When a football team has moved the ball down the field so that it is inside the opponents’ 20-yard line, close to the goal, it is described as being in the “red zone.” Every football team develops specific strategies or plays for the “red zone” so that they are effective in getting the ball across the goal line.
In evangelism, it is essential that believers have a specific game plan for seekers who are in the “red zone.” Seekers often have to travel a long spiritual journey before they come to Christ. Often they have objections, fears, hurts, bad experiences, or anger that they need to work through. When they finally come to a place where they are open to God, sense that something is missing in their lives, and wonder if Christ can help them, they have entered the “red zone” of their spiritual journey.
Whenever a seeker is in the “red zone,” believers must avoid certain mistakes that might hinder the seeker from finding Christ. Here are some things to AVOID.
1. Being Unaware of the “Red Zone”
Effective play calling is determined by such factors as what down it is and where the ball is on the field. Do they have 80 yards to go or 50 or 30? Or are they in the “red zone?” Being aware of these factors will determine what plays are called.
In the same way, as we interact with people, it is essential to find out where they are spiritually. God is always at work in the lives of those around you.
Are they angry, uninterested, confused, or open to God? Where are they at this point in their journey? A question I have found helpful in determining someone’s degree of spiritual openness is, “What is your church background?” By asking this question, I am giving them the opportunity to tell me about their spiritual journey. My goal is to draw them out, to get to know them, and, in the process, find out if they are spiritually responsive. God wants us to find out where they are on their spiritual journey so we can cooperate with Him and endeavor to encourage the seeker toward Christ.
2. Being Unprepared for the “Red Zone”
Football teams work hard on special plays just for the “red zone” so that they can be effective in getting the ball across the goal line. We need to know what to do to help a seeker cross the line of faith. Many Christians are not sure of what to do or say at this point. In the How to Share Your Faith training, we teach that there are four “plays” believers need to know how to execute in the “red zone”:
- How to present the gospel in a simple and clear way
- How to help the seekers receive Christ and cross the line of faith
- How to respond in a positive way if they are not yet ready
- How to respond well to questions, even if we don’t have the answer
If we know how to execute these four “plays” with confidence, we are in the best position to help seekers in the “red zone” cross the line of faith.
3. Not Listening to the Coach.
The coach is always involved in the game by sending in signals and giving direction to the players on the field. As we move through life, we encounter people with a wide variety of attitudes toward God. Some of them have been quietly turning toward God in their hearts. God knows who they are and will prompt you as you move among them. Remember when Philip saw the court official from Ethiopia? “The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot.'” (Acts 8:29) God knew what was going on in the Ethiopian’s heart and guided Philip to him. In the same way, God knows what is going on in the hearts of those around you, and He wants you to be sensitive to His promptings. He will quietly nudge you toward those who are responding to Him.
4. Not Dismissing the Trash Talk.
In the “red zone,” the negative voices of the enemy are intense. The trash talk whispered in your mind will try to make you feel inadequate, spiritually unqualified, or fearful of rejection and failure. Those voices are not coming from God. He wants you to dismiss the voices of the enemy and focus on the goal of helping the seeker to Christ. When you share your faith, God’s Spirit will be speaking to the heart of your listener. Remember, it was God who “opened Lydia’s heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.” (Acts 16:14) You are not working alone in the “red zone.” God is working in their hearts, and God wants to use you. Dismiss the trash talk and focus on working with Him.
5. Not Helping the Ball Carrier Cross the Goal Line.
Often, seekers need help crossing the goal line of faith. If you just tell them to pray on their own to receive Christ, it often doesn’t happen. Many seekers have recited prayers in church without any sense that their prayers have been heard, and they usually lack confidence that their prayers will be answered. They often want and need someone to guide them through a prayer helping them to express their heart-felt repentance to God. Always offer to assist them in praying to receive Christ. You will be amazed at how many will want your help.
6. Not Spiking the Ball.
When someone crosses the goal line, everyone on the team celebrates. It is a great victory. Often, the ball carrier or someone on the team will “spike the ball” in the end zone to celebrate the event. Once a seeker has received Christ and crossed the line of faith, “spike the ball” for him. Help him to celebrate. Explain to him the significance of what just happened. In How to Share Your Faith training, we use the acronym ESPN as a helpful outline for explaining four things that just happened to him.
- ETERNITY: Whenever you close your eyes on earth for the last time, you will open your eyes in God’s presence in heaven (John 5:24).
- SINS are forgiven—all of them, even the ones no one else knows about (Colossians 1:14).
- PERSONAL: You have begun a personal, growing friendship with Jesus Christ (John 17:3).
- NEVER leave you: You will sin again, but He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5).
Write these short phrases down for them to reinforce what God has promised. It is a way of “spiking the ball,” so they will always remember the significance of crossing the line. It is an important way to help a new believer feel secure in God’s love and to be forever grateful for what God has done for him.
When seekers come to a place where they are open to God, we as believers need to be prepared. God may work in a seeker’s life for years before he or she turns toward Him. God wants us to become aware of this openness so we can cooperate with Him in helping people to Christ. Being prepared with an effective game plan for seekers in the “red zone” can make a huge difference in the lives of those you meet on your journey through life. They will be forever grateful for your sensitivity and clear guidance when they needed it the most.
Dr. Kent Tucker began his work in evangelism with Campus Crusade for Christ while attending UCLA; he now serves as Associate Pastor at Hillside Community Church in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. He has been involved in full-time ministry for over 35 years. He is the author of How to Share Your Faith and conducts evangelism training seminars and campaigns all over the country.
Originally published on SermonCentral.com. Used by permission.