Three Tips for Approaching Evangelism with Confidence

As Christians, we know it is important for us to tell others about Jesus. In Romans, Paul eloquently states, “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him?” (Romans: 10:14a). 

Our assignment is clear. We must engage in gospel conversations so that others can encounter Jesus and have the opportunity to call Him Lord. Moreover, research shows that a majority of Americans are open to having spiritual conversations with family or friends. God wants to use you to spread the gospel! But how can we approach these conversations with confidence?  

1) Pray for Opportunities  

The importance of prayer when seeking opportunities for conversations was one of the foundations my professor emphasized during my evangelism course in college. As I prayed for opportunities to talk about Jesus, I quickly discovered that the Holy Spirit eagerly guided me to where He was working. Moreover, the intentional prayer time will help address any fears associated with sharing the gospel. God knows the challenges we face when we share the gospel, whether we do so in a foreign country or in our neighbor’s yard. Through prayer, He will remind you of Scriptures to articulate the gospel and calm your fears. He knows sharing this life-changing truth can be intimidating, and He also calls us to cast all our cares onto Him (1 Peter 5:7).  

2) Remember to Listen

It is also imperative to remember to listen to the other person when you are having gospel conversations. We can get so focused on the presentation of the gospel – making sure we mention all of the Scriptures in the Romans Road or that they know our testimony in less than three minutes – that we forget to pay attention to the person receiving the message.  

Let me give you a quick example. While in college, I worked at a large retailer. One day, a colleague, whom we will call Taylor, asked me if I was a Christian because he noticed I wore cross-shaped jewelry often. After I said yes, he asked, “Don’t you think Christianity has a lot of rules?”  

This is a moment where I had to listen. Taylor’s tone was calm and inquisitive. So, I asked about his experience with Christianity. He grew up in a very religious but legalistic home. It became clear to me that Taylor knew he was a sinner, but he didn’t know that sinners are saved by grace, or that Jesus wants an intimate relationship with him (Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 11:28). I focused on explaining these concepts, and we had many subsequent conversations about what it looks like to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I don’t know if Taylor ever surrendered to Jesus, but I know God is working in his life!

Let me be clear. Tools like the Romans Road and three-minute testimonies are wonderful ways to present the gospel. You should familiarize yourself with these and other evangelism methods so you are prepared to speak the good news whenever the opportunity comes. But in each conversation, don’t forget to listen to the other person. 

3) Let the Holy Spirit Work   

Finally, remember to step back and let the Holy Spirit do the work. Scripture says that the Holy Spirit grows the seeds of faith (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). We have a vital role to play as messengers of the gospel, but we are not responsible for another individual’s decision to follow Jesus. Christ’s love for us is not based on how many people we guide through that decision. So, take the pressure off of yourself and rest in confidence knowing that the Holy Spirit will equip you for this call.