We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 4:1-26.
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Go where many don't want to go. Evangelism begins with initiative. No Jew wanted to travel into Samaria, if at all possible. In your community where is it no one wants to go?
Hang out where people hang out. There in Sychar people hung out at the well. Stay long enough and someone was bound to come. In your community, where do people hang out?
Initiate conversation. Jesus didn't wait for the woman to speak to Him. (He knew she probably wouldn't, since that was culturally frowned upon.)
Don't be defensive. The woman knew that Jews claimed superiority to Samaritans. She knew that men claimed superiority to women. So she puts it right out there with a twist: "How is it that you, being a Jew (supposedly superior) ask (as my inferior) me (superior) for a drink, since I am a Samaritan woman (supposedly inferior to you)?" Jesus remained calm. He stayed on subject.
Be willing to associate with outcasts. Strike one, she was a woman. Strike two, she was a Samaritan. You'll never be a successful evangelist if you ignore the diseased, distressed, dysfunctional and disadvantaged.
Stir curiosity about Jesus (Jn. 4:10). Use analogies. Jesus mentioned "living water." The analogy stirred a desire to know more.
Be a good listener. Jesus listened to each of the woman's questions and responses. You can't respond to what you haven't understood. Evangelism is a dialogue. Those who won't listen won't be listened to.
Press the issue. At some point you have to deal with the problem of sin. By this time you've built adequate rapport with the person.
Take what you're given. Work from the other person's agenda, not your own. Answer questions. Keep the relationship open for further impact. It seems the woman is trying (Jn. 4:19-20) to avoid the truth (Jn. 4:17-18). Jesus goes with the flow and continues to engage her.
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