Evangelism can be like dancing. For some, it comes naturally and just happens. Maybe for you, evangelism is elusive. It’s awkward, and you’re scared to try.
In your heart, you would love to be “a natural.” But in life, you’re not.
Here’s some great news about the Good News: God has created natural rhythms that can help even the clumsiest person glide into gospel conversations. You already have familiar rhythms in your life. As you share these rhythms with others throughout the week, you’ll find more moments to share the gospel.
Share Your Kindness
We’ll start with kindness, because God starts with kindness.
In some translations of the Bible, the word lovingkindness is often used to describe the Lord. Although the perfect Judge of creation has every reason to reveal Himself in righteous judgement, He chooses to express His lovingkindness. We should too. The apostle Paul asked Christians in the Book of Romans if they had forgotten “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4, CSB)
Your expressed kindness can open doors that life circumstances have closed in others. People become closed off, but your encouragement, concern, and interest provides a safe place for them to open up.
I have been praying for a local school during the last three years. A door opened to be in a relationship with them as they care for students in deep poverty. I have seen the burden the faculty have for their students, so my goal has become to gather others around them who can help them carry overwhelming challenges.
Once, I dropped off towels and washcloths for homeless students who shower at the school. On another occasion, donated gift cards enabled me to bring toiletries, bedding, and some clothes for a student who was placed unexpectedly in foster care that day. She had nothing but the clothes she wore to school. When I delivered the items, I realized they were a relief to the staff as much as they were to the student.
A few months later I joined one of the faculty at an event she invited me to. As we walked around together and met people, she heard me say what I do and why I do it. The expressed kindness over the previous months evidently made sense that night. When we finished enjoying the event and walked out, she paused and said, “I would love to visit with you more. I want to hear about your life and know more about your work.”
Kindness alone doesn’t share the gospel, but it clears the way for the gospel. Find a moment to show kindness, and you will also find an opportunity to share your faith.
Share Your Talents
A great way to begin a gospel conversation is with your hands. Using skills and abilities you have can easily create time for important discussions. Sitting beside a coworker who needs help with her computer or planting flowers with a neighbor provides time to talk about life, too.
A new friend may not come to a weekly Bible study, but you and another believer could offer to help her with a home improvement project she has mentioned. A couple of hours each Saturday morning for a month will help get the new tile and grout in place, and you’ll have time to talk about what you’re learning together at Bible study.
In Acts 9 we discover Tabitha, a seamstress who had made a profound impact on her community, especially among widows. Although Scripture doesn’t reveal her words, her “acts of charity” (Acts 9:36, CSB) had no doubt been a witness to many people. Interestingly, when she became ill and died, God received even more praise through Tabitha when she was raised back to life. Many more neighbors came to faith as a result (Acts 9:42).
If you’re scared to open your mouth, open your hands first. Start with what you’re good at and see how God uses your hands to reach someone’s heart.
Share Your Friendship
Two of my favorite Bible characters are Priscilla and Aquila. As I read the New Testament, the way this couple shared themselves has helped me see an overlooked aspect of evangelism.
Tentmakers by trade, the husband and wife team intentionally served alongside the apostle Paul as he began to plant New Testament churches across the region. From what we read in Scripture, their friendship offered tangible support to Paul as he focused on spreading the gospel.
Early in Acts 18, they shared their home and livelihood with him. Later in the chapter, we see them traveling with Paul to Ephesus. In 1 Corinthians 16, the apostle referenced them and the house church they hosted in their home. Evidently, Priscilla and Aquila even risked their lives for Paul (Rom. 16:4). No doubt, their friendship was a powerful part of gospel work. It’s easy to imagine how they shared times of prayer, Bible study, and encouragement with Paul.
Along with pastors and church staff who actively lead in evangelism, there are chaplains, local non–profit ministry leaders, and fellow church members who are focused on sharing the gospel. Offer to take them to lunch and get an update on their ministry. Email Scripture to them and remind them of God’s promises and truth. Offer to drive them to speaking engagements or help with administrative tasks. Let them hear your prayers over their ministry. Join them in gospel-proclaiming efforts.
Your friendship can strengthen those who speak the gospel into your community. The gospel will go further because of your support.
Share Your Experiences
A friend at church recently told me about an experience she had with a neighbor. Mel and her husband often walk their dogs and meet people as they do. One teenager took special interest in them. My friend took time during one visit to share with the young man about her faith. Mel encouraged him to talk with his parents about what she said. After this conversation, their interactions became limited, and she feared she had offended the family.
Sometime later, while driving home, Mel saw the young man in his yard. She stopped the car to speak to him and immediately saw he was beaming with joy. “I believe now too!” he said. To her surprise, the young man had become a Christian.
As Mel shared this testimony with me, she recounted her fear, and how she was wrong in her assumption. God was working the whole time; she just didn’t know it.
Now Mel is determined to live by a simple truth: “You’re never wrong to share the gospel!”
I’m thankful my friend at church shared her experience with me. Her story has reminded me to look in my own daily routines for moments to speak with someone and share the gospel.
Evangelism, like dancing, takes practice. You may not be asked to lead an evangelistic crusade, but as you take simple steps, you’ll catch the rhythm of sharing the gospel more and more.
Lorna Bius lives in Clarkston, Georgia. She has served as a youth ministry director in local churches, and as a missionary with the North American Mission Board. She now serves with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board as the Mission Georgia Mobilizer. Working to connect churches with their communities, she helps believers bring gospel-centered care to issues such as human trafficking, foster care, pregnancy support, childhood literacy, refugees, and internationals.
