Churches often ask how they can reach their community and the world with the gospel? Programs have their place. Events can help. Strategies matter. But sometimes the most effective path forward is not something new—it is something faithful, simple, and biblical.
Oscar Thompson’s classic evangelism approach in Concentric Circles of Concern offers just that. Though written decades ago, its wisdom remains timely for Kentucky churches seeking to make a lasting impact both at home and abroad.
Thompson challenged believers to think relationally. Instead of beginning with strangers, he urged Christians to begin with the people God has already placed in their lives. He described a series of “concentric circles” that move outward from the individual believer:
The Power of the Circles
The principle is simple: evangelism flows naturally through relationships. Before we can expect to reach the world, we must first be faithful in our own circle.
1. The believer. Thompson insisted that evangelism begins with a vibrant personal walk with Christ. A cold heart will not produce warm witness. Churches that want to reach their communities must first cultivate spiritual depth among their members. Prayer, repentance, and daily obedience are foundational. When believers walk closely with Christ, witness becomes less of a program and more of a natural overflow.
2. Immediate family. Scripture consistently teaches that faith begins in the home. Before we organize large outreach events, we should ask: Are we discipling our own households?
In Kentucky, where family ties run deep, this circle holds particular weight. When fathers and mothers live out their faith with integrity, children see the gospel modeled before it is ever explained. A church that equips families to share Christ at the dinner table is laying a foundation that will outlast any event on the calendar.
3. Extended family. Many Kentuckians have extended family networks that stretch across counties and even state lines. Thompson encouraged believers to list the names of relatives who need Christ and pray for them specifically.
4. Close friends. These are often the most fruitful gospel conversations because trust already exists. Holiday gatherings, ball games, and backyard cookouts can become divine appointments. When believers approach these relationships intentionally and prayerfully, the gospel spreads naturally.
5. Neighbors and associates. Every church sits in a community filled with people who may never walk through its doors unless someone personally invites them. Thompson’s strategy challenges churches to shift from attractional thinking to relational engagement. Instead of waiting for the community to come to us, we go to them—across the street, across the fence, across the office hallway.
Imagine if every member of a church identified five neighbors and committed to pray for them daily. Imagine if every Sunday School class made a list of coworkers represented in their group and began praying intentionally for open doors. Revival would not be a distant hope. KBC churches would experience much-needed revitalization.
6. Acquaintances. We encounter people every day in stores, restaurants, civic organizations, and ballfields. These brief connections may seem insignificant, but God often uses simple conversations to open eternal doors.
7. The world. The final circle he refers to as “person X.” “Person X” represents the world. Thompson taught that churches best reach the nations when their members are faithful in their immediate relationships. A congregation that cannot share Christ with its neighbors will struggle to sustain passion for the unreached. When local evangelism thrives, global missions flourish. Hearts stirred for the lost across the street will also beat for the lost across the ocean.
Personal Note. Praise the Lord, I have recently seen this play out in my family. Our daughter and son-in-law took the time to talk to their children about Christ and to take them regularly to church. Both sets of grandparents regular talked to them about the Gospel as well. As a result, our two oldest grandsons individually began to ask questions about following Christ. My son-in-law shared the Gospel with each of them privately and each of them accepted Christ as their Savior. Their pastor gave me the glorious privilege of baptizing each of them in the church where they attend.
Stephen C. Rice 