How Do Participants in an Evangelism Training Program Assess Its Impact on Their Ability and Confidence in Sharing Their Personal Faith?

This research project probed the question, “How do participants in an evangelism training program assess its impact on their ability, confidence and enthusiasm in sharing their faith to non-believers?” Current research suggests that although “evangelicals” firmly believe in the exclusivism of the Gospel message, few actually tell others about this message (a practice called “witnessing to others”). However, current research also suggests that when evangelicals are trained and encouraged to tell others, their confidence and skill level in witnessing is increased. The project reviews both historical and current theological understandings of the term “evangelism”. The project also probes some of the ethical issues related to the motives and reasons for witnessing to others. The project then culminates by presenting the findings of a phenomenological study of thirty people from selected Chinese churches in Calgary who participated in a training program designed to enhance their confidence and skill in witnessing to others.