REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE SOUL-WINNING

1) A soul winner must be saved : Luke 6: 39

2) A soul winner must holy, a vessel unto honor: II Tim. 2:20 a) In speech: Col. 4:6, > avoids gossip: Jas. 1:26, James 3:5-18 Soul winners must be very careful because sometimes soul winning time or visitation can end up in a gossip session.

Sometimes the prospect may begin to talk about other people so the soul winner should know how to get the conversation back to the topic.

>Avoids cursing or filthy speech Col. 4:6, Prov. 25:11 Do not get into an argument with the prospect. Always be tactful and calm. Avoid the trap of talking against other religions. We should make sure that the prospect will not be offended and will still be open to the next soul winner. > Avoid lying and deceit: Prov. 12:22, Eph. 4: 25 Avoid making false promises to your prospect or he will be discouraged and will not

believe you anymore. Make sure to show up on every appointment and try to be on time as well. Sometimes we are expert in sharing Bible but we cannot back it up with good character.

b) In apparel: I Timothy 2:9 James 1:27

People should not be confused about our identity as Christ- ians. An effective soul winner should obey the precepts of the Bible and one of them is decency in the way we dress. Our way of dressing should never be identified with worldly people because it grieves the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is grieved, He will not teach us or help us so all our efforts will be useless.

c) In our way of life/ lifestyle Eph. 5:3-5 > Uncleanness refers to the books we read, the movies we watch, our friends >Covetousness: a strong desire after the possession of worldly things. Any ex- cess of our basic needs is covetousness. We should ask God to give us wisdom to determine when enough is enough. People around us should not look at us and conclude that we are covetous.

Covetousness can be manifested by our food. Do we eat in expensive restaurants often? Our clothes: do they have to be signature? Do you have a lot but still want more? Our gadgets: do they have to be the latest model? Our appliances? Furniture? accessories? Shoes?

3) A soul winner should be prayerful: Acts 4:31,

John 15:5, Eph. 6: 12 Prayer is the most important ministry of a Christian. To neglect prayer is to fail in all efforts. Soul winning includes a spiritual battle that can only be won with God’s help. 4) A soul winner must be knowledgeable of Scripture. II Tim. 2:15 Heb. 10:25, I Peter 3: 15

Christians should not only read their Bibles but set aside at least two hours a week to do an in- depth study of the Bible. We should also try to memorize verses that will be useful in soul winning as well as other aspects of our Christian lives because we will never know what verses we will need when we witness to someone. It would be a shame if our prospect asks us some

questions that we cannot answer.

5) A soul winner must be patient: Psalm 126:5 Remember that if it seems your prospect turns you down it means that it is not yet the right time for him to believe the gospel. For some people, they only need to hear once and then they will readily receive Christ but for others it may take years or tens of years or decades.