Ep. 019 | The Farming Model of Evangelism
Evangelism and Outreach
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Developing a System of Outreach and Evangelism in Your Church
April 1, 2025
Episode 19: Show Notes
The Farming Model of Evangelism
Hosts:
Bart Blair
Nathan Bryant (Executive Director of Assist Church Expansion)
Episode Summary
In this episode, Bart and Nathan discuss the "Farming Model" of evangelism, building on principles shared in Episode 17. They explore a strategic approach to both individual and corporate evangelism based on the parable of the seed from Matthew 13.
The Need for Evangelism
A 2021 LifeWay research study found 71% of people are open to hearing someone's life story when meeting them for the first time
In the UK, 75% of non-Christians who had conversations with Christian friends about Jesus felt comfortable, and 33% wanted to know more
Only 55% of non-Christians who knew a Christian said that person had ever talked about their faith
The Farming Model of Evangelism (Six Steps)
Choosing the Field
Identifying who God is calling you to reach
Focus on relationships where ongoing connection is possible
Consider both individual relationships and corporate community focus
Preparing the Soil (90% of the work)
Removing obstacles to faith through building relationships
Addressing sociological barriers rather than just theological ones
Creating connections between non-believers and multiple Christians
Building spiritual momentum through relational momentum
Listening more and talking less
Planting the Seed
Sharing the Word of God, specifically about Jesus and the gospel
Creating the right environment for growth
Cultivating
Giving time for the message to grow and mature
Not rushing to "close the deal" prematurely
Creating the best circumstances for spiritual growth
Harvesting
Picking the fruit when it's ripe
Recognizing when someone is ready to make a decision
Creating a "Greenhouse" Environment
Evangelistic Bible study approach (5-7 weeks)
Elements needed: Word of God, prayer, connection to believers, gifted teachers
Research shows significantly higher retention rates with this approach
Corporate Evangelism Strategy
Churches need a clear process and strategy
Leveraging different spiritual gifts within the church body
Providing clear pathways for members to connect non-believers
Working as a team to reach the community
Resources Mentioned
Previous Episode: #17 on the principles of evangelism
The Revitalize My Church Podcast releases two episodes each month with the goal of helping churches navigate change and reorient to a new and healthy future.