Evangelism is intimidating for many believers. Reservations and fears can arise when it comes to sharing the gospel with those we know or even those we don’t.
Even though it’s scary, it’s one of the most important things believers can do, and it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Here are three practical tips for how you can effectively (and easily) communicate the good news with others.
Share Your Faith Through Questions
Asking a simple question and genuinely listening to someone’s response is an easy way to start a spiritual conversation. You can ask any number of questions in a conversation, but here are two that can transition the conversation to sharing the gospel:
“Can I tell you my story?”
You can use this question to start conversations on a bus or plane, at a coffee shop or restaurant. Whether it’s out of a desire to be polite or an honest interest to know more about you, when someone concedes to listen to your story this is an easy way to talk about how God has miraculously worked in your life.
“Do you have a faith?”
Another way to ask this question is, “What do you believe about God?” This question shows that you’re sincerely interested in who you’re talking to. All people believe in something, and their response serves as a litmus test.
If they have faith in Christ, you get to enjoy their testimony. If they don’t, you can guide your follow-up questions based on where they stand on matters of faith. You can then ask the person if you can share what you believe.
Using Scripture to Share Your Faith
In Ephesians 6:19, we learn that the Word of God is our only offensive weapon against the enemy. Scripture is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and is a living and active sword sharp enough to pierce the hardest souls with the grace and truth of God (Hebrews 4:12).
We can trust that there’s immense power in the Bible, and we should use it to guide our gospel conversations.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” -Romans 1:16
As you share your story and God’s story, incorporate Scripture into the conversation to point others to the truth found in God’s Word.
Share Your Faith with Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16
Christ didn’t come into the world to condemn but to save (John 3:17). God is compassionate toward all people and reveals His great love for all at the cross (Romans 5:8). As His image-bearers, it’s important that our motivation for sharing the gospel is a reflection of God’s love for all people.
In 1 Peter, we’re told to be prepared to give a defense for the hope we have in Christ with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). This doesn’t mean you should shy away from explaining the eternal ramifications of turning from God, but it’s important to remember that our words should be an outpouring God’s love.
Before sharing the gospel with anyone, ask God to fill your heart with compassion for those who don’t know Jesus. Always place Christ’s love at the forefront of your gospel presentation.
By remembering to ask questions, use Scripture, and focus on God’s love for all, you can more easily share the good news of Jesus with others. Evangelism doesn’t have to be scary. Besides, Jesus is with you as you tell others about Him (Matthew 28:20). So proclaim His name among the nations and tell the world of all He has done (1 Chronicles 16:8).
Is the Great Commission for All Believers?
Ask any believer if all Christ followers should obey the Great Commandment—to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself—and the answer will almost certainly be, “Absolutely.” But when asked if all believers should obey the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations—the responses become mixed. Should all believers participate in this final command from Jesus? Discover the answer below.
