Incarnational v. Informational Evangelism

Incarnational and informational approaches to evangelism are both important ways to share the Gospel with others. Incarnational I do believe is a form in which one not only speaks the Truth, with full conviction of the Truth of Jesus Christ but lives it. It is often cited that a believer or acclaimed believer is a Christian however does not or may not live a Christian life or embody a worldview that would support that action. When we act in love or pursue action in love, if done in and through Christ, that incarnation is merely living proof of Christ’s prompting and transformation which comes by and through putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Paul writes in his Epistle to Corinth, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Cor. 517.)

This by no means discounts the nature of informational approaches to evangelism; in fact it is contrary to that thought. If we are able to act out the love of Christ in our witness or show it through how life is lived as a new creation, then one should be able to give an answer for the faith that we have (1 Pet 3:15). Being able to verbalize and be bold enough to share the Gospel in any situation, no matter how difficult, is a necessary approach to the witness of the believer although it may be more difficult as the feeling of rejection may arise. This is natural however it is even more imperative to pray though this barrier as how can one possibly come to know and put their faith in Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior if no one takes the opportunity to introduce Christ to them?

In closing, both are equally important, both balance each other. It is important to consider the life of the believer, it’s worldview and opinion should be lived in Christ’s image as Paul writes, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Further, the ability and boldness to share the Gospel is an intricate paramount piece of the puzzle in which one should be bold enough to share with courage, despite the adversity that may seem to exist.