The Engel Scale helps us understanding steps toward true faith. Pastor Chris often shares that successful evangelism is helping someone take one step closer to crossing the line from eternal death to eternal life when they repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus. Evangelism is not just about a single conversation or event. It is often a journey with many meaningful steps along the way.
The Engel Scale is a helpful concept chart that illustrates how people typically move toward and grow after a personal commitment to Christ. It outlines various stages that people may pass through as they move from no awareness of God, to understanding the gospel, to repentance and faith, and then on to spiritual growth and service.
This tool reminds us that every interaction matters. Whether you are planting seeds, answering questions, inviting someone to church, or helping a new believer grow, you are playing a part in their spiritual journey. Your role may be to move someone from one stage to the next, trusting God to bring the increase.
The Engel Scale encourages believers to be patient, intentional, and prayerful as they share the love and truth of Jesus with others. It helps us celebrate each step forward and keeps us focused on walking with people as God draws them to Himself.
Here is a General Summary of Steps on the Engel Scale:
Before faith in Christ
- No awareness of God
- Initial awareness of a higher power
- Growing interest in spiritual things
- Understanding basic facts about the gospel
- Recognizing personal spiritual need
- Grasping the implications of the gospel
- Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ
After faith in Christ
- Living as a mature, reproducing disciple of Jesus
- Receiving new life and assurance of salvation
- Beginning to grow through discipleship and community
- Developing spiritual habits and understanding
- Serving and sharing faith with others
The diagram below was shared by Outreach Magazine
