Summary: Effective planting requires effective cultivation. After cultivating, the next phase is planting. And then, if God so allows, a seed turns into a plant and is ready for harvest. Christians have been guilty for decades of not cultivating the soil and then smashing seeds into the unprepared hearts of lost people.

When it comes to sharing the gospel message, I like to think about it as “Spiritual CPR”. Traditionally, we think of CPR as a medical action used on someone in grave danger. Interestingly enough, Spiritual CPR is similar. We are seeking to breathe spiritual life into someone in need. The letters of CPR stand for Cultivate, Plant and Reap.

Just as a farmer works the soil by tilling and turning over the dirt, we too must cultivate and prepare the soil. This is part of earning the right to be heard. Our efforts of Good Works can be thought of as part of the process of cultivation. It can often take years of diligent and calculated effort to effectively prepare the soil for the next phase: planting.

Planting involves sharing the truths of the gospel message. Please understand that planting seeds can be done in a way that honors the message and also in a way that honors the listener. Christians have been guilty for decades of not cultivating the soil and then smashing seeds into the unprepared hearts of lost people. Effective planting requires effective cultivation.

And then, if God so allows, a seed turns into a plant and is ready for harvest. Cultivation precedes Planting. Planting precedes Reaping. All requires God.