Evangelism Explosion International

Evangelism Explosion International (EE) is a Christian evangelistic discipleship ministry and training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to share their faith in Jesus Christ. Founded in 1970 by Dr. D. James Kennedy, the organization is headquartered in Arden, North Carolina, and has a presence in over 214 countries worldwide.

History

Evangelism Explosion began as a grassroots initiative in 1962, evolving into an incorporated organization by 1972. The program is known for its structured approach to evangelism, emphasizing both personal faith sharing and the multiplication of discipleship efforts. In 1996, EE published its fourth edition of its foundational text on evangelism, underlining its commitment to adapt and grow in response to changing contexts and needs. By 1997, EE shifted its focus from confrontational techniques to a more relationship-based methodology, aiming to build genuine connections before discussing faith.

Programs and Training

EE is best known for its distinctive "diagnostic questions" which practitioners use to assess an individual's spiritual health and initiate evangelistic conversations. The primary questions are:

• Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you can say you know for certain that if you were to die today you would go to heaven?
• Suppose that you were to die today and stand before God. What would you say if He asked, "Why should I let you into my heaven?"

These questions are aimed at prompting discussions about faith, grace, and salvation, guiding the conversation towards the core tenets of Christianity.

The organization's training materials have been translated into more than seventy languages and are utilized by over 20,000 churches globally. In 2011, EE reported training 324,000 individuals, leading to over 7.25 million professions of faith from those who engaged with the program. By 2016, this number rose to approximately 10.7 million believers attributed to EE's influence.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of Evangelism Explosion International is to glorify God by equipping local churches to grow and multiply through evangelism and discipleship. The organization emphasizes the importance of spiritual multiplication, where new believers are trained to reach others, thereby fostering a sustainable model for evangelistic outreach.

The guiding principles of EE are encapsulated in its Statement of Faith, which includes affirmations on the authority of the Bible, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the necessity of regeneration through the Holy Spirit.

Evaluation

While Evangelism Explosion has been praised for revitalizing evangelistic efforts within various congregations, it has also faced criticism. Some individuals have expressed discomfort with its more direct approach, labeling it as confrontational. Nonetheless, proponents argue that its structured training and emphasis on relational evangelism have made it a vital resource for Christians seeking to share their faith more effectively.

Conclusion

Evangelism Explosion International remains a significant player in the realm of Christian evangelism and discipleship, dedicated to equipping believers worldwide. Through its innovative training programs and wide-reaching influence, EE continues to impact the lives of countless individuals, encouraging them to embrace and share their faith actively.