What images come to mind when someone mentions evangelism? Missionaries traveling to distant lands? Evangelists speaking to stadiums full of people? Or yourself going about your everyday activities?
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 tells us that we’re supposed to make disciples of Jesus Christ wherever we go. But how in the world are we supposed to do that? The good news is that we don’t need to go door-to-door, coldly walking through an assigned set of questions or angrily confront everyone we meet with their obvious sins. These approaches will not win us many converts!
- Let Christ's love shine through the way that you treat others. Sacrificial love is attractive.
- Pray for opportunities for sharing the gospel. Pray specificly for those in your sphere of influence.
- Cultivate relationships with unbelievers. Embrace the opportunities you have to build everyday relationships.
- Share your own story. Be willing to share what you are learning from God's word and how he is shaping you.
- Encourage faith exploration. Doubt can often be a path to faith.
- Be honest about your struggles. It is important for people to understand that Christians are not perfect and they need Jesus too.
- Be a friend through life's ups and downs. Persevering with someone through challenges shows them Jesus.
- Remember that persuasion is God's job not ours. We are just to be faithful with sowing seeds.