The Power of His Presence: A 5-Part Journey into Presence Evangelism

 Presence Evangelism: Power Encounter Series

Introduction

I was sitting in a parking lot in Florida, and my stomach was churning with acid. I didn't want to go inside that church. To be honest, I was struggling. I had been on my knees every morning, seeking God, and He kept giving me these prophetic confirmations to go to Florida. I was even doing Gideon-type testing—putting out fleeces because I knew that going would bring friction. I had a list of all these confirmations, and I knew that if I didn't walk through those doors, I would be in flat-out disobedience.

You see, many of us feel that same knot in our stomach when we think about sharing our faith. We’ve been told we need a graduate degree in theology or a 501c3 before we can tell our neighbor about Jesus. We’ve been trained to think that evangelism is a series of intellectual arguments or a scripted sales pitch. We have the cure for eternity, yet we feel paralyzed. This is the great disconnect: we know the Word, but we’re missing the power that makes the Word come alive.

This five-part series is about a journey I call Presence Evangelism. It’s the solution to the stagnant, formulaic outreach that leaves both the believer and the unbeliever cold. Over the next few sections, we are going to look at how to move from speculation to perspiration, how to hear the Shepherd’s voice in the middle of a Walmart meat aisle, and how to activate Kingdom Seekers by simply inviting the presence of Jesus into the conversation. It’s time to stop just talking about the Gospel and start demonstrating the power of the Living God.

The Presence of Angelism – Series Overview

When I first started this journey, I almost called it "prophetic evangelism." That’s the hot phrase right now—everyone is talking about "treasure hunting," where you pray for clues and go find people with red shirts or a limp. I’ve done that, but I realized that's not exactly what the Lord was teaching me. I started looking at the words and realized "Presence Evangelism" was much more accurate.

The core concept that unifies this entire series is the simple truth that when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, He shows up. That is presence. We aren’t just heralding a message; we are facilitating an encounter. Every argument in the world cannot stack up against an experiential encounter with Jesus Christ. This isn't about being a "prophet"; it’s about being a sheep that knows the texture and tenor of the Shepherd’s voice.

Across these five podcasts, we see a progressive revelation. It starts with the weight of the words we speak, moves into the goal of activating seekers rather than just collecting "prayers," and eventually leads us into the grit of the mission field—dealing with "church hurt," principalities in buildings, and the resistance of the wealthy. We are co-laboring with the Creator. It is a "great co-mission." He provides the presence; we provide the feet.

Podcast 1: The Five Words That Changed Everything

Years ago, I started praying a very specific prayer: "Lord, let me do more with five words than most people do in their lifetime." I was thinking about the woman at the well and how Jesus told her, Thou hast had five husbands (John 4:18 KJV). I was also thinking about Paul saying he’d rather speak five words with his understanding than ten thousand in an unknown tongue. I conflated those two, and that prayer became the catalyst for my trip to Florida.

When I finally stopped sneaking around the back of that Florida church and spoke those five words the Lord gave me to the pastor, I realized something profound. It wasn’t the "magic" of the words themselves; it was the power inside the seed. Think of a word like a seed. The word is the shell, but the Spirit is the life inside. When you form a word, you purse your lips and move your tongue, but if you don’t blow—if there is no breath—there is no sound. That breath is the pneuma, the Spirit.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

In the same way, Presence Evangelism is about words that are breathed on by God. Look at Jesus with the woman at the well. He "must needs" go through Samaria. Why? Because He only did what He saw the Father doing. He met her at a specific geographical location at a specific time. He gave her a word of knowledge—the "five husbands" word—and it activated her. She didn't just get saved; she became an evangelist immediately. She went into town and told everyone, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:29 KJV).

The prophetic word activated her to be a Kingdom Seeker. That is our foundation. We aren't looking to win an argument; we are looking to see faces change when they realize they have just encountered the Living God.

Podcast 2: Activating Kingdom Seekers and the Lukewarm Heart

As we move forward, we have to define the goal. Why are we doing this? The Great Commission tells us to make disciples, but in the American "Bible Belt," we face a unique problem. Almost everyone has heard of Jesus. The problem isn't a lack of information; it’s a lack of fire.

One time, while I was praying in my apartment in Houston, these words came out of my mouth before I could even think: "My gospel is to the lukewarm." I realized I was being called to the Laodicean spirit—the people who do their one hour a week in a pew but aren't Kingdom Seekers. They know about Jesus, but they don’t know Him with that "ginosko" intimacy.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot (Revelation 3:15 KJV).

The goal of Presence Evangelism is to light matches. I think of John Wesley, who said he just set himself on fire and let people watch him burn. Fire is contagious. When my cup runs over with the oil of the Holy Spirit, it gets everyone around me wet.

I remember meeting a man in the meat aisle at Walmart. He had a backpack on, and I just used that to establish rapport. But as we talked, God lit him up. We talked about how the Holy Spirit forbade Paul from preaching in Asia because God had a different plan. I pulled out my "weapon"—my smartphone—and showed him Acts 16. We gave him a ride home and prayed for him. The next day, he had two jobs, a place to stay, and his stolen truck was returned. That’s what happens when a "lukewarm" or "struggling" person becomes a Kingdom Seeker. They stop chasing "things" and start chasing God, and then the "things" start chasing them. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

Podcast 3: Equipping the Fisherman – Preparation for the Field

Jesus told us He would make us "fishers of men." Now, fishing is a craft. You can read every book on fishing, but until you get in the boat, you don't know anything about bait, bug repellent, or how the wind affects the water. Presence Evangelism requires "perspiration over speculation." We learn as we go.

I often refer to Hebrews 5:14: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (KJV). You don't get your senses exercised sitting on a couch. You get them exercised by "reason of use"—by actually going out and doing the work.

Before I go out, I get "worded up" and "prayed up." We ask God, "Where do You want us to go?" Sometimes He gives a vision of a gas station or a specific park. But sometimes, He is silent. When He’s silent, I remember that I am an ambassador of the Kingdom wherever I stand. I don't need to be micromanaged.

We also carry tools. I've learned from folks like Kevin Reen and Steven Barrett that it helps to be "instant in season and out of season." We carry "goodie bags" for the homeless—socks, snacks, toiletries. James tells us that faith without works is dead. If we say "be warm and filled" but don't give them a jacket, what good is it? We also carry Bibles and gospel tracks, but we don't just throw them at people like confetti. We wait for the Spirit to highlight someone who will treasure the Word.

And let’s talk about "making disciples." That requires communication. I use business cards, but more importantly, I friend people on Facebook right then and there. I use a Google Voice number so I can stay in touch without giving out my personal cell. These are the "rods and reels" of the trade. But remember: you don't need the gear as much as you need the Holy Spirit.

Podcast 4: Removing the Rocks – How to Approach Anyone for Jesus

Approaching people is where most believers freeze up. They’re afraid of looking stupid. But I say: be willing to look stupid for Jesus! Pride and "self-esteem" are often just masks for the devil to keep us quiet.

When we approach people, the first goal is to establish "rapport." I call this "removing the rocks of offense." If the sower is going to sow the seed, we need to clear the ground so the Word can get deep into the heart. If you go straight for a "sales pitch," you’re like a used car salesman. But if you find something in common—a t-shirt, a backpack, or a cross necklace—you’re showing love. Faith works by love.

One of my favorite "devious" tricks is looking for people trying to take a selfie. Usually, there’s an "odd man out" holding the camera. I’ll walk up and say, "Hey, I’ll take that picture for you." Now I have their $600 phone in my hand, and I have their full attention! As I’m handing it back, I’ll start a conversation.

We redefine success as obedience. If someone says "no," that’s okay. Maybe I was the third person to nudge them that week. We let God handle the results. I’ve seen the most amazing encounters come right after a discouraging "no." You just have to keep the bait in the water.

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name (Acts 5:41 KJV). If they beat the apostles and they rejoiced, surely we can handle someone being a little rude to us at the park.

Podcast 5: Encountering Resistance – The Battle of Principalities

Finally, we have to talk about the real-world resistance we face. It’s not always easy. In wealthy areas, like the "Laodicean" neighborhoods, people often feel they have need of nothing. I remember selling boats in Florida and being accused of "taking Jesus too seriously." When people are "increased with goods," they often treat Jesus like an accessory.

On the flip side, we deal with "church hurt" among the poor and homeless. Many have been treated poorly by religious institutions. We have to steer them away from fallible men and back to the biblical Jesus. We find that about 80% of the homeless we talk to are struggling with massive unforgiveness. We have to counsel them on being reconciled to their brother before they can move forward.

One of the most eye-opening things I’ve learned is the reality of "principalities in buildings." I remember going to the VA hospital in Memphis with Garry Nesbit. We were prayed up and full of faith. Right outside the building, under some scaffolding, we met a woman with diabetic foot pain who could barely walk. Garry prayed for her, and she started praising God, healed!

Then we went inside the hospital. The atmosphere changed instantly. We were pumped up, but every single person we asked for prayer said "no." It was as if the building itself was a stronghold of unbelief. We finally found one man with "mustard seed" faith. Gary prayed for him inside, and he limped away. But the moment he crossed those automatic doors and got outside the building, he started running and leaping and dancing!

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58 KJV). Sometimes the "unbelief" is baked into the very walls of an institution. We have to be aware of these spiritual atmospheres. Whether it’s the "hell-bent" energy of Beale Street or the waiting rooms of a bus station, we follow the Spirit, not a formula.

Personal Reflections

Looking back over this journey, I realize how much I’ve had to unlearn. I used to think I needed a plan for every person I met. I wanted a formula. But God doesn't do formulas; He does relationships. I’ve learned that my greatest failures happened when I stopped being a "sheep" and tried to be the "shepherd." Whenever I tried to force an encounter because I thought it was a "good idea," it usually fell flat.

Jesus has refined my understanding of success. It’s not about the number of people who say a prayer; it’s about whether I was obedient to the nudge of the Spirit. I’ve learned that I’m just an ambassador. My job is to represent the King. If the King wants to heal someone, I’m just the conduit. If the King wants to give a word of knowledge, I’m just the mouthpiece.

I also realized that I used to overlook the "lukewarm." I was so focused on the "lost" that I forgot about the "smoldering embers" in the church. God showed me that a revived believer is the greatest tool for the Great Commission. If I can light one match, that match can light a thousand more.

Biblical References

The foundation of Presence Evangelism is woven throughout the scriptures, not as a suggestion, but as a mandate for the believer. We see it in the "must needs" of Jesus’s travel plans and the "forbidden" paths of Paul’s missionary journeys. This is the reality of walking in the Spirit.

The theological grounding is found in the "Great Co-Mission." It is not a solo mission. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20 KJV). His presence is the "lo" that goes with us. Without that presence, we are just clanging cymbals.

We also see the necessity of the prophetic in the context of the harvest. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth (1 Corinthians 14:24-25 KJV). This is the "face-changing" encounter we are looking for—where the secrets of the heart are manifest and the person realizes that God is truly there.

Key Takeaways

• Presence Over Apologetics: A single encounter with the power of God outweighs a thousand intellectual arguments.
• Activate, Don't Just Convert: The goal is to create Kingdom Seekers who will go out and light others on fire.
• Rapport is Love: Removing "rocks of offense" through simple conversation and kindness prepares the heart for the seed of the Word.
• Obedience is Success: We are responsible for being faithful to the Spirit's nudge; God is responsible for the results.
• The Power is in the Breath: Empty words have no life; we need the Pneuma (Spirit) to animate our message.
• Watch the Atmosphere: Be aware of principalities and strongholds of unbelief that may reside in certain locations or institutions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The world is desperate for the real Jesus. They aren't looking for more religion, more programs, or more polished sermons. They are looking for the presence of the Living God. They are looking for someone who is "crazy enough" to believe that Jesus still heals, still delivers, and still speaks today.

Presence Evangelism isn't for a "special" class of Christians. It’s for the sheep. It’s for you. Whether you’re at a bus station, a Walmart, or sitting across from a family member, the presence of Jesus is with you. You have the "pneuma" of God inside you. Don't let the fear of looking stupid keep you from being the answer to someone’s prayer.

If you’ve been feeling lukewarm, or if your ministry has felt like a dry routine, I want to encourage you to "dig deeper and go higher." Pick up my books, OPEN YOUR EYES MY SUPERNATURAL JOURNEY or Overcoming Night Terror, to learn more about navigating the spiritual realm and walking in the power of God. The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few. Will you be one of those who says, "Here am I, Lord, send me"?

Action Items

1. The "Five Word" Prayer: Start your day by asking the Lord to let you do more with a few Spirit-led words than most do in a lifetime. Be alert for that "nudge."
2. Pack Your "Tackle Box": Put a few Bibles or gospel tracks in your car. Better yet, put together a couple of "goodie bags" with socks and snacks for the next homeless person you encounter.
3. The Selfie Strategy: Next time you see someone struggling to take a group photo, offer to help. Use that 30-second window to ask a simple question: "What’s your relationship with Jesus like?"

• Identify the Rocks: Practice "rapport" this week. Find one thing in common with a stranger and use it to start a conversation before you ever mention the Gospel.

1. Pray It Through: Before you head out to run errands, spend ten minutes in prayer. Don't just give God your list; listen. Ask Him if there’s a specific "gas station" or "park" He wants you to visit.

Stay on fire, keep seeking the Kingdom, and let's watch Jesus transform our communities. God bless you!

Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher.

Conrad