Kim Riddlebarger has this helpful article on evangelism and a helpful distinction between the theology that underpins a man-centred approach and a God-centred approach.
Man-Centered Approach: view of God
Point of contact with non-Christians is love (God loves you). Therefore, God's authority is secondary.
Love is God's chief attribute.
God is impotent before the sinner's will.
The persons of the Trinity have different goals in accomplishing and applying salvation.
God is a friend who will help you.
God-centred approach: view of God
Point of contact with non-Christians is creation (God made you). Therefore, God has authority over your destiny.
Holiness and love are equally important attributes of God.
God is able to empower the sinner's will.
The persons of the Trinity work in harmony--salvation accomplished for and applied to the same people.
God is a king who will save you.
Man-centred: View of Humanity
Fallen, yet has the ability (or potential) to choose the good.
Seeks truth but lacks correct facts.
Needs love, help and friendship.
Makes mistakes, is imperfect, needs forgiveness.
Needs salvation from the consequences of sin--unhappiness, hell.
Humanity is sick and ignorant.
God-centred: View of Humanity
Fallen, and will not come to God by own will power.
Mind at enmity with God; none seek God.
Needs new nature (mind, heart, will), regeneration.
Rebels against God, has a sinful nature, needs reconciliation.
Needs salvation from guilt and the power of sin.
Humanity is dead and lost.
Man-centred:View of Christ
Savior from mistakes, selfishness, hell.
He exists for our benefit.
His death was more important than his life.
Emphasizing his priestly office--Savior.
An attitude of submission to Christ's lordship is optional for salvation.
God-centred:View of Christ
Savior from sin and sinful nature.
He exists to gather a kingdom and receive honor and glory.
His death and his life of obedience equally important.
Emphasizing his priestly, kingly, and prophetic offices.
An attitude of submission to Christ's lordship is necessary for salvation.
Man-centred :View of Response to Christ
Invitation waiting to be accepted now.
Our choice is the basis for salvation--God responds to our decision.
Will give mental assent to truths of gospel--decision.
Appeal is made to the desires of the sinner.
Saved by faith alone--repentance omitted for it is thought of as "works."
Assurance of salvation comes from a counselor using the promises of God and pronouncing the new believer saved.
Sinners have the key in their hands.
God-centred: View to Response of Christ
Loving command to be obeyed now.
God's choice is the basis for salvation--we respond to God's initiative.
We respond with our whole person (mind, heart, will)--conversion.
Truth is driven home into the conscience of the sinner.
Saved by faith alone--saving faith is always accompanied by repentance.
Assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit applying biblical promises to the conscience and effecting a changed life.
God has the key in his hand.
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