Lesson Notes:
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The Gospel is always the same (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), but people are all different, being uniquely created (Psalm 33:15).
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Therefore, the message that saves a person is always the same, but the things that make a person want to receive that message are all different.
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Never compromise the message, but always adapt to the unique individual you're speaking to.
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Each individual has their heart softened to the Word in a different way. What will make a person want to repent is always different from another. Some examples:
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Some people come to repent through words of knowledge about their own lives being revealed to them by someone who doesn't know them (John 4:17-19,39).
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Some people come to repent through miracles happening to them (John 9:6-7,35-38).
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Some people come to repent simply through seeing the conduct of believers (1 Peter 2:12).
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Some people come to repent through compassion being shown to them from a believer (Jude 22).
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Some people come to repent through learning of judgment and the fear of God (Jude 23, 2 Corinthians 5:11).
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Some people come to repent through reasoning with believers about the Word (Acts 17:1-4).
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Some people come to repent through becoming jealous of the blessing of God in the lives of believers (Romans 11:11-14).
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Some people come to repent, or are influenced towards repentance, after seeing how much you (as a believer) have in common with them or what you've done to relate to them (Galatians 4:12, Acts 16:3).
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Some people come to repent through hearing and seeing a powerful rebuke towards someone else (Acts 13:9-12).
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Some people come to repent through having their sin rebuked/exposed by the law of God (1 Timothy 1:8-10).
*People are drawn to repentance in a wide variety of ways and through specific words and actions that make the potential strategies innumerable. If you want to be the most effective at winning souls, you will need to discern and hear from the Spirit to know exactly what to do for each individual.
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In order to win all kinds of people to the kingdom, we need to be able to adapt to individuals and relate with them uniquely (1 Corinthians 9:19-23, 1 Corinthians 10:32-33). Be relatable! Do not try to be repulsive or radically at odds with them. Find common ground:
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Find common ground with a person's religious or personal beliefs (or lack thereof) (1 Cor. 9:20-21). Talk about the beliefs you each have that are the same or similar before you talk about what's different.
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Find common ground with a person's weaknesses/struggles (empathize with their weaknesses and offer practical solutions) (1 Cor. 9:22, 2 Cor. 11:29). Talk about struggles, and meet them where they're at.
*Finding common ground (or talking first about what you have in common) makes you warm and relational. If you will be able to have a relationship with an unbeliever—to lead them to Jesus—you will need to be relational. Whereas, talking only about how different you are or being disinterested in a person's cares or earthly matters will unnecessarily make you seem hostile, and you will destroy your opportunity.
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To learn what individuals need:
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Ask them lots of questions about their lives, so you understand better.
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Listen really well and watch closely for details.
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Study scriptures that deal with people's earthly problems, so you have understanding of how to bring solutions.
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Pray for them in your quiet time and listen for the Spirit or discernment about their needs.
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Be extremely patient with the building of relationship and do not come with any agenda or deadline of your own. Go at a pace that's comfortable, but be consistent.