Noah Larson, GCU Honors College
Upon engaging in several trips focusing on evangelism, I experienced an unexpected change. I noticed that after evangelizing, I had become significantly more compassionate and passionate about my faith. In order to discern the cause of these newfound changes, I looked at three theories to provide insight. The first theory focused on confirmation bias, the second on exposure, and the third on active faith. Using these three theories, I analyzed how witnessing someone convert to Christianity after sharing the Gospel with them could have brought about the unexpected changes. I concluded that while confirmation bias and exposure could have played a small role in my unexpected change, the most plausible explanation stemmed from employing active faith. Confirmation bias and exposure have evidence supporting them; however, I reasoned that they did not possess enough power to change my heart into one of compassion and zeal from the former one that was arrogant and complacent. The evidence seemed to support the idea that only a force as powerful as God could have brought about these unexpected changes. As a result of my reflection on my experience, my faith and confidence in God grew. Additionally, I proposed that more research should be conducted on evangelism, prayer life, and levels of compassion. Some notable limitations in this reflection are personal bias, lack of outside perspective, and its inability to be repeated.
Keywords: evangelism, discipleship, compassion, prayer, worldview, great commission, confirmation bias, exposure