Evangelism.
What comes to your mind when you hear that word?
For me, I think about the people standing on the streets, holding a sign saying "Jesus saves" and talking to everyone who walks past them about the love of Christ. Maybe you think about a TV preacher or a Christian Instagrammer. Maybe you don't understand what evangelism is, and so you've never stopped to think about it.
Y'all, evangelism is relevant. It is applicable. It is not for a select group of people. It is for us. And we need to start understanding what evangelism really is, so that we can really, truly, biblically, live it out.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20
Very simply stated, from the mouth of Jesus, evangelism is going and spreading who He is. Evangelism is not only creating new Christians, but also guiding them to actually obey what Jesus said. Evangelism is being a light to the world around us, showing them Jesus and leading them to the cross so that they too can experience the love and the freedom and the joy we have experienced.
In these verses, Jesus wasn't talking to the Pharisees, the religious fanatics or the bold theologians. No, He was talking to His disciples. The fishermen and tax collectors. The imperfect men, who were dirty and uneducated. Evangelism and sharing the Gospel is not reserved for preachers, those who went to Bible college, or the people on the street holding signs saying "Jesus saves". While evangelism is for them, it's for us too. Evangelism is even for those of us who don't have any Bible verses memorized, who don't have all the answers, and who are still very very imperfect.
Evangelism is for all of us.
Yes, you. Even you. Especially you.
I know - this is a big subject. It can feel scary and unappealing. It seems too out there, too bold, too complicated. But sharing the Gospel and the love of Christ doesn't have to be. It's for all of us to participate in and be a part of. That's why I created this list - 12 ways that all of us can evangelize and share the Gospel.
1. Ask a question.
One way to share the Gospel with someone is to ask them questions about their beliefs. It'll probably get awkward, but having a conversation with someone about Jesus is so much more effective and personal than preaching to them about Jesus. Maybe you could ask them:
Do you love Jesus? Do you know what it means to have a relationship with God?
What do you believe your purpose in life is?
What do you think happens after someone dies?
What has been your experience in church?
What do you know about Jesus?
There are no guidelines you have to follow to start this conversation. These questions may not go anywhere, but they may also lead you into a deeper conversation about who Jesus is and how He's changed your life.
2. When comforting a hurting friend, share biblical truths.
When people are hurting, we all tend to seek worldly answers and quick fixes, but that doesn't lead to long-term peace or joy. If someone you know personally is in a season of struggle right now, or just having a bad day, instead of giving them worldly comfort, share biblical truths that actually make a difference. Tell them that Jesus loves them and is there for them, and that He has a plan. Be sure to not spout out casual Christian sayings, but instead keep it biblical and genuine.
3. Wear Christian clothing and jewelry.
Wearing Christian clothing and jewelry is a super simple way to stand out and share the Gospel. Use what you wear to initiate deeper conversations about what those sayings/words actually mean and why they are important to you. (For example, if someone compliments your necklace that says "hallelujah", thank them and briefly tell them that your necklace reminds you to praise God for the many blessings He's given you.)
4. Post Bible verses and what Jesus has spoken to you through those verses on your social media.
The majority of us are on social media in some capacity, and we have an incredible platform through that to share the Gospel. Share a Bible verse that spoke to you in your Bible study last night, and what that has taught you. Repost or share a message that someone else posted that impacted you. You can even post a prayer over the day and your community. Those things take minimal effort, and you're already using those apps anyways, so use them for God's glory.
5. Write letters about how Jesus has changed your life and leave them in random public places.
I absolutely love letters and the impact they can make. One of my favorite ways to share Jesus is through writing out my testimony and the ways He's changed my life, and then leaving that letter in a random, semi-hidden public place (like in a book at the library, a random locker, on a grocery store shelf, etc). Writing it out gives me the opportunity to process and get everything down that I want to say, and sometimes that can be difficult in a face-to-face conversation.
6. Ask your friends - even non-Christians - for prayer requests.
Everyone needs prayer, and even if they don't believe in God, most everyone will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sending a quick text (like "Hey, it's been a while since we've talked! Is there anything that you'd like me to pray for you about?") can not only show someone that you're thinking about them, but it may also lead into a conversation about something that they are struggling with and give you having an opportunity to encourage them with Jesus.
7. Play Christian music in your car as you carpool/drive people around.
If you're of driving age, then this may just be the perfect way to casually share Jesus with the people in your car. I know that in high school, many of the upperclassmen often drive around younger students. No matter what life stage you're in, playing the Christian radio station while your carpooling could be an opportunity to start a conversation about why you choose to listen to Christian music and how that has impacted you.
8. Invite friends to do a Bible study with you on the Bible app (Christians or non-Christians)
A big reason why people are afraid to evangelize and talk about Jesus is because they don't feel like they know enough to start that conversation. If that's you, then maybe you should invite a few of your friends to do a Bible study with you on the Bible app. That way, you are all learning while still giving you an opportunity to elaborate and continue the conversation. If you do try this out, be sure to keep the conversation rolling and try to answer any questions that they may have.
9. Invite people to church.
This is another great option if you're afraid to start the conversation or not have all the answers. Invite a friend to church with you, and help them get plugged in with people who can answer their questions. Afterwards, take them out to lunch to catch up and discuss what you learned during the service.
10. Bring someone candy/cookies/a meal with a Bible verse attached.
One year during finals, I brought some of my friends a small piece of candy with a little note and Bible verse attached. This is a super simple yet impactful way to share the love of Christ! You can do this with numerous things, such as cookies, a treat bag, a meal, etc. Your thoughtfulness will not only encourage the receiver, but it might start to plant the seed about Jesus and inspire them to learn more.
12. Live set apart.
Many people are watching you and your life to see Jesus. As you live set apart, obeying Jesus and serving the people around you, that in itself is a big way that you can evangelize and share the Gospel. The way you live your life may just inspire conversations about where you find your joy, purpose, and peace, especially in the midst of trials you're facing. How you live will also encourage the Christians around you and challenge them to follow after Jesus' example.
13. Pray, pray, pray!
Ultimately, God is the only one who can change hearts and bring them to know Him. Be purposeful about praying for the people in your life who don't yet know Jesus, and watch how powerful your prayer truly can be.
As you begin to evangelize and share the Gospel with the people around you, be careful to avoid falling into the trap of sharing just the "pretty" side of Christianity. Yes, they need to hear that Jesus loves them, that they are saved and Jesus forgives their sin - but it's also important to discuss how deadly sin can be, hell, and what happens if you deny Jesus.
And please remember - evangelism is not for you to do alone. Jesus said that He is with us, always, to the very end of the age. He is the one helping us initiate conversations, say the words, and be an example. You don't have to be afraid, because it's not up to you! You're not the one changing lives, Jesus is. So take a deep breath, surrender to Jesus, and go wherever He takes you.
Guys, evangelism is for more than preachers - evangelism is for all of us! I am praying that all of us are able to take one of these tips and go out of our way to share the love of Christ with someone. If you have any prayer requests, or any more tips on how to share the Gospel, please drop those in the comments below!
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