The Four Fields Gospel Tool
Field 1 - The Empty FieldThe Empty Field is a representation of nonbelievers. The field is empty because they haven't been exposed to or haven't accepted the Gospel. The field will remain empty until they are exposed to and accept the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
The Empty Field could be your neighbor, your parents or children, your siblings, cousins or any other family member, as well as employer, co-worker, friend, for anyone else you might encounter on a regular basis. The Empty Field is someone who doesn't know Jesus as their person Lord and Savior. This is our mission field. |
Field 2 - The Seeded FieldThe Seeded Field is a representation of someone who hears the Gospel. They're exposed, but this doesn't mean they've necessarily accepted it. They could require several more exposures to the Gospel before they fully accept it.
In the meantime, continue sharing the Gospel with them. I like to refer to this as "showering" them; as a seed needs rainfall to grow, nonbelievers need to be continually "showered" so the seed of the Gospel can grow in them. |
Field 3 - The Field of CropsThe Field of Crops is a representation of a new believer who is being discipled. Part of our mission isn't to just spread the Gospel, but to help new believers grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Discipleship isn't a necessarily difficult process: You teach your disciple the basics of the Bible, help them with any questions they have and do life with them. Challenge them, pray with them, pray for them, read the Bible with them, spend time with them outside of Bible study. A key part of discipleship is how much time you spend with your disciple without studying the Bible. Although it sounds counterintuitive, it's what best helps build a foundation of trust, brotherhood/sisterhood, loyalty and love between you and your disciple. It shows them you care about them as a person rather than just a student. |
Field 4 - The Gathering of CropsThe Gathering of Crops is a representation of believers coming together as a community. This is best described as the meeting of a local church. Every week believers have opportunities to gather with a small group or a congregation to study the Bible, worship and pray together.
The Gathering of Crops is important because it keeps the crops together. Togetherness and unity are vital in the lives of believers. Community is what keeps believers plugged in to the Gospel. |