The appeal of eternal issues may be more of interest to the last two generations than those ages 40 or less. When D. James Kennedy made famous the question, "If you were to die tonight are you sure you'd go to heaven," in the 1970's, he captured his target audience well. Who were they? They were Presbyterians traveling from the North to the Sunbelt, Florida, often to vacation or retire. They knew the Gospel, but few Christian witnesses asked them to make a decision for Christ. At Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church the pastor, staff and laity were inviting migrating people to prepare for eternity--a subject of interest to those in their 50's or older. These seniors were both concerned about their destiny and conditioned to think along biblical lines. To respond to God's gift of eternal life seemed right.

At the same time Kennedy's church conducted a ministry to younger people called Green House. They recognized the youth of that time were not responding to the same appeal. The youth of the 1970's were more interested in what God could do for them right now. They would comment negatively about the organized church and "pie in the sky bye and bye."

Knowing the interests and tendencies of the hearers makes personal evangelists effective. Characteristics of an effective Christian witness are the ability to connect with unchurched people, listen to what seems relevant to them, and discuss a relationship with Jesus as important to you. Bruce McClaren, an author of at least five books on evangelism and the post-modern, said that people would quickly talk to a anyone who criticizes the Church and speaks favorably about Jesus. He has identified a specific audience with whom he is effective.

The New Testament identifies several audiences and a variety of methods used to communicate to those audiences. The Bible reports multiple examples for Gospelizing unbelievers. We would be helped by employing story-telling, relational, Bible study, persuasion, family, public and personal evangelism. Paul's motto was "by all means save some."