Sharing The Gospel

 In Mark 16:15, Jesus commanded His followers: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  The Gospel is urgently needed in our nation today.  At the Christian Law Association, we are encouraged to hear the stories of many soul winners who are successfully sharing the Gospel, and we are honored to stand as attorneys and defend their right to share Christ.

Many of these successes involve traditional outreach programs like door-to-door visitation, community vacation Bible schools, and school Bible clubs.  But we also hear stories of creativity in soul winning as we legally serve those that are witnessing.

Backyard Believers

  Gloria’s backyard is a popular shortcut to school for neighborhood children.  She suspected not many of these children ever attended church.  So Gloria came up with a creative idea.  She bought some fun children’s Gospel tracts and began offering them to the kids who crossed her yard every day.  The children were happy to take the tracts and some even stopped for more conversation on the way home from school.  This idea has turned into a productive ministry for Gloria.  It is an easy and creative way for stay-at-home moms and even home school families to share the Gospel right in their own neighborhood.

Legal Tip: Soul winners should not offer children food or money along with the Gospel tracts.  These actions could be misunderstood as attempts to lure children for nefarious purposes.

Special Days

  Sandra shares the Gospel with her office co-workers by using birthdays and holidays as an opportunity to give tasteful religious cards with Gospel tracts tucked inside—sometimes along with a small gift such as homemade bread or cookies.  Co-workers are less likely to complain about the witness when it is graciously offered along with individual well wishes at special times.

Legal Tip: Do not give religious items to co-workers who have already made clear they do not want to talk with you about religion.  This could be considered harassment.  The messages should be positive, not critical of other religions.

Public Bible Reading

  Some community groups have done public Bible readings in local parks.  When volunteers take turns reading God’s Word 24hours a day for 15 minutes each, it takes about 5 days to go from Genesis to Revelation.  While one person is reading, others should be available to talk and pray with those who are curious about what is going on.

Legal Tip: Public parks are protected free-speech areas, but communities may require a permit if you are using amplification.  Local police and officials should be notified of this type of activity in advance so adequate protection and security can be provided.

Private Businesses

  Private business owners can find many creative and effective ways to share the Gospel.  Alan owned a popcorn factory and placed both Christian and patriotic symbols on his popcorn packaging.  One buyer was offended by the packaging logos, but many more customers thanked Alan for the message.  If customers don’t like Alan’s message, they are free to take their business elsewhere.

Neil sells produce at a farmer’s market.  He always places a Gospel tract resembling a million dollar bill in customer bags.  Many customers liked the tracts so much, they come back to ask for more bills to give their friends.

Legal Tip:  Christian business owners have a legal right to present whatever message they like to their customers.  Their only legal obligation is to accommodate any employees who do not want to participate in this practice.

Release Time Programs

One of the best kept secrets for creative witnessing in public schools is the release time program.  Decades ago, courts ruled that private groups may legally take children away from school property for religious instruction.  Sometimes these programs take the form of regular weekly or monthly classes.  Other times, groups offer students special programs for only a few days.  One evangelistic group visits schools on a rotating basis for release time programs.  During one program, seventy-six children were saved.  In a similar program, every school child in one county heard the Gospel in a single year, with several hundred children saved.  This is a legal and effective way to bring the Gospel to public schools.

Legal Tip: The local school board must approve release time programs and parents must sign permission slips for children to participate.

The Word of God is active and moving in our world, shining its light across the vast mountains, plains and valleys of America.  As the days grow darker, the Christian Law Association is here to protect and preserve the right to practice, preach and proclaim the faith that we hold so dear.

Wherever the truth of God is challenged, the ministry of CLA stands ready to defend the Gospel proclaimers in the churches and ministries across America.  We must be “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5:16) And remember, “He that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

What can you do to be a lighthouse that this dark, sinful world needs?

  1.  Support your local church in its effort to share Christ.

  2.  Personally tell others about Jesus.

  3.  Stand with CLA in prayer and financial support as we defend the

  preaching of Jesus Christ to a nation that so desperately needs to hear of God’s salvation.