Seeing receptive people groups

This material is from a class presentation by a group of students. The words in boldface type are those that the other students were supposed to write in blank spaces on a printed lecture guide.

Some people are like the "good soil" of Jesus' parable in which the seed of God's Word is planted, takes root, grows, and flowers.

In terms of openness to the gospel, Donald McGavran noted that cultures swing back and forth along an imaginary line -- from hostility, resistance, or just indifference, to interest and receptivity. In every population, some people will almost always be scattered along various points of that line although the majority of a population is often clustered at one single point.

Christians must see that the Holy Spirit prepares people. While He reveals God to us and is responsible for conversion, often He chooses to make face-to-face appeals to people through human agents. While the Holy Spirit empowers us to make those appeals, it is He Himself who has already prepared those people. [ more on prevenient grace ]

John Wesley's strategy, like that of Donald McGavran's, stressed concentrating on the harvest. That meant continually seeking out receptive people and attempting to win the winnable.

Speaking to the masses means:

How open is the local church to receptive people?

Does the church . . .

  1. . . . want newcomers?
  2. . . . seek newcomers?
  3. . . . invite newcomers?
  4. . . . welcome newcomers?
  5. . . . involve newcomers?
  6. . . . nurture new people when they come to Christ?

Fruitful personal evangelism

NextNeed help and guidance in personal evangelism? How do you share your faith with someone who appears to be receptive? [  more ]

    -- Howard Culbertson,

Afterword: Why do some people seem more receptive than others?

A variety of factors can contribute to individuals becoming receptive to the Gospel. Here are eight of them:

  1. During times of personal or societal crisis, people seek answers and solutions that offer clarity, meaning, or stability. The Gospel can appeal to those facing uncertainty or existential questions.
  2. Peer pressure, family beliefs, or cultural norms can influence one's receptiveness to the Gospel. If the Gospel is accepted by others in someone's social circles, they may be open to it.
  3. People often seek comfort, belonging, and emotional fulfillment in spirituality. The Gospel can provide community, purpose, or hope for people experiencing emotional distress or seeking deeper meaning in life.
  4. Past experiences, traumas, or personal encounters impact people's worldview and their openness to new beliefs. If someone has had positive experiences or perceived benefits associated with the Gospel, they may be receptive to its message.
  5. The ideals of the Gospel might speak to people who are drawn to its philosophical, ethical, or moral principles. Intellectual curiosity or agreement with its core values can make someone open to examining and embracing the Gospel.
  6. Human cognition is subject to various biases, such as confirmation bias (favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs) These biases can influence individuals to accept ideas that harmonize with their existing beliefs or seem readily available in their environment.
  7. Good communication, persuasive messaging, and even charismatic leadership can sway individuals toward embracing the Gospel.
  8. People often seek identity and belonging through affiliation with groups or ideologies that agree with their values and aspirations. The Gospel may offer a sense of identity and belonging to individuals searching for a community or purpose.

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