Evangelism can be scary. Many believers fear rejection or that they will be asked a question they don’t know how to answer.
For many, that fear often intensifies when the person you’re talking to identifies as an atheist. Perhaps you don’t know how to prove that God exists or think the other person is simply smarter than you.
Lee Strobel is a former atheist who decided to investigate the resurrection of Jesus when his wife became a Christian. What he discovered led him to a saving faith in Christ. In an interview on the Even You podcast, Lee shared how he begins a gospel conversation with atheists and agnostics. He explains how simple conversations and having a spirit of gentleness and respect can break down barriers.
Continue reading for highlights from this interview.
Sharing the Gospel With Atheists
Some people say they’re an atheist, but when you press them, they’re really agnostic.
An agnostic is someone who’s not sure, who just doesn’t see the evidence, and is assuming that God doesn’t exist. An atheist believes there is no God. The agnostic says, “I’m not sure if there’s a God.” The atheist says, “There is no God.”
But wait a minute. To be a true atheist, you would have to be God because you would have to be omniscient to know there is no God. So a lot of people are not really atheists. They’re more agnostic.
I try to feel people out. First, I’ll leave clues that I’m a believer, and if I get into a conversation with someone who doesn’t believe, I’ll say, “Let me ask you a question. If God existed, and you could ask Him any one question, and you knew He’d give you an answer right now, what would you ask Him?” That helps diagnose the spiritual sticking point in that person’s life. They’ll often say, “Why would a loving God allow pain and suffering? Why would a loving God send people to Hell?” Those are the sticking points in that person’s spiritual journey.
And you could say, “That’s a good question. I had that question, too. Would you be interested in looking for answers with me?” There are so many books out there to find answers. I wrote a book called “The Case for Faith” that looks at the top eight objections to Christianity. You can read a book together and pursue answers.
First Peter 3:15 says we’re called to be gentle and respectful in how we interact with nonbelievers. I don’t find it helpful to confront people. I find it helpful to reason with them, to have a conversation with them, and to ask them about their story. Ask, “You don’t believe in God? That’s interesting. Why not? What’s behind that?” And if you ask enough questions about their story, eventually, they’re going to turn and say, “What’s your story?” Then, you have an opportunity to talk about how God changed your life.
I know there’s a fear there. We think atheists are going to have all these knock down arguments, but they don’t. All the evidence from science, history, and philosophy points toward the Christian faith in a powerful and persuasive way. We should have confidence that our faith is based on truth. We have truth on our side.
Take Your Next Step
As you engage with others to share about Jesus—whether they are atheists or believe something else—remember 1 Peter 3:15:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect … .”
Watch the full interview with Lee Strobel below.
The Even You Podcast
On the Even You podcast, we want to empower ordinary people to say, “Yes!” to extraordinary purpose. Hear how everyday believers are using their gifts to have an eternal impact on people’s lives around the world. Learn more, share, and listen to the podcast now!
