soul-winning"; there are plenty of commands to live holy lives, to put off evil, to love one another, and help one another, but nary a word about soul-winning.  There are examples, yes, and we can see the burden laid on Paul, but no command to Christians.

A friend once explained to me that the Great Commission is like a mission statement for the church; it DOESN'T mean that every member does that.  Just like Home Depot's goal is to maximize sales of stuff for the home, not every one at Home Depot is a salesman; there are also cashiers, and stock takers, and bookkeepers, and deliverymen - each has a different job.  So, too, in the church, not everyone is suited to button-hole strangers about eternity.

Anyway, I rather like that outlook - it's refreshing after going door-to-door was pounded into our family for so many years.  I can see that the kids are more relaxed, now that the so-called "youth leader" is not berating them about lack of souls "down the aisle".

Two things:

1) The abuse of a thing does not de-legitimize the merit of the thing abused, otherwise we might want to throw away our KJVs since the Mormons are big proponents of that version.
2) It is not true that we are not commanded to preach the gospel (ie "go soulwinning).  The Great Commission, among many other passages are explicit about our privilege and duty.

1) Noted
2) Ah, but I was very specific in what I said; I said "in the epistles" on purpose to exclude what is commonly called "The Great Commission" -- but that seems clearly give to the church as a whole, and not to every individual: otherwise, every individual has a command to baptize and teach; very few churches that I've been a part of allow just anyone to baptize, and I know that not everyone can teach.

I'm NOT talking about being a witness; I'm specifically referring to the demand that EVERY member participate in the going door-to-door and button-holing strangers and trying to get them to say a prayer, and then try to leverage that into making them come to church, and then to get baptized.

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

The Evangelist is a gift to the church, and not all are evangelists....so many are out in their own power,making a mess.
But every church has someone(s) with that gift, and they will see people saved regularly.

Do you believe the Great Commission is only directed toward those with the gift of evangelism?

 

[Liberty1]

I have been in Churches that make a big deal about soul winning. The one I am attending now makes a deal about sharing your faith and being involved in Church ... but no time is set aside each week for "visitation" and honestly, our pastor isn't "sold" on the slick soul winning methods many Churches use.

Leaves me wondering.

What sort of views are represented here on the forum regarding soul winning, sharing the gospel as a Church, and soul winning programs promoted by Sword of the Lord, or a program like Evangelism Explosion or Way of Life.

A hot button for me... in one church we were in, "soul-winning" was ALL.  Adultery and homosexuality were sins, but the REAL sin was not going out at least once a week and going door-to-door, selling Jesus (or, a prayer to get one to heaven).  No one could do anything in the church unless they went out weekly.  People had to report how many hours they were out, and how many "gospel" presentations they made; how many people were saved... and you could expect a rebuke if you weren't going.

I find it interesting that, in none of the messages, in none of the epistles in the NT, there is never a general command to people to go "soul-winning"; there are plenty of commands to live holy lives, to put off evil, to love one another, and help one another, but nary a word about soul-winning.  There are examples, yes, and we can see the burden laid on Paul, but no command to Christians.

A friend once explained to me that the Great Commission is like a mission statement for the church; it DOESN'T mean that every member does that.  Just like Home Depot's goal is to maximize sales of stuff for the home, not every one at Home Depot is a salesman; there are also cashiers, and stock takers, and bookkeepers, and deliverymen - each has a different job.  So, too, in the church, not everyone is suited to button-hole strangers about eternity.

Anyway, I rather like that outlook - it's refreshing after going door-to-door was pounded into our family for so many years.  I can see that the kids are more relaxed, now that the so-called "youth leader" is not berating them about lack of souls "down the aisle".

Two things:

1) The abuse of a thing does not de-legitimize the merit of the thing abused, otherwise we might want to throw away our KJVs since the Mormons are big proponents of that version.
2) It is not true that we are not commanded to preach the gospel (ie "go soulwinning).  The Great Commission, among many other passages are explicit about our privilege and duty.

1. There are much better versions than the KJV.
2. The Great Commission wasn't give to you ..... plus.... the apostles fulfilled its requirements many many years ago. Stop pretending they do.... or that its the responsibility of everyone.Not everyone has the gift to share or spread the Gospel.

My mother led me to the Lord in the den of our home when I was a boy. She never claimed to have a "gift." Paul admonished that the early church teach the apostle's doctrine to other men who will likewise teach it to other men........... Since Jesus does the saving, leading a person to Christ doesn't require any more of a gift than being able to lead a thirsty man to water. Every Christian has been called to lead - to lead other men to Christ.

 

[Billy]

What is soul winning?

 

[Liberty1]

Knocking on a stranger's door and handing him a pamphlet.

I wasn't a stranger to my mother.

 

[christundivided]

I have been in Churches that make a big deal about soul winning. The one I am attending now makes a deal about sharing your faith and being involved in Church ... but no time is set aside each week for "visitation" and honestly, our pastor isn't "sold" on the slick soul winning methods many Churches use.

Leaves me wondering.

What sort of views are represented here on the forum regarding soul winning, sharing the gospel as a Church, and soul winning programs promoted by Sword of the Lord, or a program like Evangelism Explosion or Way of Life.

A hot button for me... in one church we were in, "soul-winning" was ALL.  Adultery and homosexuality were sins, but the REAL sin was not going out at least once a week and going door-to-door, selling Jesus (or, a prayer to get one to heaven).  No one could do anything in the church unless they went out weekly.  People had to report how many hours they were out, and how many "gospel" presentations they made; how many people were saved... and you could expect a rebuke if you weren't going.

I find it interesting that, in none of the messages, in none of the epistles in the NT, there is never a general command to people to go "soul-winning"; there are plenty of commands to live holy lives, to put off evil, to love one another, and help one another, but nary a word about soul-winning.  There are examples, yes, and we can see the burden laid on Paul, but no command to Christians.

A friend once explained to me that the Great Commission is like a mission statement for the church; it DOESN'T mean that every member does that.  Just like Home Depot's goal is to maximize sales of stuff for the home, not every one at Home Depot is a salesman; there are also cashiers, and stock takers, and bookkeepers, and deliverymen - each has a different job.  So, too, in the church, not everyone is suited to button-hole strangers about eternity.

Anyway, I rather like that outlook - it's refreshing after going door-to-door was pounded into our family for so many years.  I can see that the kids are more relaxed, now that the so-called "youth leader" is not berating them about lack of souls "down the aisle".

Two things:

1) The abuse of a thing does not de-legitimize the merit of the thing abused, otherwise we might want to throw away our KJVs since the Mormons are big proponents of that version.
2) It is not true that we are not commanded to preach the gospel (ie "go soulwinning).  The Great Commission, among many other passages are explicit about our privilege and duty.

1. There are much better versions than the KJV.
2. The Great Commission wasn't give to you ..... plus.... the apostles fulfilled its requirements many many years ago. Stop pretending they do.... or that its the responsibility of everyone.Not everyone has the gift to share or spread the Gospel.

My mother led me to the Lord in the den of our home when I was a boy. She never claimed to have a "gift." Paul admonished that the early church teach the apostle's doctrine to other men who will likewise teach it to other men........... Since Jesus does the saving, leading a person to Christ doesn't require any more of a gift than being able to lead a thirsty man to water. Every Christian has been called to lead - to lead other men to Christ.

You're comparing apples to oranges. I never said the things you claim I said. My response was concerning the Great Commission... .and NO... your momma wasn't called to fulfill the great commission. This doesn't have anything to do with someone can share their faith with someone else.

 

[christundivided]

Knocking on a stranger's door and handing him a pamphlet.

I wasn't a stranger to my mother.

No... but your mother wasn't a mother to the rest of the world was she?

 

[christundivided]

What is soul winning?

Getting someone to believe like you believe.

 

[FSSL]

Recently, we all learned that it would never happen in a small group setting!

 

[Liberty1]

I have been in Churches that make a big deal about soul winning. The one I am attending now makes a deal about sharing your faith and being involved in Church ... but no time is set aside each week for "visitation" and honestly, our pastor isn't "sold" on the slick soul winning methods many Churches use.

Leaves me wondering.

What sort of views are represented here on the forum regarding soul winning, sharing the gospel as a Church, and soul winning programs promoted by Sword of the Lord, or a program like Evangelism Explosion or Way of Life.

A hot button for me... in one church we were in, "soul-winning" was ALL.  Adultery and homosexuality were sins, but the REAL sin was not going out at least once a week and going door-to-door, selling Jesus (or, a prayer to get one to heaven).  No one could do anything in the church unless they went out weekly.  People had to report how many hours they were out, and how many "gospel" presentations they made; how many people were saved... and you could expect a rebuke if you weren't going.

I find it interesting that, in none of the messages, in none of the epistles in the NT, there is never a general command to people to go "soul-winning"; there are plenty of commands to live holy lives, to put off evil, to love one another, and help one another, but nary a word about soul-winning.  There are examples, yes, and we can see the burden laid on Paul, but no command to Christians.

A friend once explained to me that the Great Commission is like a mission statement for the church; it DOESN'T mean that every member does that.  Just like Home Depot's goal is to maximize sales of stuff for the home, not every one at Home Depot is a salesman; there are also cashiers, and stock takers, and bookkeepers, and deliverymen - each has a different job.  So, too, in the church, not everyone is suited to button-hole strangers about eternity.

Anyway, I rather like that outlook - it's refreshing after going door-to-door was pounded into our family for so many years.  I can see that the kids are more relaxed, now that the so-called "youth leader" is not berating them about lack of souls "down the aisle".

Two things:

1) The abuse of a thing does not de-legitimize the merit of the thing abused, otherwise we might want to throw away our KJVs since the Mormons are big proponents of that version.
2) It is not true that we are not commanded to preach the gospel (ie "go soulwinning).  The Great Commission, among many other passages are explicit about our privilege and duty.

1. There are much better versions than the KJV.
2. The Great Commission wasn't give to you ..... plus.... the apostles fulfilled its requirements many many years ago. Stop pretending they do.... or that its the responsibility of everyone.Not everyone has the gift to share or spread the Gospel.

My mother led me to the Lord in the den of our home when I was a boy. She never claimed to have a "gift." Paul admonished that the early church teach the apostle's doctrine to other men who will likewise teach it to other men........... Since Jesus does the saving, leading a person to Christ doesn't require any more of a gift than being able to lead a thirsty man to water. Every Christian has been called to lead - to lead other men to Christ.

You're comparing apples to oranges. I never said the things you claim I said. My response was concerning the Great Commission... .and NO... your momma wasn't called to fulfill the great commission. This doesn't have anything to do with someone can share their faith with someone else.

Go ahead and share your faith, and when you lead someone to Christ the soul winners will rejoice with you.

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

We really like to throw the fff baby out with the bathwater, don't we? 

Soul Winning is what some call their evangelism effort.
Outreach in some circles.

It is an attempt to fulfill The Great Commission....the go into our Jerusalem, Samaria and the ends of the earth with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ command of the NT.

Now, as a so called Calvinist, I certainly don't believe in a 1-2-3 pray after me evangelism plan....but to paraphrase Jack Hyles 'I like the way some do it better than the way others don't do it'!

Our church has no organized visitation or door to door soul winning outreach...but we certainly teach, preach, practice and encourage sharing the Gospel...and have an organized plan to do so.

http://viewthestory.com/training/

 

[FSSL]

Soul Winning is what some call their evangelism effort.
Outreach in some circles.

... or Marketing the Church

I'm not against sharing the Gospel. I just never use the term "soulwinning." I just do it. I don't do the door-to-door stuff.

 

[Liberty1]

Soul Winning is what some call their evangelism effort.
Outreach in some circles.

... or Marketing the Church

I'm not against sharing the Gospel. I just never use the term "soulwinning." I just do it. I don't do the door-to-door stuff.

There's news.