What Is Evangelism? A Comprehensive Guide to Sharing God’s Love
Evangelism is at the heart of the Christian faith, a call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. But what does evangelism mean, and why is it essential for every believer? Despite its importance, many Christians struggle with evangelism, with statistics showing a surprisingly small percentage actively participating in this vital mission.
This guide will explore what evangelism is, provide biblical insights, and offer practical steps to engage in evangelism with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re seasoned in sharing your faith or unsure where to start, this post will equip you with tools to make a meaningful impact for God’s kingdom.
What Is Evangelism?
Evangelism is the act of proclaiming the Gospel—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The word “evangelism” comes from the Greek term euangelion, meaning “good news.” It’s not just about words but also about actions that reflect Christ’s love.
Jesus Himself gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20:
“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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This commission is both a command and a privilege, calling believers to share God’s message of hope and redemption.
It is through evangelism that the raw power of God is manifested. God doesn’t give us his power so that we can put it in our pockets. Instead, he releases his power when we commit ourselves to winning souls.
During those moments when we share God’s word with others, we make ourselves conduits of God’s power through which he can heal or bring about a change in the life of the person we are ministering to.
This was shown in the life of the apostles; as they went about preaching the word of God, the Bible recorded that God was with them, confirming his words with signs and wonders. Mark 16:20
Why Do So Few Christians Evangelize?
Studies indicate that only a small percentage of Christians actively evangelize. For example, a survey might reveal that less than 10% of Christians engage in regular evangelism. This statistic raises an important question: why?
- Fear of Rejection: Many fear being ridiculed or alienated when they share their faith.
- Lack of Knowledge: Some feel unequipped to explain the Gospel or answer tough questions.
- Misunderstanding of Evangelism: Many assume evangelism requires preaching to strangers, not realizing it can take various forms, including personal conversations and acts of service.
The Bible encourages us in 2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Overcoming fear and trusting in God’s guidance are key to effective evangelism.
Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch in the book of Acts is a great example of evangelism outside of traditional settings. He shared the gospel with the Eunuch while traveling on a road, showing that evangelism can happen anywhere and at any time. This demonstrates that spreading the message of God’s love can be done through simple conversations and acts of kindness in everyday life.
This interaction led to the Ethiopian’s conversion to Christianity, showing that evangelism can take place in everyday conversations and interactions. Sharing the message of God’s love and grace can have a profound impact on someone’s life, even if it doesn’t involve traditional preaching or teaching methods. For example, offering a listening ear and words of encouragement during difficult times can plant seeds of faith in someone’s heart.
The Biblical Mandate for Evangelism
Throughout Scripture, evangelism is portrayed as central to the mission of God’s people. Here are some key passages that emphasize its importance:
- Romans 10:14-15:
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” This verse highlights the necessity of sharing the Gospel. Without evangelism, many will never hear the message of salvation. - Mark 16:15:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” This command emphasizes the universal nature of evangelism—it’s a mission for all believers, not just a select few.
To evangelize doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to have a mastery of the Bible or stand behind a pulpit. Telling someone that God loves them during their hardest times is a form of evangelizing. All Philip needed to do was explain the passage of the scripture that the Ethiopian eunuch was reading and then the Holy Spirit took over. It was the Spirit of God who did all the work, not Philip.
At that point, Philip made himself a conduit of God’s word, a vessel through which God’s Spirit would touch and change the life of the Ethiopian eunuch. If you make yourself available, God will take the little you know to do something beyond your imagination. Just make yourself available, have faith, and see what God can do through you.
Practical Ways to Evangelize in Everyday Life
Evangelism doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are practical, approachable methods to share your faith:
- Live Out Your Faith:
Actions often speak louder than words. Let your kindness, integrity, and compassion reflect Christ’s love. As Matthew 5:16 says:
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Start Small:
Share your testimony with a close friend or family member. Personal stories of how God has worked in your life are powerful and relatable. - Use Digital Tools:
Share Scripture, Christian blogs, or videos on social media. Technology provides a global platform for spreading the Gospel. - Join Evangelistic Events:
Participate in church outreach programs, mission trips, or community service projects to connect with others and share the Gospel. - Pray for Opportunities:
Ask God to guide you to people who need to hear His message. Prayer prepares your heart and opens doors for meaningful conversations.
A simple way to evangelize is to emphasize the importance of John 3:16 to the person who’s yet to come to Jesus. Telling someone that God died to save them can bring about a change in their life. Even if it doesn’t happen immediately, right there in your presence, the good thing about evangelism is that you’ve sown a seed in that person’s heart.
That seed will continue to spring up in their hearts until they come to Christ. However, if the person refuses to repent of their sin and surrender their lives to Jesus, the word of God they heard will stand before them on the day of judgment.
So they cannot say they weren’t told because God’s word is yes and amen. It doesn’t fail; it remains the same; it continually speaks in our hearts, directing us to work righteously.
Overcoming Challenges in Evangelism
Evangelism can feel daunting, but God equips us for the task. Consider these steps to overcome common barriers:
- Fear of Inadequacy: Remember, it’s the Holy Spirit who convicts hearts (John 16:8). Your role is to plant the seed; God handles the growth.
- Hostility or Rejection: Matthew 5:11-12 encourages us:
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” - Lack of Time: Incorporate evangelism into daily routines—at work, with neighbors, or during errands.
Real-Life Examples of Evangelism in Action
The early church provides inspiring examples of bold evangelism:
- Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40): Philip obeyed the Spirit’s prompting to share the Gospel with a stranger, resulting in the man’s salvation and baptism.
- Paul’s Missionary Journeys: Despite persecution, Paul tirelessly proclaimed the Gospel, planting churches and writing letters that continue to inspire believers today.
Modern examples also abound. Whether it’s a neighbor inviting someone to church or a missionary reaching unreached people groups, evangelism transforms lives.
I do one-on-one evangelism, and I do community evangelism with my church. I simply tell people that Jesus loves them; I lead them to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to do the remainder of the work.
One approach I have found effective is to build relationships with people first, showing them the love of Christ through my actions before sharing the message verbally. This helps to create a foundation of trust and openness that can lead to more meaningful conversations about faith.
Additionally, I also make sure to follow up with those I have shared the gospel with, offering support and guidance as they begin their journey with Christ.
Practical Tips to Cultivate an Evangelistic Lifestyle
- Study the Gospel: Deepen your understanding of salvation through Scriptures like Ephesians 2:8-9. A firm grasp of the Gospel builds confidence in sharing it.
- Memorize Key Verses: Passages like John 3:16 and Romans 6:23 provide a solid foundation for explaining God’s plan of salvation.
- Equip Yourself: Attend evangelism workshops or read books like The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman.
- Focus on Relationships: Build genuine connections before sharing your faith. Evangelism often begins with trust.
A Call to Action: Will You Answer the Call to Evangelize?
Evangelism is a shared responsibility for all believers. As 2 Corinthians 5:20 says:
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
If you’ve never shared your faith, begin today. Pray for courage and opportunities to proclaim the Good News. Here’s a prayer to start:
“Lord, thank You for entrusting me with the message of salvation. Give me boldness and wisdom to share Your love with others. Open doors for me to evangelize and draw hearts closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you’re yet to accept Jesus as your Savior, take the first step now. Pray:
“Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and believe You are the Son of God who died for me. I accept You as my Savior and commit my life to You. Use me for Your glory. Amen.”
Evangelism is not about perfection but about obedience and love. Together, let’s embrace this mission and bring light to a world in need of hope. Will you step out in faith and share the Good News today?
I don’t want you sitting on the fence after having read the post. If you’ve not made peace with God through Jesus Christ, this is a good opportunity to do so without any hesitation. However, if you feel like you want to talk, you can use the form below to contact me by expressing your thoughts there. Salvation is important; receive it today and you will be the recipient of eternal life and peace with God. Don’t let this moment pass you by; take the step towards salvation now.
Faith Commitment Inquiry
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