The parable of the soils (Matt 13). There are 4 kinds of receptivity
Hard soil=The defensive heart
Shallow soil=The impulsive heart
Soil with weeds=The distracted heart
Good Soil=The receptive heart
Some people are in Christ Jesus, others are close to making a commitment while others have a long way to go!
Evangelism is a process of moving people through the stages.
The stages are
-6 Self-satisfied, skeptical, resistant or spiritual apathetic (Resistant stage)
-5 Becomes aware of an unmet need or spiritual void in life (Receptive stage)
-4 Begins looking for answers to questions or solutions to problems (Seeker stage)
-3 Considers the differences between themselves and believers (Consideration stage)
-2 Learns why and how to become a Christian (Understanding stage)
-1 Ready to believe and receive Christ (Ready stage) The fruit is ripe
GROUND ZERO: NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
+1 Baptized and connected to a church family (Membership)
+2 Practicing the habits necessary for spiritual growth (Maturity)
+3 Using God given talents to serve others (Ministry)
+4 Sharing the Good News with non-believers (Mission)
+5 Living out one's life purpose to the glory of God (Magnification)