What is Evangelism Explosion?

Overview

Evangelism Explosion is a training program designed to equip believers with clear, conversational methods for sharing the gospel. It seeks to fulfill the directive for believers to proclaim the good news of salvation, emphasizing a personal approach that helps individuals develop confidence in explaining core biblical truths. By providing a structured way to discuss life’s most crucial questions, it serves as an outreach strategy that many churches worldwide have adopted.

Biblical Foundations: The Great Commission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).

Evangelism Explosion draws heavily upon this instruction to reach people with the message of salvation. Additional scriptural emphasis on preaching the Word—“How, then, can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14)—reinforces its central mission. These biblical mandates highlight the necessity of proclaiming the gospel and defending the truth that humanity’s chief purpose is to know and glorify God.

Origins and Development of Evangelism Explosion

Evangelism Explosion was pioneered by Dr. D. James Kennedy in the early 1960s at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Observing that many churchgoers often felt unequipped to share their faith effectively, Dr. Kennedy developed a systematic approach that would help Christians present the key doctrines of salvation conversationally.

From its developmental period onward, the program spread globally. Pastors, teachers, and lay leaders adapted its training modules to local contexts. The widespread adoption demonstrated how a structured methodology could embolden everyday believers to speak about the historical reality of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) and the life-transforming power of the gospel.

Essential Components and Training Elements

At the heart of Evangelism Explosion is a series of training sessions, usually consisting of:

• Clear Gospel Presentation: Participants learn concise but thorough explanations of humanity’s need for salvation and Christ’s atoning work on the cross.

• Personal Testimony: Trainees are encouraged to share how they came to faith and how God’s grace has changed their lives.

• Practiced Conversations: Role-playing exercises foster confidence, helping believers address common questions about faith, eternity, and the reliability of Scripture.

• Scriptural Memory: Verses from the Bible, such as John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8–9, are memorized so that participants can quote them directly during conversations.

These training elements ensure that believers not only have a theoretical grounding in Christian doctrine but also the practical ability to guide someone from curiosity to understanding of biblical truths.

Typical Approach and Outline

A central feature of Evangelism Explosion is the “diagnostic question” approach:

1. “Do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in heaven?”

2. “If God were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into My heaven?’ what would you say?”

These questions often reveal a person’s assumptions about salvation—whether they think it is based on works, rituals, or not something they can really know. From there, the conversation naturally leads to the presentation of grace-based salvation, emphasizing verses like Ephesians 2:8–9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Scriptural Encouragement for Proclamation

Strengthening this method is the consistent encouragement found in Scripture to make God known. The miraculous unity of the Bible—preserved through thousands of manuscripts with remarkable consistency—underscores the importance of proclaiming God’s enduring message. Archaeological discoveries verifying biblical locations (such as sites in Jerusalem, Jericho, and others) further embolden Christians to share a faith grounded in historical reality, not merely in allegory or myth.

Integration into Church Life and Mission

Evangelism Explosion is often integrated into regular church life through small-group training sessions, Sunday school classes, and local outreach. Churches that implement the program typically report heightened awareness of evangelism, stronger participation in community events, and a renewed focus on the foundational promise that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Furthermore, by encouraging believers to engage friends, neighbors, and colleagues in spiritual conversations, the program becomes a catalyst for church growth. Testimonies abound of individuals who, once too shy or unsure, became effective ambassadors of Christ’s message (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Testifying to Modern Audiences

Relating biblical truths to the contemporary world often involves illustrating the coherence of Scripture with observable science, historical records, and the experiential reality of changed lives. Evangelism Explosion weaves these threads into its training framework, providing believers with answers for those who question the reliability of creation accounts or the factuality of Christ’s resurrection.

For instance, the structured approach might include references to the remarkable design evident in nature—echoing Romans 1:20, where the existence and power of God are perceived “through what has been made.” Such references strengthen conversations about the intelligent design that points to a Creator while reinforcing that salvation is ultimately accomplished through the atoning work of the risen Christ.

Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

Although Evangelism Explosion primarily focuses on how to share faith effectively, it also recognizes the importance of verifying biblical claims. Archaeological finds—from the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the textual stability of Isaiah to excavations in Israel that underline the historicity of events described throughout the Old and New Testaments—add weight to the message presented.

These discoveries, alongside careful manuscript analysis, illustrate that the gospel accounts have withstood centuries of scholarly scrutiny. This verifiable foundation increases confidence in believers as they communicate the truths of Scripture.

Common Concerns and Clarifications

• Some worry that structured presentations feel forced. Advocates emphasize that Evangelism Explosion teaches believers to converse genuinely, listening to the person’s background and concerns.

• Others question the emphasis on memorized techniques. Supporters point out that the biblical command to “be prepared to give a defense” (1 Peter 3:15) encourages believers to train and practice.

• A few express uncertainty about bridging cultural barriers. The program often highlights local adaptation, adjusted for language, custom, and context, while retaining the core gospel message of Christ’s saving work.

Conclusion

Evangelism Explosion is more than a method; it is a purposeful response to the Great Commission. By combining theological clarity, practical training, scriptural memorization, and personal testimony, it empowers believers to speak freely and effectively. The reliable foundation of Scripture—corroborated by archaeological evidence, historical documentation, and internal consistency—establishes a backdrop against which the life-transforming message of the resurrection of Christ is confidently spoken.

When believers are equipped through such methodology, they gain both the courage and know-how to continue spreading this good news. In every generation, the directive remains: to share the hope of salvation found in Christ alone and to glorify God by declaring His eternal truths to all.