Evangelism is something all believers are called to do. The command of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 is clear: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
It is our responsibility as Christians to have gospel conversations with others so they may come to know Him personally as Lord and Savior. However, Lifeway Research found that two thirds of Christians say they aren't familiar with any methods of telling people about Jesus, and 24% of Christians say they aren't sure what information needs to be shared or where to start.
Evangelism is easy with prayerful preparation and a little practice. Here are three tips for evangelism you can start trying right now.
Have your 15 second testimony ready.
You don't want to be caught unprepared when someone says "yes" to wanting to hear about Jesus. Having a short testimony ready to share can prevent fear and awkward silences. The testimony you share can be as simple as filling in these blanks.
"There was a time in my life when ______.
But then I met Jesus, He forgave me, and I trusted in Him.
And now I am _____."
For example:
"There was a time in my life when I was lost and broken.
But then I met Jesus, He forgave me, and I trusted in Him.
And now I have peace and direction."
This outline of a 15 second testimony is succinct and straight forward. After you share your testimony, it also offers the opportunity for you to ask them if they have a story like that or if they want a story like that.
Love people well. Arguments don't win people over. Relationships do.
We can only share the gospel if people are willing to listen to us—and people will only listen if they believe we care about them. Remember, Jesus didn't just walk around presenting facts. He engaged with people. He asked questions. He told stories. He spent time with people and made them feel seen and valued. He loved them well. If we really want to reach people and win their hearts for the Lord, we have to love them like Jesus.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." If we want to truly represent Jesus to others, love is essential.
Serve others. Find opportunities to serve and honor other people contrary to how culture is.
Evangelism isn't a program or a step-by-step process. It is the product of a life enriched by the gospel. It is the product of a community of faith that lives missionally because they are united in God's love through the gospel of Jesus. This is what we see in the life of the early church in Acts 2.
Genuine faith, centered in the gospel reality of God's love and grace, is so compelling that insiders are enlivened by it and outsiders are drawn to it. As we allow gospel doctrine to create gospel culture in our families and communities through missional living, new opportunities for evangelism will take place.
For more tips like these, check out these Bible studies about evangelism.