Reaching the Lost: Strategies For Success

Closing a Bible study is the most difficult part of the conversion process. Conversion requires change, and change is hard. It is awkward for the teacher. Which is better, the hard close or soft close? Should we persuade? What if I say the wrong things? What if they do not obey? Now what?

Special training is needed for those who are going to be involved in Bible studies. Only some people in your congregation are needed for this part of the evangelism model. We suggest that this team includes at least 10 percent of your members. Providing training on how to close a study is crucial. The book, How to Close the Study by Bobby Bates and Rob Whitacre is a great place to start. Here are a few tips to consider as you develop this aspect of Bible study.

• Assume success. When I place contacts on my target list, they are already baptized and do not know it. I believe in the power of God’s Word. I do not think, “I cannot do this.” I know God can do it; His Word can reach the hardest of hearts.
• Start right if you want to finish right. You need to begin closing the study at the beginning of the study. Show genuine interest in the contacts; they will provide the information needed to guide them to the Cross.
• Use a proven method. A Bible study method like Back to the Bible or Does It Matter is written to provide closing techniques and verses throughout the study.
• Do not tell people what to do. It is important to resist the urge to tell the prospect what to do during the study. You do not want the prospect’s decision to be based on your influence or friendship. Let the prospect find the truth by reading the Bible.
• Ask questions to encourage reasoning. Reasoning from Scripture and coming to a knowledge of truth is powerful and persuasive. Jesus accomplished this by asking questions (Matthew 21:23-27).
• Eliminate objections. You will learn about possible objections as you get to know the prospect. You can eliminate most objections by dealing with them before they are stated. You must raise, frame, and help the student answer these objections.
• Provide an exit strategy. Refrain from cornering the prospect. Always create doors of solutions. Some situations can be difficult, and it is hard for the sinner to see his or her way to the cross. Encourage by asking questions and showing the grace of Christ.
• Never close. If a prospect does not obey when you conclude, you have not failed; just move on to another study. If you are using Back to the Bible, move on to Does It Matter. If you are using Does It Matter, go to Open Bible Study. Avoid using statements like, “In our last study, we will see . . .” There will never be a last study, as you are not going to give up! The best close is to never close.

Practice makes perfect. Practice your closing techniques on a brother or sister. Experience is a great teacher, but nothing beats preparation. Every congregation needs to provide special training for your special forces!