Training Confident Witnesses: Evaluating a Practical Evangelism Seminar for the Twenty-First Century

Authors

• Christopher RobershawFollow
• Katherine Robershaw, Prichard Committee for Academic ExcellenceFollow
• Jose Philip, Asbury Theological SeminaryFollow
• Jay Jay Moon, Asbury Theological SeminaryFollow

Abstract

This article evaluates the effectiveness of the Practical Evangelism Seminar (PES), an eight-week training program designed to equip Christians to share their faith in the complexities of twenty-first century North American culture. Developed at Asbury Theological Seminary in partnership with Knox Fellowship,[1]the seminar addresses contemporary cultural complexities summarized by the acronym SPIRIT: secularism, pluralism, individualism, relativism, identity, and technology. Using pre- and post-seminar surveys from 112 participants between 2019 and 2022, along with qualitative feedback and participant observation, this study explores changes in students’ knowledge and confidence related to evangelism. Findings indicate measurable increases in participants’ confidence and competence in sharing their faith, particularly in relational contexts such as neighborhoods and recreational settings. Qualitative feedback reveals that many participants initially feared imposing their beliefs, being perceived as intolerant, or damaging relationships. The seminar’s emphasis on hospitality, listening, and relational engagement helped address these concerns. The study concludes by identifying several pedagogical insights for evangelism training in pluralistic contexts and suggests ways theological institutions can better equip students for faithful witness in contemporary society.

[1] The authors wish to acknowledge the tremendous encouragement and support of the Knox Fellowship. Truly, the PES would not have developed without them. In particular, we give thanks to Carl Lammers for his unceasing encouragement and passion. In addition, we thank Asbury Theological Seminary, particularly the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism, for all of the logistical support, ranging from providing space to hold the PES to making announcements to recruit participants.

Recommended Citation

Robershaw, Christopher; Robershaw, Katherine; Philip, Jose; and Moon, Jay Jay (2026) "Training Confident Witnesses: Evaluating a Practical Evangelism Seminar for the Twenty-First Century," Witness: Vol. 40: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/witness_aete/vol40/iss1/1