Introduction to the School of Evangelism

You are about to embark on one of the most important journeys a Christian can take: learning to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world. We believe The World Needs Jesus.
This school is designed to equip you for the sacred task of bearing witness to the One who said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."

The Bullinger Academy School of Evangelism is not merely an academic exercise. It is preparation for the important mission on earth. Every lesson, every course, every module is designed with one goal in mind: to make you a more effective, confident, and faithful witness for Jesus Christ.

The original idea behind this course was a response to the growth of globalism, the expansion of multiculturalism, and the straightforward truth that traditional Christian countries are filled with the "nations". Now more than ever, our co-workers, teammates, volunteers, classmates, friends, golfing buddies, and neighbors come from various religious and worldview backgrounds. Everyday more Christians are interacting with agnostics, atheists, Hindu's, Muslims, and friends from many other faith backgrounds. "The Nations" are now our literal neighbors. This is a good thing.

We believe that The Gospel, of all these "religions", belief systems, and worldviews stands above them all. (And people of other faiths, including atheists, also believe their approach is the correct one too. Every faith system, religion, or worldview holds other approaches to be wrong as well).

This was Christ's final command to His disciples before ascending to heaven. It remains our commission today. We are called to be His witnesses—in our own "Jerusalem" (our immediate context), our "Judea and Samaria" (nearby but culturally different communities), and "to the end of the earth" (the unreached peoples of the world). This school will prepare you for all three dimensions.

Why Evangelism Matters

Before we survey the curriculum, we must establish why evangelism deserves such intentional study and purposeful learning. Some Christians treat evangelism as optional—nice for those who are gifted, but not essential for everyone. Scripture knows nothing of this view. Christians have been redeemed, justified, saved, born again, renewed and transformed objects of God's redeeming love - how can we not share this great news with our neighbors!

The Lostness of Humanity

People without Christ are not merely "unchurched" or "spiritually seeking." They are lost, wicked, and dead in their sins. This is all of us before we encounter God's free gift of salvation (Ephesians 2)!—separated from God, under His wrath, heading toward eternal judgment while living destructive, evil lives on earth. This runs counter to the narrative and worldview by a large swath of culture and society, but it is true. It is reality. It is biblical teaching.

The Exclusivity of Christ

Jesus Christ is not one way among many to God; He is not in the same class of other historical figures or religious leaders. No. Jesus Christ is the only way to God. He stands high and above all other "gods". "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). This exclusive claim—offensive to modern ears—is the very engine of Christian mission. If there were other paths to God, evangelism would be optional. But because Christ alone saves, evangelism is urgent.

The Command of Christ

Evangelism is not merely a good idea; it is a direct command from our Lord. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is not the "Great Suggestion." It is a royal decree from the King of kings. To neglect evangelism is to disobey Christ. To pursue evangelism is to walk in obedience to our Lord.

The Love That Compels

Paul said, "The love of Christ compels us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). When we truly grasp how much Christ has loved us and experience that love in our hearts and minds—we cannot help but keep this good news to ourselves! On a much smaller scale, when we experience an amazing song, or an amazing game, or an amazing movie, or an amazing sports highlight, what do we do? We tell others about it. We show them what we see and we share our joy! And if songs and games and movies and sports (all fine things) are worth sharing with others, how much more is sharing the Gospel message and our testimonies of Christ worth!? Love for Christ and love for people drive us to share the message that transformed our own lives.

Your Journey Through the School of Evangelism

The School of Evangelism is organized into nine comprehensive courses, each designed to equip you for different dimensions of Gospel witness. Together, these courses provide seminary-level training in both the theology and practice of evangelism, preparing you to engage anyone, anywhere, with the message of Jesus Christ.

Let's preview what awaits you in each course:

Course 1: Foundations of Evangelism

EVANGELISM 125

Every building needs a solid foundation. Before learning techniques or engaging specific worldviews, you must understand the why and what of evangelism. This foundational course establishes the theological bedrock upon which all effective evangelism is built.

What You Will Learn

• The Biblical Mandate for Evangelism — Tracing the call to witness from Genesis to Revelation, understanding evangelism as central to God's purposes, not peripheral to them.
• The Theology of Evangelism — Exploring God's sovereignty and human responsibility, the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion, election and calling, and how these doctrines fuel rather than hinder evangelistic confidence.
• The Gospel Message — Ensuring crystal clarity on what the Gospel actually is—the person and work of Christ, the call to repentance and faith, the nature of salvation. You cannot share what you do not understand.
• The Character of the Evangelist — Examining the heart, motivations, and character qualities that mark faithful witnesses. Evangelism flows from who we are, not just what we say.
• Overcoming Barriers — Addressing the fear of man, the courage to speak, and responding to common objections that every evangelist will encounter.
• Evangelism and the Church — Understanding the relationship between personal witness and corporate mission, discipleship and outreach, and how the church community itself testifies to the Gospel.
• Contemporary Contexts — Applying timeless truths to our current moment, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of evangelism in the 21st century.

Course 2: Engaging with Islam

EVANGELISM 224

Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with nearly two billion adherents worldwide. In an age of global migration and digital connectivity, Christians increasingly encounter Muslims in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. Yet most Christians feel utterly unprepared to share Christ with Muslim friends.

This course equips you to engage Muslims with the Gospel—understanding their beliefs, addressing their objections, and presenting Christ in ways that resonate with Islamic background seekers.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding Islam — The life of Muhammad, the Quran, the Five Pillars, the major branches (Sunni, Shia, Sufi), and the diversity within the Muslim world.
• Key Theological Differences — The nature of God (Allah vs. the Trinity), the person of Jesus (prophet vs. Son of God), the nature of salvation (works vs. grace), and the authority of Scripture (Quran vs. Bible).
• Common Muslim Objections — Addressing claims that the Bible has been corrupted, that Christians worship three gods, that Jesus was not crucified, and other standard objections.
• Bridges to the Gospel — Using the Quran's own testimony about Jesus, common ground in Abrahamic heritage, and cultural bridges to present Christ compellingly.
• Practical Wisdom — Building genuine friendships, navigating cultural sensitivities, understanding honor-shame dynamics, and ministering to Muslim-background believers.

Whether you live in a Muslim-majority context or simply have Muslim neighbors, this course will transform your confidence and capability in sharing Christ across this significant cultural and religious divide.

Course 3: Jewish Apologetics

EVANGELISM 320

The Gospel is "to the Jew first" (Romans 1:16). Christianity emerged from Judaism; Jesus was a Jew; the apostles were Jews; the early church was Jewish. Yet today, sharing Christ with Jewish people is often considered taboo—insensitive, even anti-Semitic. This course recovers the biblical mandate for Jewish evangelism and equips you to pursue it with wisdom and love.

What You Will Learn

• The Biblical Basis for Jewish Evangelism — Why sharing Christ with Jewish people is not anti-Semitic but the most loving thing we can do, rooted in Paul's own heart (Romans 9:1-5; 10:1).
• Understanding Judaism Today — The diversity of modern Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Secular), major beliefs and practices, and the historical trauma that shapes Jewish perspectives on Christianity.
• Messianic Prophecy — A comprehensive study of Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus—His birth, life, death, resurrection, and return— demonstrating that Jesus is the promised Messiah of Israel.
• Addressing Jewish Objections — Responding to claims that Jesus didn't fulfill the Messianic prophecies, that Christians worship multiple gods, that the New Testament is anti-Semitic, and other common objections.
• Practical Approaches — Building relationships across historical wounds, understanding Jewish holidays as Gospel opportunities, and supporting Jewish believers navigating their identity.

Course 4: Buddhism and the Gospel

EVANGELISM 420

Buddhism has captured Western imagination with its promise of peace, mindfulness, and escape from suffering. With over 500 million adherents worldwide and growing influence in secular Western culture, Christians need to understand Buddhist thought and present Christ as the true answer to the human condition Buddhism seeks to address.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding Buddhism — The life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the concept of Nirvana, and the major branches (Theravada, Mahayana, Zen, Tibetan).
• Worldview Comparison — Contrasting Buddhist and Christian views on God, the self, suffering, salvation, and ultimate reality. Understanding why these systems, despite surface similarities, are fundamentally incompatible.
• Christ and the Buddha — How Jesus addresses the very problems Buddhism identifies (suffering, desire, impermanence) with radically different solutions (redemption, sanctified desire, eternal life).
• Engaging Buddhist Practitioners — Approaching conversations with respect, finding common ground on suffering and compassion, and presenting the Gospel in categories that resonate with Buddhist seekers.
• Western Buddhism — Addressing the popularized, secularized Buddhism prevalent in the West, including mindfulness movements and "spiritual but not religious" appropriations of Buddhist concepts.

Course 5: Secular and Atheist Dialogue

EVANGELISM 520

The fastest-growing "religious" category in the Western world is "none"—those who claim no religious affiliation. Many are practical atheists; others are agnostic; still others are "spiritual but not religious." This course prepares you to engage the secular mind with the claims of Christ.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding Secularism — The historical rise of secularism, the assumptions of naturalism, and the diversity of non-religious worldviews (atheism, agnosticism, secular humanism, "nones").
• The Case for God — Classical and contemporary arguments for God's existence: cosmological, teleological, moral, and experiential arguments presented accessibly for evangelistic conversations.
• The Case for Christ — Historical evidence for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating that Christianity is not blind faith but reasonable trust based on evidence.
• Addressing Secular Objections — Responding to the problem of evil, the relationship between science and faith, moral objections to Christianity, and the claim that religion is merely psychological projection.
• The Bankruptcy of Secularism — Exposing the inability of secular worldviews to provide meaning, morality, or hope—and presenting Christ as the answer to the human condition secularism cannot address.
• Conversational Strategies — Asking good questions, exposing hidden assumptions, and guiding conversations toward the Gospel without alienating the secular seeker.

Course 6: Hinduism and Christianity

EVANGELISM 620

Hinduism, the world's oldest major religion, presents unique challenges for Christian witness. Its inclusive tolerance—the tendency to absorb Jesus as another avatar rather than reject Him—requires careful navigation. With over a billion adherents and growing Western interest in Hindu-derived practices (yoga, meditation, karma), this course equips you to engage the Hindu worldview.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding Hinduism — The diversity of Hindu beliefs (from polytheism to pantheism to philosophical monism), the concepts of karma, dharma, samsara, and moksha, and major Hindu texts and practices.
• Worldview Comparison — Contrasting Hindu and Christian views on God, creation, humanity, the problem of evil, and salvation. Understanding why syncretism ("Jesus is another avatar") fails.
• The Uniqueness of Christ — Demonstrating why Jesus cannot be absorbed into the Hindu pantheon—His exclusive claims, historical reality, and unique work of atonement set Him apart from all Hindu conceptions.
• Addressing Hindu Objections — Responding to inclusivism ("all paths lead to God"), the problem of Christian exclusivity in a pluralistic framework, and questions about karma versus grace.
• Cultural Bridges — Using concepts like sacrifice, the search for moksha, and the longing for personal relationship with the divine as entry points for Gospel conversations.

Course 7: Witnessing to Mormons

EVANGELISM 720

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) presents itself as Christian—using Christian vocabulary, revering Jesus, and reading the Bible. Yet beneath the familiar language lies a radically different theology. This course equips you to discern these differences and lovingly guide Mormon friends toward the true Christ of Scripture.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding Mormonism — The history of Joseph Smith and the LDS church, Mormon scriptures (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price), and the structure of LDS belief and practice.
• Critical Doctrinal Differences — The Mormon view of God (an exalted man), Jesus (spirit brother of Lucifer), salvation (by grace plus works plus temple ordinances), and the afterlife (three degrees of glory, potential godhood).
• Evaluating Mormon Claims — Examining the historical and archaeological problems with the Book of Mormon, the changing history of LDS doctrine, and the testimony of ex-Mormons.
• The Biblical Gospel — Clearly articulating the biblical doctrine of God (eternal, unchanging Trinity), Christ (eternally divine Son), and salvation (by grace alone through faith alone).
• Conversational Approaches — Building genuine relationships with Mormons, asking good questions, navigating vocabulary differences, and presenting the true Gospel with grace.

Course 8: Engaging Jehovah's Witnesses

EVANGELISM 816

Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism—but how many Christians are prepared to evangelize them in return? This course flips the script, equipping you to share the true Gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses who come to your door or whom you encounter in daily life.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding the Watchtower — The history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the role of the Watchtower organization, and the structure of JW belief and practice.
• Critical Doctrinal Differences — The JW view of God (Jehovah alone, no Trinity), Jesus (Michael the Archangel, a created being), the Holy Spirit (an impersonal force), and salvation (earned through works and organizational loyalty).
• The New World Translation — Understanding and responding to the Watchtower's altered Bible translation, including key passages like John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-17, and Hebrews 1:8.
• Defending the Deity of Christ — A thorough biblical defense of Jesus' full deity—the most critical issue in JW evangelism.
• Conversational Strategies — Turning doorstep encounters into genuine conversations, asking questions that challenge Watchtower teachings, and planting seeds of doubt that the Spirit can cultivate.

Course 9: Engaging New Age Spirituality

EVANGELISM 924

"Spiritual but not religious" has become the fastest-growing religious identity in the West. The New Age movement—a diverse collection of beliefs drawing from Eastern religions, occultism, self-help psychology, and pop spirituality—shapes how millions think about God, the self, and ultimate reality. This course prepares you to engage this amorphous but influential worldview.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding New Age Thought — The historical roots, major themes (consciousness, energy, karma, reincarnation, self-divinity), and contemporary expressions (crystals, astrology, channeling, manifestation).
• Worldview Analysis — The pantheistic/panentheistic foundation of New Age thought, its view of humanity as divine, and its optimistic anthropology versus the biblical doctrine of sin.
• The Appeal of New Age — Understanding why New Age spirituality attracts seekers: the longing for transcendence, the desire for control, the rejection of institutional religion, and the quest for self-improvement.
• Christ and New Age — Distinguishing the biblical Jesus from the "cosmic Christ" of New Age thought, and presenting the Gospel as the true answer to spiritual longings that New Age cannot ultimately satisfy.
• Practical Engagement — Approaching New Age practitioners with respect, finding common ground on spiritual hunger, and guiding conversations toward the exclusive claims of Christ.

How to Approach This School

With nine courses comprising hundreds of lessons, the School of Evangelism is a substantial undertaking. Here is guidance for making the most of your journey:

Start with Foundations

We strongly recommend beginning with Foundations of Evangelism (Course 1). The theological and practical foundations established there will enrich every subsequent course. Don't rush past the fundamentals in eagerness to reach specialized topics.

Prioritize Based on Your Context

After completing the foundations, prioritize courses based on your actual evangelistic context. If you have Muslim neighbors, take Engaging with Islam next. If you're surrounded by secular colleagues, prioritize Secular and Atheist Dialogue. Let your real relationships guide your learning path.

Apply as You Learn

Knowledge without application is sterile. As you work through each course, look for opportunities to practice what you're learning. Start conversations. Ask questions. Share your faith. The best learning happens in the field, not just the classroom.

Engage the Discussion Questions

Each lesson includes discussion questions designed for personal reflection or group study. Don't skip these. They will help you internalize the material and consider its application to your specific context.

Pray Throughout

Evangelism is spiritual work that requires spiritual power. Saturate your studies in prayer. Pray for understanding. Pray for specific people you want to reach. Pray for boldness to speak. The Holy Spirit is your ultimate teacher; invite Him into every lesson.

Consider the School of Apologetics

The Bullinger Academy also offers a comprehensive School of Apologetics, which complements the School of Evangelism. While this school focuses on sharing the faith, the School of Apologetics focuses on defending the faith. Together, they equip you to "give an answer to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

The Ultimate Goal

As you progress through this school, keep the ultimate goal in view: not merely to accumulate knowledge, but to become a more faithful and effective witness for Jesus Christ. We want you to:

• Know the Gospel deeply — Understanding what you're sharing is the foundation of everything else.
• Understand your audience — Each course helps you understand how different people think, so you can communicate effectively.
• Speak with confidence — Preparation breeds confidence. The more you study, the more boldly you will share.
• Love people genuinely — Evangelism flows from love, not obligation. We want you to grow in compassion for the lost.
• Depend on God completely — All our preparation is useless without the Spirit's power. We want you to be more prayerful, not less.
• Make disciples — The goal is not just "decisions" but disciples—people who follow Jesus and help others follow Him too.

Conclusion: The Labor Is Not in Vain

You are embarking on holy work. The study of evangelism is not an academic exercise but preparation for the most important mission on earth: bringing the message of Jesus Christ to a lost world. Every hour you invest in this school is an investment in eternal souls.

There will be moments of discouragement. People will reject the Gospel. Conversations will go poorly. You will feel inadequate. But take heart: your labor is not in vain. God is sovereign over salvation. The Gospel is the power of God. The Spirit goes before you. And one day, the harvest will be gathered— people "from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9), worshiping the Lamb who was slain.

Some of those worshipers will be there because you learned to share the Gospel and actually shared it. That is why this school exists. That is why your study matters. That is what makes every lesson worth the effort.

Welcome to the School of Evangelism. May God use your time here to shape you into a vessel for His glory—a faithful witness to Jesus Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.

Let us be part of that proclamation. Let us be found faithful when the Lord returns. Let us hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is our calling. This is our privilege. This is our joy.

Now, let the journey begin.