God gifted each of us differently. Paul pointed out that God gifts "some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11). Some take this to mean we need to stay in our lane, let the evangelist do his work while we do our work as a shepherd or teacher. However, this same Paul directed his protégé, Timothy, to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). Paul's direction to Timothy would be consistent with the Great Commission in Matthew 28, where Jesus directed all His disciples to make disciples, which includes evangelizing. Those gifted as teachers may do evangelism differently than those gifted with service or hospitality, but we are all tasked with evangelism in some way.
Here are five things we can do to be more intentional about sharing the gospel when we lead a Bible study group.
1. Be prepared to share.
We all need to be able to share how we became followers of Jesus and how others can do the same. If we need help, we can always refer to the information on the inside front cover of the Lifeway resources that explains how to respond to the gospel (admit, believe, and confess). We may have a favorite verse (John 3:13; John 14:6; Romans 6:23) or set of verses (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:1-13) we can point to when sharing the gospel. The key isn't so much which verse or verses we use, but that we're prepared to share when the opportunity arises.
2. Invite people to share their stories.
The people in our groups have stories to tell if we give them an opportunity. Some won't share their story unless we invite them to share how they came to Jesus. This also helps those in our groups improve as witnesses for Christ and get more comfortable with sharing the gospel as they listen to others and share their own stories with the group.
3. Look for opportunities.
In Lifeway resources, at least one lesson each quarter is marked as evangelistic, but that doesn't mean the others do not offer occasions to share the gospel. Most, if not every, Bible study session provides an opportunity to share the gospel. A lesson on the use of money can open a door by reminding the group that we use our money not to secure our salvation but in response to the salvation Jesus already secured for us. Subtle, yet still an opportunity to share the gospel. Many times, we pass over those openings without thinking about it.
4. Include a way to respond.
Telling a person about Jesus and His offer of salvation is only half the work. We need to offer them a way to respond. Asking them in front of the group may not be the best approach. We are asking them to make a big decision that requires careful thought. We can make ourselves available after group time or share our cell numbers in case anyone wants to talk more about what it means to follow Jesus. However we do it, we need to make sure no one is left wanting to know more or wanting to respond without an opportunity to do so.
5. Encourage the group to pray for, invite, and bring along people who are far from God.
One reason we may not always feel an urgency to share the gospel as we teach is that we are leading the same group of people week in and week out. In effect, our groups become functionally closed. By encouraging participants to pray for opportunities to share the gospel, invite people not currently involved in a Bible study group, and bring the people they invite with them, we might find ourselves more intentional about sharing the gospel when we teach. Notice that "invite" and "bring" are listed separately. We need to remind our groups that we can invite people to attend, but if we invite them and offer to pick them up or meet them in the parking lot, they will be more likely to say yes to the invitation.
Review the lessons for this quarter and note those specifically identified as evangelistic. Encourage your group to make special efforts to bring guests with them on the weeks these lessons are taught.