Targeting Your "Community" For Evangelism
Learning to Fish for Souls Like Jesus
“Jesus called out, ‘Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men.’” Matthew 4:19 (LB)
JESUS’ STRATEGY OF FISHING FOR MEN: Matthew 10 and Luke 10
You must identify who you are trying to reach. Know your target.
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Matthew 15:24
“I was entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been given the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews.” Galatians 2:7
“Don’t go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6
HOW TO DEFINE YOUR EVANGELISTIC TARGET
(Defining your geographic target)
On a map of your area draw 3 circles representing 1, 3, and 5 miles around your church.
Figure the number of people who live within the average trip time.
Figure at least 50% of that population is unchurched. That is your fishing pond!
(Defining your demographic target)
Age Breakdown - How many in each age group?
Marital Breakdown - How many singles/married?
Income Breakdown - What do they earn?
Occupational Breakdown - Where do they work? Blue/white collar?
Resources: Government Census, Library, County/City Planning Dept, Newspaper offices, Chamber of Commerce, Builders/Realtors/Utilities
(Define your target culturally)
Go door-to-door. Talk to people personally!
(Define your target spiritually)
Determine their religious background.