SOE Courses – Online Training from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

School of Evangelism Online Courses

The School of Evangelism (SOE) Online will give you practical strategies for proclamation evangelism, with an emphasis on evangelistic preaching, and preparing your church for follow-up with new believers. The course of study is self-paced, and you have 180 days from when you register to finish it. Within each lesson, feel free to move back and forth between activities, but keep in mind that you must successfully complete the current lesson’s quiz before moving on to the next lesson.

School Of Evangelism Course 1

SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM COURSE ONE – PREPARATION

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” —1 Peter 3:15, NIV

Summary

In this first installment of SOE Online, you will explore:

the very content of the Gospel message,
man’s separation from God, and
Jesus Christ’s mission for every believer.

Lesson 1: “The Content of the Gospel”

Review the lesson’s objectives and then study 1 Corinthians 15:1−4 with Will Graham. Examine the three main points of the Apostle Paul’s summary of the Gospel.

Before playing Billy Graham’s sermon from London, England, print out the corresponding questions, and answer them as you watch. Make a special note of how he addresses these three main points of the Gospel.

Download and read this lesson’s reading assignments:

“The Evangelist’s Message: The Work of Christ,” by Bishop Michael A. Baughen
“Peace with God”, chapters 8−12, by Billy Graham
“The Content of the Gospel,” by J.I. Packer
“Tips for Sharing the Gospel,” by Gottfried Osei-Mensah

When you have completed the reading assignments, test your knowledge with the Lesson 1 Quiz. Feel free to consult your notes or readings, which you may do with all SOE Online quizzes. Before you can move on to the next lesson, you must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly.

Take some time to review the discussion questions and submit your ideas about the Gospel message for others to see. Use this forum as a place to brainstorm and collaborate with fellow course participants.

Now that you have mastered the material from Lesson 1, put your knowledge to practice as you work through the following practical projects:

Listen to the audio clip of Billy Graham’s sermon on John 3:16.
Compose your own message on John 3:16.
Do some research and find out how at least three other Christians would define the Gospel. Share what you’ve learned with them.
Find at least one person who needs to know Christ, and share the Gospel.
How can you apply these principles to your ministry? What strategies can you develop from this lesson? Check out the personal action plan for guiding questions on integrating Lesson 1 into real-life ministry and for a helpful evaluation chart.

Lesson 2: “The Fall of Man”

Look over the lesson’s objectives and then study Genesis 3 with Will Graham. You will explore the devastating effects of sin and mankind’s need of salvation.

Print the corresponding questions to Billy Graham’s sermon “The Fall of Man.”

As you watch Billy Graham’s sermon on Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden of Eden (from Genesis 3), answer the study questions.

Print the corresponding questions to Dr. Ravi Zacharias’s sermon “The Lostness of Man.”

Now watch Dr. Ravi Zacharias’s sermon on Romans 1:18−25, “The Lostness of Man.”

Read Billy Graham’s sermon “There Is a Real Hell” and then print the note-taking pages to use while you watch his related message, “Is There a Hell?” Download and read this lesson’s reading assignments:

“Peace with God”, chapters 4−5, by Billy Graham
“The Fall of Man,” by Billy Graham (video transcript)
“The Lostness of Man,” by Dr. Ravi Zacharias (video transcript)

After completing the reading, take this lesson’s quiz to gauge what you’ve learned.

Take some time to review the discussion questions and post your ideas on the fall of man.

Engage several people on the topic of sin as you work through the practical projects for Lesson 2. Look for doors that the Holy Spirit has opened for you to share the Gospel.

How will this lesson affect what you preach or teach? Use this lesson’s personal action plan to work on a new message or sermon.

Lesson 3: “The Great Commission”

Read the introduction for Lesson 3. Study Matthew 28:19−20 with Will Graham and explore the central mission of the body of Christ.

Print the corresponding questions to Billy Graham’s classic sermon “Christ’s Marching Orders” and answer them as you listen to the audio clip.

Print the corresponding questions to G. Osei-Mensah’s message “The Great Commission.”

Now watch G. Osei-Mensah’s message “The Great Commission” from the worldwide evangelism conference Amsterdam 1986.

Print the corresponding questions to Robert Coleman’s message “The Master Plan of Evangelism.”

Now listen to the audio clip of Robert Coleman’s sermon “The Master Plan of Evangelism” from the worldwide evangelism conference Amsterdam 2000.

For further study, read this lesson’s reading assignments:

“Preparing Your Church for New Christians,” by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
“The Great Commission,” by John Stott

Take the Lesson 3 Quiz and test your knowledge of the Great Commission.Review the discussion questions and contribute to the forum on the topic of making disciples.

See this lesson’s practical projects and create a plan to help your church advance the Great Commission.

Take the personal action plan’s challenge to develop a personal strategy for reaching people with the Gospel who will, in turn, reach others.

Bible translations used in this course

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version. ©1946, 1952, 1971, 1973 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

School Of Evangelism Course 2

SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM COURSE TWO – PROCLAMATION

Summary

In the second installment of SOE Online, you will explore the components of an evangelistic sermon and develop three evangelistic sermons, with practical help on:

preparing the message,
delivering the message, and
giving the invitation.

NOTE: We recommend you seek out a mentor (a pastor, colleague in ministry, or other trusted friend with experience in evangelistic preaching) to objectively assist you in the development of your sermons. Because the School of Evangelism Online is a self-led study, no mentor will be assigned by BGEA.

Introduction: “What Is an Evangelistic Message?”

Review the introduction’s objectives and meditate on 1 Corinthians 15:3−4. Read Billy Graham’s foreword.

Study “The Sermon Aim: Salvation of Sinners,” which includes readings on the distinctive characteristics of an evangelistic sermon, a video of Billy Graham’s 1991 message in New York City’s Central Park, note-taking pages, and an application assignment to help you plan the theme, title, and Scripture text for your three evangelistic sermons.

Take the quiz for “The Sermon Aim.” You may consult your notes.

Next, look at “The Sermon Appeal: Love for the Lost.” This study’s reading and videos by George Sweeting and Ron Hutchcraft will help you get to the heart of evangelistic preaching: God’s passion for the lost. The application assignment will help you consider ways you can practice the material by showing love to two lost people you know.

Test your knowledge of “The Sermon Appeal” by taking the quiz.

Now look at “The Sermon Content: Gospel of Christ.” This lesson will look at the uniqueness of Jesus, the necessity of His death, and the certainty of His resurrection. The application assignment will encourage you to incorporate the cross and the resurrection into each of your three evangelistic sermons.

Take the quiz for “The Sermon Content.”

Study the introduction’s final session, “The Sermon Form: Telling and Inviting.” Your reading and the video clip from Ross Rhoads will discuss essential characteristics of evangelistic preaching.

How well do you understand this session’s material? Find out with “The Sermon Form” quiz.

Take some time to review the discussion questions on sin and Jesus’ death and resurrection. Submit your ideas for others to see and then brainstorm and collaborate with fellow course participants.

Lesson 1: “How to Prepare an Evangelistic Message”

Review the lesson’s objectives and then watch the introductory video as Will Graham examines five key principles for an evangelistic message.

Next, watch as Billy Graham explains how he prepared his sermons, both in manner and in content.

Read “The Value of the Bible,” to see why the Bible is the only foundation for any evangelistic sermon. As part of this session, you will watch Billy Graham’s “The Bible-Based Message,” which explains the power and authority behind your words: God’s Word. The application exercise will guide you in prayer and meditation as you continue to develop your three evangelistic sermons.

Test your knowledge of “The Value of the Bible” with the corresponding quiz.

Study “The Necessity of Prayer” and then spend time praying through the exercises in the application assignment.

Take the quiz on “The Necessity of Prayer.”

Once you’ve finished the quiz, move on to the next session, “The Organization of Materials,” which will help you begin to outline your sermons. Print the note-taking pages and watch the session’s video from Billy Graham about proclaiming the Gospel in the modern world. After completing the session’s reading, watch Robert Coleman’s “How to Prepare an Evangelistic Message.” The following application exercise and the accompanying worksheets will give you a starting point for your sermons.

Now take the session’s quiz to see how well you know the material.

The next session, “The Patterns of Preaching,” takes a look at the style of your sermons. Read about how other speakers have “dressed up” their message with their own personal techniques or manners and then watch Billy Graham’s sermon at youth night in Cleveland in 1994. Use the note-taking page as you look for differences in content and delivery when addressing specific audiences.

Work through “The Patterns of Preaching” quiz.

Study “Preaching the Gospel So That Lost People Can Understand It,” which contains an article and audio message by Ron Hutchcraft. Be sure to use the note-taking page as you listen to his message. To help you apply what you’ve learned, watch Billy Graham deliver a need-based message on loneliness, then use the accompanying worksheet to begin work on your own need-based sermon.

Engage with others in the course by posting your answers to the discussion questions on Scripture.

Download the sermon evaluation forms and pass them along to your mentor. This will allow your mentor to begin planning and preparing now.

Finally, finish this lesson by watching Billy Graham speak about contextualizing your message.

Lesson 2: “How to Deliver an Evangelistic Message”

Review the lesson’s objectives and then study 1 Thessalonians 1:5 with Will Graham.

Begin reading “How to Deliver an Evangelistic Message” by Bill Newman. Finish the session by taking notes on the video “How to Communicate the Gospel,” by Billy Graham.

Now read the article by Greg Laurie, also entitled “How to Deliver an Evangelistic Message.” When you finish the reading, watch the video of Greg’s message and use the note-taking pages.

Start the next session “The Preacher” and watch Billy Graham and Cliff Barrows speak on “The Evangelist’s Personal Life.” Finish the reading and then complete the application exercise on your testimony and your sermons.

Watch Billy Graham’s “My Answer: The Evangelist’s Integrity” and “My Answer: Preparing Yourself to Preach.” Take the quiz “The Preacher.”

Read “The Listeners” to learn more about your audience and how you can help them make the most important decision of all—the decision to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Use the application at the end to help you complete your outline for Sermon 1.

Before you take “The Listeners” quiz, watch Billy Graham’s video “My Answer: Getting the Lost to Come.”

Study the session “The Holy Spirit” and look at the central role of God’s Spirit in your preaching. Next watch Cliff Barrows’ “The Evangelist and the Holy Spirit.” The application will help you complete your outline for Sermon 2.

Now take “The Holy Spirit” session quiz.

Read the next session, “The Counselors,” and study the role these helpers can play when people respond to evangelistic sermons. The session application will help you select counselors in your church and also finalize your third evangelistic message.

Watch Billy Graham’s “My Answer: The Importance of Counselors” and then take the session quiz.

Read and respond to the discussion questions on delivering an evangelistic message.

Lesson 3: “How to Give an Evangelistic Invitation”

Review the lesson’s objectives, read 2 Corinthians 6:2, and then watch Will Graham’s video for basic principles of an evangelistic invitation.

Begin the session “Giving a Successful Invitation: Preaching for a Verdict.” Read the articles about how to give an invitation by Ralph Bell and Franklin Graham. For the application exercise, watch the accompanying videos of these messages.

Now start “The Evangelist’s Appeal for a Decision,” by Billy Graham. First watch a sample invitation and then read the message that follows. As follow-up application, watch the sermon by Billy Graham and take notes using the supplied pages.

Watch Billy Graham’s “My Answer: The Invitation” and then take the quiz for this lesson.

Post your answers to the discussion questions about giving an invitation and respond to answers from others.

Complete the practical projects for this lesson, which focus on refining and delivering the invitations in your sermons.

Bible translations used in this course

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

School Of Evangelism Course 3

SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM COURSE THREE – POWER

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” —1 Corinthians 2:4−5, NIV

In Course 3, you will explore the importance of sharing the Gospel message in the power God gives us through prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the armor He provides for spiritual battle.

Lesson 1: “The Holy Spirit in Evangelism”

Review the lesson’s objectives and then watch Will Graham’s video on how the Holy Spirit gives boldness, freedom, and wisdom to those who surrender to His power and are continually filled with Him.
Study “The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit,” which includes an article and a video by Billy Graham, and then post your answer to the group discussion question.
Read Billy Graham’s article “The Fruit of the Spirit.” After reading, be prepared to share your thoughts on the Spirit’s fruit in your own life in the discussion forum.
Billy Graham’s next article discusses the changes the Holy Spirit works in His people, beginning with the attribute of love. After reading, make sure to answer the discussion question.
Listen to Bill Bright’s audio sermon about being filled with the Holy Spirit, why many are not, and how they can be.
Study the article “Does the Holy Spirit Shine Through You?” by Billy Graham. Contribute to the discussion about the Spirit’s ongoing work in each of us.
Watch as Billy Graham answers the question, “Have you ever felt that your message fell flat and you did not see the response you wanted?” When the video is over, share about a time you experienced something similar.
Complete the lesson’s reading assignments from Billy Graham’s book The Holy Spirit.
Take some time to reflect on what the Holy Spirit has done in your life as you complete the practical exercise.
Finish this lesson by taking the quiz “The Holy Spirit in Evangelism.”

Lesson 2: “Prayer in Evangelism”

Review the lesson’s objective and watch Will Graham’s video as he explores the link between effectual prayer and effective evangelism.
Next, Anne Graham Lotz’s video sermon “The Evangelist and Prayer” will examine the book of Ezra for an example of what it means to lead a life of prayer—and how God’s power through it can change everything.
Read Billy Graham’s articles “The Power of Prayer” and “Have a Vital Time Alone With God” and post your thoughts to the discussion board.
Watch Billy Graham’s answer to the question, “What is the key to evangelism?” and then join the discussion on prayer.
Study five key elements of effectual prayer in Billy Graham’s article “Prayer: The Foundation of Ministry.”
Bill and Vonette Bright’s video “The Evangelist and Prayer” looks at the importance of intimacy, unity, praise, and Scripture in prayer, plus they offer a simple five-step plan that can help both a new believer or mature Christian feel comfortable in praying. After watching, post your thoughts on their address and join in the discussion.
Review the plan for prayer that Billy Graham and his team used for Crusades around the world and then develop a similar plan for your ministry in this lesson’s practical exercise.
Complete the lesson by taking the quiz.

Lesson 3: “Preparing for Battle”

Review the objective for this lesson and watch Will Graham’s introductory video about the believer’s enemy, equipment, power, and engagement in spiritual battle.
Watch Billy Graham’s video sermon “Spiritual Warfare” and study the armor and weapons God gives His people to withstand attacks. When you’ve finished watching the video, post your thoughts for discussion.
Examine your enemies—the flesh and the devil—as you read Billy Graham’s article “The Christian’s Battlefield.”
Watch Stephen Olford’s video, where he exhorts evangelists to first be men and women of God—flee from sin, pursue virtue, and fight against compromise.
Complete the personal evaluation to examine how you are doing as a man or woman of God.
In his video “Are Evangelists Acceptable to God?” Billy Graham asks a difficult question about modern-day evangelists and considers the evidence of their work. After watching it, reflect on your own situation and join in the discussion.
Meditate further on Ephesians 6 in this lesson’s practical exercise.
Complete the final lesson for Course 3 by taking the quiz.

Bible translations used in this course

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

School Of Evangelism Course 4

SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM COURSE FOUR – PRESERVATION

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” —Colossians 2:6−7, NIV

In Course 4, you will examine the principles of building a ministry that lasts. You will explore the importance of the Scriptures in evangelism, how to encourage a new believer, and the gift and calling of the evangelist.

Lesson 1: “The Place of Scripture in Evangelism”

Review the objectives of this lesson and watch Will Graham’s introductory video on why God’s Word is indispensable in all evangelistic efforts.
In his video sermon “The Evangelist’s Message Is Bible-Based,” John Stott explains the Bible’s central role in evangelism, as it gives the Gospel message its content, authority, and power. After the video, post your thoughts on the Bible and your ministry.
Watch as Billy Graham answers the questions, “What is your authority as you preach the Gospel?” and, “Do you ever struggle with the authority of the Bible?” Post your thoughts on when you accepted the Bible as God’s Word.
Featuring Michael Songyemba and Cliff Barrows, “Studying the Bible” encourages us to spend daily time in God’s Word for guidance in our personal lives and for developing an intimate relationship with God.
Watch Billy Graham’s answer to the question, “How important is an evangelist’s devotional life?” and then post your thoughts on what helps you keep your daily quiet times strong.
In her video sermon on Isaiah, “The Evangelist and the Bible,” Anne Graham Lotz explains that a good preacher becomes a great preacher when God’s Word moves from knowledge in the head to passion and conviction in the heart. Once you review it, join the discussion and tell others about a time when, like Isaiah, your life was shaken.
Download the Bible study tool that Billy Graham Crusade teams have used for decades in training new believers, and then post your thoughts on the content and discuss it with others.
Complete the lesson by taking the quiz.

Lesson 2: “Encouraging the New Believer”

Review the objectives and watch Will Graham’s introductory video about the many needs of a new believer, including friendship, love, spiritual nourishment, and protection.
Watch this short video to see what can happen when a Christian is faithful to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading, regardless of how things may look. Contribute to the discussion on how you can encourage a young believer.
In his video “Growing as a Christian,” Billy Graham addresses many concerns of new Christians, including prayer and understanding difficult Bible passages. Post your thoughts on the five key points from his message.
Watch these videos the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association uses to help local churches follow up with new believers after Crusades. Post your thoughts on how you can adapt these strategies to your ministry.
Now that you have seen how others plan for follow-up, work on this lesson’s practical projects and refine your own discipleship plan.

Lesson 3: “The Gift and Calling of an Evangelist”

Review the lesson’s objectives and watch Will Graham’s lesson introduction on the characteristics of an evangelist, including being filled with the Spirit, remaining obedient to God’s leading, and knowing His Word in great depth.
Watch Billy Graham’s video about the gift, calling, and message of an evangelist.
In his video sermon “The Evangelist’s Gift and Ministry,” Stephen Olford describes evangelism as a gift to treasure, a task to perform, and an aim to achieve—references to the three appearances of the word evangelist in the Bible.
Next, Billy Graham looks into God’s Word for the gift and call of the evangelist, the motives of the evangelist, and the message of the evangelist, in his video sermon “The Evangelist’s Gift and Calling.”
See Billy Graham’s response to the question, “How have you ensured your ministry had financial and moral integrity?” and then discuss the standards you will set for your life and work.
Study this lesson’s reading assignments: “Lessons From Evangelists of the Past,” by Timothy Beougher; “The Evangelist Works With the Local Church,” by Paul Negrut; and “The Motives for Evangelism,” by Billy Kim.
In the next video, Billy Graham discusses the question, “How did you start your evangelistic ministry?” After watching it, write a post about some key principles you heard in his answer.
Watch Billy Graham answer the question, “How have you and your team managed to stay together all these years?” After the video, contribute your ideas on how you will maintain integrity in your ministry.
As you wrap up Course 4, set some standards in this lesson’s practical exercise that will help keep you accountable in your ministry.
Finish this last quiz, and your study of the School of Evangelism Online will be complete.