What is pre-evangelism?

Definition and Purpose

Pre-evangelism is the preparatory stage of sharing the gospel message. It involves thoughtful engagement with a person's worldview and values before presenting the specific truths of salvation. This process addresses doubts or misconceptions, laying a foundation so that when biblical truths are shared, they can be better received. Pre-evangelism includes conversational bridge-building, listening attentively to questions, and guiding others to explore important concepts such as the existence of God, the reliability of Scripture, and humanity’s need for redemption.

Biblical Foundations

Scripture underscores the necessity of having a ready defense of the faith, both for the believer’s own confidence and for communicating truth to others. As the Berean Standard Bible says, “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Pre-evangelism resonates with passages that emphasize understanding the cultural context and meeting people where they are. When Paul addressed the Athenians, he recognized their religious curiosity and began his address by referencing their altar to an unknown god (Acts 17:22–23). In doing so, he illustrated how a believer can start from a person’s present worldview or assumptions and guide them toward Christ.

Key Elements of Pre-Evangelism

1. Establishing Trust and Relationship. Listening and engaging meaningfully build trust, which is critical before presenting the gospel message. Proverbially, “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1), and a humble, caring demeanor often opens doors to deeper conversations.

2. Addressing Existential Questions. Many people wrestle with questions about life’s purpose, origin, and morality. Pre-evangelism encourages sincere discussion surrounding these questions while guiding individuals to see that an eternal God is the source of both meaning and morality.

3. Responding to Intellectual Barriers. Some objections revolve around the rationality of belief in God, the problem of evil, or the reliability of the Bible. Pre-evangelism involves clarifying misunderstandings, offering coherent explanations, and affirming that faith rests on a historically anchored and intellectually defensible foundation.

4. Pointing to the Uniqueness of Christ. While not yet inviting someone to embrace Christ entirely (as in full evangelism), pre-evangelism highlights the historical reality of His life, His miracles, and His resurrection—each confirmed by eyewitness testimony and early manuscript evidence (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–8).

Tools and Methods

1. Personal Testimony. A personal story of transformation often engages people’s attention before they fully grasp doctrinal details. Sharing how God has acted in one’s life can create a safe space for them to explore their own questions.

2. Intellectual and Philosophical Arguments. Strategies such as the cosmological argument (pointing to an initial Cause for the universe) and the moral argument (showing that objective moral laws point to a moral Lawgiver) can open minds to the concept of a creator God.

3. Scientific and Historical Illustrations. Findings from disciplines such as biology, where DNA displays complex information systems, suggest design. Archaeological discoveries—like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the accurate transmission of Old Testament texts or the Tel Dan Stele referencing the “House of David”—underscore the Bible’s historical credibility.

4. Questions and Dialogue. Asking open-ended, thought-provoking questions encourages people to examine their presuppositions. This method, evidenced in how Jesus often responded to challenges with questions (e.g., Luke 20:3–8), helps individuals discover gaps in their worldview and become more receptive to biblical truth.

Examples in Scripture

1. Jesus with the Samaritan Woman (John 4). He began the conversation with a request for water and slowly led her to recognize her spiritual need. This illustrates how small points of contact can transition into deeper spiritual topics.

2. Paul in Athens (Acts 17). Paul started by acknowledging the Athenians’ spiritual interests, quoting their poets, and using that cultural common ground to introduce the God who “gives all men life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25).

3. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26–38). Though this account presents more of a direct evangelistic opportunity, Philip’s question—“Do you understand what you are reading?”—displays how a well-placed question can clear the way for the gospel.

Apologetic Aspects

1. Reliability of Scripture. Early manuscripts, including many fragments of the New Testament dated within decades of the apostles’ lives, confirm that what people read in Scripture today remains consistent with the original writings. Ancient translations and quotations from early church fathers further verify the reliability and unity of the message.

2. Historical Case for the Resurrection. Early creed passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:3–7 show that belief in the risen Christ was held soon after His crucifixion. Numerous lines of evidence—empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and accounts of changed lives—support the reality of the resurrection.

3. Differences in Worldview. Some come from naturalistic backgrounds that deny possibility of miracles. Yet, historical documents describe miracles in the life of Jesus, and modern testimonies of healing and supernatural interventions abound. These do not serve as absolute proof to the skeptic, but they open the door to considering a reality beyond the purely material.

Modern Application

Pre-evangelism plays a crucial role today, serving amid a culture often inclined to question the very concept of personal deity or truth. Believers can offer a genuine listening ear, build rapport, and respectfully discuss foundational topics so that when the full gospel is presented, it connects with the hearer’s heart and mind.

A variety of approaches—academic discussions, personal testimonies, creative evangelistic methods—can be used. For instance, using recent geological observations about sedimentary layers and fossils can guide inquirers toward recognizing a catastrophic event such as a global flood consistent with biblical narratives. Those open to philosophical dialogue might consider arguments for a prime mover, an eternal Being, and the objective basis for morality.

Challenges and Encouragement

A primary challenge is overcoming the fear that one must have all the answers. Pre-evangelism is not about winning debates but about preparing the soil for the gospel seed. The process may take time, patience, and prayer. The Holy Spirit can soften hearts and illuminate truth (John 6:44).

Practitioners of pre-evangelism can be encouraged to see every conversation as an opportunity to spark curiosity about Christ. Answering a single question or offering a thoughtful resource can stir deeper interest and open doors to later conversations.

Conclusion

Pre-evangelism is the essential groundwork for helping others see why the gospel is both reasonable and necessary. It establishes common ground, answers fundamental questions, and prepares hearts to receive the good news of salvation. Whether through personal testimony, logical argumentation, scientific evidence, or archaeological support confirming biblical history, the approach sets the stage for the truth of Christ’s redeeming work. It is, ultimately, one link in the larger chain of God’s invitation to humanity—an invitation to know and glorify Him.