The basis for all evangelism work.
How do relationships start?
I believe we are all hard-wired by our Creator to desire relationships with fellow human beings. It is, I think, part of what it means to be created in the image of God. If you recall, God desired fellowship (in Greek, koinonia) with His premier creation and would walk in the garden with Adam and Eve. Therefore, it is rare for us humans to totally isolate ourselves from each other. So where do relationships start? Any number of places for sure- such as the market when buying food for dinner, or by connecting with someone on social media, or while doing your laundry at a laundromat, or perhaps when you fill up your car with fuel. I recently had a conversation with a gentleman at an adjacent gas pump, which ended in an invitation to a Bible study.
Disciples make disciples
The first steps to discipleship begin as the conversation shifts to understanding one another’s worldview. Asking the person across the cafe table about where we came from, or what they think is our purpose for living, can get them thinking about their belief system. The Holy Spirit can use these questions to draw their attention to their need for a Savior. Then, if they respond by accepting Christ as Savior and Lord of their life, discipleship can begin. Since you have created this close relationship, you wouldn’t leave your friend hanging, instead you would nurture their relationship with Jesus and disciple them in the ways of the Savior.
What makes it exponentially harder for the missionary, are the barriers of a different language, a vastly different culture, and a predisposition to distrust foreigners. But these barriers can be overcome, and have been by countless missionaries who have considered the cost and dedicated their lives to bringing the Gospel to those who have never heard it! For those of us who are outgoing, this process of relationship building is exciting and enjoyable, but for others, myself included, it is fraught with fear and trembling. While not all of us have the spiritual gift of evangelism, we all do have a witness of what God has done in our lives and need to be ready and looking for ways to share it!