The Call to Soulwinning (video guide below)
Soulwinning is not an elective in the Christian life. It is a commandment given by Jesus Christ to every local church. The Great Commission is not a suggestion; it is an order from the King. Yet the sad reality in San Clemente is that very few churches obey it.
Most churches in this area do not practice personal soulwinning. They have retreated behind their walls, content to feel good among themselves while the lost outside are perishing without Christ. Many churches here are not even clear on the gospel. Some outright preach a false gospel, which is a denial of the finished work of Christ. Others simply avoid the subject of salvation altogether, offering entertainment instead of clear doctrine.
Meanwhile, people outside the church’s walls are desperate for salvation. If only someone would stop by and tell them how they can know for sure they are going to heaven.
The Biblical Mandate
When Jesus called His disciples, He did not call them to sit in comfortable auditoriums. He called them to action.
“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.”
— Mark 1:17-18 (KJV)
The early church understood this. They did not wait for sinners to come to them; they went to the sinners.
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
— Acts 5:42 (KJV)
The Wisdom of Soulwinning
Soulwinning is the key to a healthy church. When a church gets serious about reaching the lost, every other problem begins to fade. As Dr. Jack Hyles wrote:
“Soul winning is the basic secret of every other problem in the church. For example, here a church is having cold services. There is no warmth there. The Lord does not meet with them. Now how do you overcome it? Get to winning souls. If somebody walks down the aisle every Sunday and professes their faith in Christ, that will warm the service up a great deal.”
There is also a promise attached to soulwinning: “He that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). Hyles added:
“I would rather have a soul-winning ignoramus run the business of my church than a group of big shots who won’t come to prayer meeting on Wednesday night.”
Getting Started
Knocking on the doors of strangers can be intimidating at first. It is uncomfortable. It is awkward. But it is also the most rewarding work a Christian can do. It is one of many reasons that San Clemente needs an Independent Fundamental Baptist church.
One of the most effective ways to begin a conversation is to ask a simple question: “If you died today, do you know for certain that you would go to heaven?”
Cults like the Catholic Church have confused people for centuries, making them think eternal destiny is no more than a lucky coin toss. It is heartbreaking when someone answers, “I hope so,” or “I feel like I’m a pretty nice person.” But also that kind of answer is an opportunity. It allows you to open the Bible and show them what God actually says about salvation.
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” — 1 John 5:13 (KJV)
As John R. Rice said:
“If you want to be a soul winner, the first thing to do is to go!”
“Soul winning is not a matter of talent. People do not win souls because they are educated or are peculiarly fitted for it by nature or have magnetic personalities. Those who win the most souls are those who most persistently and with the greatest abandon go after sinners.”
Please visit our page: How to Go to Heaven.
If you are a born-again believer, you are commanded to share the gospel. You do not need a seminary degree. You do not need a magnetic personality. You need only a burden for the lost and a willingness to go.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
— Mark 16:15 (KJV)
Below is a helpful video guide that explains how to soulwin, including tips on introductions, presenting the gospel, and leading someone to Christ.
