How to use
Workshop in development. Teaching text from the supplied workshop materials is gathered here for review. Slides are being revised and are not included.
A life on mission
A life on mission / how do we respond to our calling?
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
John 21:15–17
PLANT: a framework for evangelism
- Pray — We pray for our love for Jesus to be re-invigorated and for opportunities to share His love.
- Listen — Listening demonstrates love and helps us understand other people.
- Articulate — We then articulate the gospel in a loving and culturally relevant way.
- iNvite — Invite them to their next step toward Jesus.
- Try again — Evangelism is a process. Think through what they need, and try again.
PLANT framework: © 2021 Bridges International. Text transcribed from the credited diagram in the supplied workshop deck.
Tools for gospel conversations
3 Circles: an evangelism tool
Tools like The Four Spiritual Laws, Knowing God Personally, Honor Restored help you build confident gospel conversations in various languages and cultural contexts.
Sharing the Gospel through your stories
- Every salvation story is unique and beautiful.
- As humans, we are heart-wired to learn from stories.
- Nobody can really argue with your story, because it’s personal and authentic.
The definition of successful evangelism
Do the work of sowing seeds, and give the results to the Holy Spirit.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6–7
Therefore, GO…
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19–20
Bring it to your group
These resources may be used in churches, small groups, classes, discipleship cohorts, workshops, retreats and personal study. Before you lead one:
- Adapt the examples to your local context.
- Keep the biblical and theological structure.
- Don’t remove the formation practices just to save time.
- Prepare your facilitators before the group begins.
Full facilitator guides, with setup, timing, safety notes and discussion questions, are available on request. For teaching, publishing, translation, partnership or licensing, contact The Garden Project.