Starting conversations that matter
Evangelism was derived from the Greek word euangelion which means gospel. Evangelism is the act of spreading or telling people of the good news about Jesus Christ. Evangelism is also known as witnessing and when we evangelize, we are gospelling that is, we are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’s great commission calls us to this mission: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). We have a duty to share our faith.
I know evangelism can often feel intimidating, and this could be due to fear of rejection, worry about what to say, or how you will be received. The good news is, evangelism does not have to be complicated, there are simple strategies that could be deployed to make evangelism easy.
Some simple strategies for effective conversations are:
1. Seek Divine Direction Through Prayer: Praying before, during, and after our conversations with people, that their hearts may be open to receiving the message is pivotal when evangelizing. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you(James 1:5). Here, we are encouraged to ask for wisdom, courage, and the right words to say.
2. Build Genuine Relationships: People are more open to conversations when they feel valued, heard and understood. We need to build bridges before we share our beliefs. Be like John who joined a book club because he genuinely loves reading and wanted to connect with other book lovers like him but overtime, he developed friendships and whenever spiritual topics arose, his friends were more receptive. By taking our time to know others, listening to their stories and showing genuine interest in their lives, we can build trust and rapport which is the foundation of any meaningful dialogue.
3. Ask Questions, Don’t Preach: Instead of just going on a preaching spree, we can engage others by asking thought-provoking and open-ended questions. Questions such as
- What does evangelism mean to you?
- What are your thoughts about the gospel or faith?
I was at a gathering once when someone asked what do you think happens when we die? And I kid you not, that question led to an insightful and engaging conversation and it didn’t feel preachy at all. These questions allow people to express their thoughts and beliefs and it also shows that you respect their perspectives.
4. Share Your Story: Sharing your own journey, how you came into faith, the challenges you faced and the ways you life has changed can deeply resonate with others, it can offer them hope and serve as an inspiration. Your story is unique and sharing it with humility and love can have a profound impact. For me, I was born into a christian home but I still had challenges because I felt like I knew God but I was not connected to Him. How did I overcome this?Well, I continued praying and asking God to help me know Him more and actually understand what it means to be connected to him. It did not happen overnight but day by day I feel connected to God even more than before.
5. Be Ready To Listen: Listening is just as important as speaking in evangelism. James 1:19 reminds us of the power of listening: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Active listening creates a safe space for honest conversations and this builds trust and allows you to understand where the other person is coming from. If people are having conversations about Christ and someone in the gathering is skeptical about christianity then, we should not be quick to speak or be defensive, our first line of action should be to listen. This makes them feel respected and may lead to deeper discussions later.
6. Clear Words, Big Impact: Think about how you would explain your faith to a child or someone unfamiliar with religious concepts or with limited spiritual knowledge. Avoid using jargons or ambiguous theological terms that might confuse others. The Apostle Paul emphasized clarity in communication: For God is not a God of disorder but of peace — as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 14:33). Simplicity ensures that your message is understood and well received. We can use simple sentences like “God loves you, and Jesus came to show us that love. He wants a relationship with you”. This is clear and will not make the recipient feel overwhelmed. Also, we need to be mindful of praying in tongues when evangelizing to people who do not understand the efficacy of it because it might confuse them rather than edify them. We are saddled with the responsibility of explaining the importance of tongues to them, praying for the baptism of the holy spirit upon them and then we can be assured that they have been enlightened on the power of speaking in tongues.
CONCLUSION
Evangelism doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By focusing on building relationships, being a good listener and seeking God’s face in prayers, you can share your faith effectively. Remember, it’s not about having all the answers, but about being present, listening, and sharing your story with love and humility. Let your life be a testament to your faith, and trust that the seeds you plant will grow in their own time.
