Introduction
Do you remember learning anything particular from elementary or high school? If so, it probably was NOT a single lecture! You probably remember an experience! No doubt, you did learn from lectures, but it took years of repetition for it to really sink in. This is the way verbal learning usually happens. It doesn’t ordinarily stick the first time. But by multiple repetitions, it begins to sink in.
We don’t learn best by hearing.
Scientists that study student learning tell us that the way we receive information matters. The famous learning pyramid illustrates that we learn roughly 90% of what we teach to others, 75% of what we practice, 50% of what we discuss, 30% of what is demonstrated for us, 20% of what is illustrated through audio/visual techniques, 10% of what we read, but only 5% of what we are told! (https://www.educationcorner.com/the-learning-pyramid/)
Since witnessing opportunities are usually verbal, the statistics are not in the evangelist’s favor! It’s true that we must preach the gospel with our lifestyle in order for our words to matter. But the information of the gospel is usually transferred verbally. Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” But if we faithfully “preach” the gospel to our friends and neighbors, how can we have any confidence that what we say will take root in their hearts? The answer to that question is this: repetition. In fact, it may take up to 20 times, if the learning pyramid is accurate!
Repetition and varied context are important for true learning.
Jessica enrolled her daughter in our Christian preschool. At the time of application, she and her husband claimed to be Christians. Jessica heard the gospel though the curriculum, information that came home, and school programs. She memorized scripture with her daughter and developed an interest in attending church. She listened to the preaching of the gospel for years. She attended several special events at which the gospel message was high-lighted. When approached by her neighbor, a member in our church, with an offer to do a Bible-study together, Jessica readily agreed, stating that she was interested in growing in her faith.
But after several years of gospel-exposure, Jessica was still unsaved. She had probably heard a clear presentation of the gospel through our church and school ministries nearly 100 times. She sat down with a Christian lady from our church and they began to do The Exchange Bible Study together. By week #3, Jessica clearly understood that she had never personally placed her faith in Jesus Christ. She called her Bible study leader. “Do I have to wait to meet with you again? I’m ready to be saved right now! I’ve heard the gospel so many times. I know it forward and backward, but I have never made it personal. But now, I’m ready to put my faith in Jesus!”
Jessica illustrates the truth that most of us need to hear a message multiple times and in several different contexts for it to really take root. There are a few lessons to be learned from her testimony:
- Keep preaching the gospel. Very rarely does someone trust Christ after hearing the gospel for the very first time. They need to hear the message lovingly shared multiple times.
- Don’t give up too early on those that are slow to come to faith in Christ. You can’t save anyone. That is the Holy Spirit’s job. What you can do is stay faithful to obey the Great Commission.
- A personal conversation is far more effective than a church invitation. We see this all throughout the New Testament and in contemporary church life. Relationships are key to gospel witness.
Conclusion
The gospel is at first informational. Someone needs to understand their sinful separation from a holy God. They need to learn of His justice and mercy demonstrated on the cross of Jesus. But understanding and learning take repetitive teaching. So, keep “preaching” the gospel! Trust that the Holy Spirit is working through your faithful obedience. And lean into your redemptive relationships. Ongoing personal conversations are the most effective context for gospel witness and doing a Bible study together is a way to keep those conversations going.
Brad Stille is the Lead Pastor at First Baptist Church of Wixom, Michigan and serves as an Exchange Trainer. Contact Brad about leading an Exchange Training Event or to discuss this article at [email protected].