SHARE YOUR STORY
Knowing what a difference faith in God makes, it’s hard to keep the Good News to ourselves. When sharing your story, think about: What was your life like, before you invited Jesus into your heart? How is your life different, because you’ve chosen to follow Jesus? When/how have you seen the Lord show up in your life? Who introduced you to Jesus? We know God answers prayer; how have you seen Him show up through answered prayer? When you are vulnerable with your story, you can help others feel safe in the conversation.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
The Gospel is the Good News about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Full stop. Don’t get stuck on whether your church is the right one for a stranger you meet, or the details of their own religious background. Make the important details of Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection the focus of the conversation.
When someone is ready to go further, remember the ABC’s:
Admit you need a Savior. Romans 3:23
Believe in Christ alone. John 5:24
Commit to Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9
ASK QUESTIONS
Often, showing the love of Jesus means being a really good listener. Don’t just toss the Gospel at someone and wait for the impact—ask thoughtful questions in order to connect with the person you’re speaking with. Be authentic in your approach, and compassionate in your response.
Thoughtful questions include:
Are you a religious person?
Did you grow up going to church? What was that like?
Do you believe in God? Why/why not?
How can I pray for you? Or Can I pray for you about that?
The news about _______ is so tough to hear. What do you think about it?
WEAR IT TO SHARE IT
One of the easiest ways to start conversations about faith is to wear an inspirational T-shirt, cap, or other accessory. On average, a message-based T-shirt will be read by as many as 3,000 people over its lifespan. Wearing a cool Jesus shirt around your neighborhood, at school or at work gives you a chance to strike up conversations about faith with neighbors, friends, and even strangers who see and comment on your shirt.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Take the pressure off yourself to ‘close the deal’ when it comes to sharing the Gospel. One of the most important aspects of sharing the Gospel is trust.
Trust the Lord to provide opportunities to share the Gospel at the right time, in the right place, with the right people—and then keep on trusting that whatever happens during that conversation, God can transform the seeds you’ve planted into something beautiful.
Trust yourself to talk about the most important relationship in your life—the one you’re in with Jesus—in a meaningful way.
Trust that the other person can handle a meaningful conversation about faith, when you share the story of Jesus Christ in a loving, grace-filled way.
