It’s true—Jesus calls everyone to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), but how do you do that in your everyday life? You’ve probably noticed there are many ways to spread the Good News, but what truly works? Are there specific strategies that are most effective? Which ones are they, and how can you ensure evangelism doesn’t feel like a forced action or conversation? If you’re looking for answers, read what Evangelist Johan Toet has to say in this blog.
Your motivation
It’s great that you want to learn more about evangelism and want to go out and share the Gospel. First and foremost, evangelism should come from a deep compassion and love for others. Your motivation should flow from a changed heart—the heart of Christ. His heart is full of love for people. That love should be the only driving force behind telling others about Jesus.
Don’t evangelize because you feel obligated—that will make you force it.
Don’t evangelize to ‘score points’ and then shout from the rooftops about how many people you’ve reached, either.
Of course, we want to win as many souls as possible in the shortest amount of time! That’s what we aim for as well, but we must reach people with love and compassion first. It’s better to win fewer souls genuinely touched by the love of God than to win many who have only accepted Jesus out of fear, without truly repenting in their hearts, because in that case, we can’t be sure they are truly saved.
What Do We Mean by ‘Evangelism’?
When I think of evangelism, I think of reaching people with the Gospel. The Gospel means good news. So, evangelism is all about bringing people good news! This can happen on the streets, but also in your family, at work, or in your immediate surroundings. Every day presents an opportunity to share the Good News—you don’t need to organize a special event for it.
Since there’s always an opportunity to share about Jesus, how should you go about it?
Read the next 9 tips so that you are always prepared before heading out.
Looking for a step-by-step plan to evangelize in your daily life? Get it here!
Tip 1: Don’t Talk About Doom and Gloom
People love good news. So when evangelizing, the last thing you should do is harass them with a negative message. Telling people they are sinners is bad news. They don’t need you to tell them that—they already know it deep down. Telling them they’ll go to hell if they don’t accept Jesus? That’s not the way, either.
The Good News is that God loves them, that they are precious, and that He has a hopeful future and a better life for them (Jeremiah 29:11). People open their hearts much more to love and hope than to hell and damnation.
Tip 2: Evangelism Through Words and Actions
Evangelism is about reaching out to others. And the best way to do that is by simply being yourself—being the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Represent Christ not just in words, but also in action.
You’re not better than others, but you are called to be different—in how you walk, talk, think, and act.
Practical Examples:
- Be there for your neighbors by listening to and encouraging them.
- Stand up for your colleague—don’t laugh along when others make fun of them.
- Take action when you see someone in pain. You could say something like, “This might sound like an odd question, especially if you don’t believe in God, but I do, and I was wondering if I could pray for you. I can see that you’re in pain.”
- Pray for someone who’s going through relationship issues. Just ask, “Hey, I heard your relationship is under pressure. Would it be okay if I prayed for you?”
Tip 3: Pray for Words of Knowledge and Wisdom
If you’re going out to evangelize or have someone in mind to talk to, always pray beforehand. Ask God for words of knowledge and wisdom so you can speak directly to their hearts.
When you share something specific with someone—something only God could reveal, something impossible to know otherwise—it can really open their heart.
Tip 4: Approach People Openly and Warmly
First impressions matter! If you walk up to someone looking tired, irritated, or grumpy, they won’t be open to receiving anything from you. But if you approach them with a big, honest smile, they will be much more receptive to speaking with you.
Speaking about what, you ask? That’s where the next tip comes in.
Tip 5: Don’t Start with Jesus Right Away
You might feel tempted to open with, “Hey, do you know Jesus?”—but don’t do that. That approach can scare people off. You might start with a compliment: “Hey, I love your jacket!” or something lighthearted, such as, “Nice weather today, huh?” Then let the conversation flow naturally. Talk about everyday things. Show genuine interest.
When the conversation eventually leads to Jesus, don’t overwhelm them with Bible verses or pressure them to pray a prayer. Instead, emphasize their worth, how much they are loved, and how significant it is that God brought you to them at that very moment to speak with and encourage them.
Tip 6: Evangelism is Not the Same as Converting
Remember, effective evangelism doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get people to accept Jesus right away. That’s wonderful, and of course, the ultimate goal, but Paul says that one plants, another waters, but it’s God who gives the increase. So, your job is to sow seeds in the lives of people. You don’t need to worry if they don’t convert immediately. Sometimes, you may harvest right away, and sometimes someone else will harvest the seeds you’ve sown (the truth).
What you can always do is remind people that no matter what they decide today, they can always say, “Lord, help me, because I can’t do this on my own. Jesus, reveal Yourself to me. Encounter me,” or something like that. They can always approach God, no matter the circumstance.
Tip 7: Don’t Go Out Alone
If you’re going out on the streets, go with at least one other person. Jesus also sent His disciples out two by two. This way, you can support each other and both minister to the person you’re speaking to. If someone shows interest, don’t immediately swarm them with a whole group! A pair of people feel less threatening, so you don’t overwhelm people on the streets.
Tip 8: Don’t Engage in Arguments
Respect people by giving them personal space and avoid standing too close to them. Give them the freedom to walk away if they want to. This shows that you respect and value them, even if they disagree with you. Don’t get into arguments. The last thing you want to do is show the opposite of what you are sharing with them.
How, you might wonder? Because you won’t win the argument, and it will take away from the time you could be spending with people who are open to the Gospel. Just say, “You have the right to your opinion, and I respect that. Please know that God loves you, we love you, and nothing changes that. If you’re ever open to hearing what I have to share, you’re always welcome to find us.”
Tip 9: Don’t Be Discouraged
Be obedient and don’t be afraid of people who react differently or situations you didn’t expect. Don’t be afraid, and don’t let yourself be intimidated. You’re going out in God’s name for His Kingdom. You are His ambassador. He has sent you, and you are going to witness—leave the rest to Him.
Just think: “It’s no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Not my will, but His will be done. I must decrease, but He must increase.” Then you’ll know it’s not about you, and you can let negativity fall off.”
Opportunities Are Out There 24/7
Evangelism isn’t just about approaching strangers on the street. Anytime, anywhere—24/7— you can let your light shine. Don’t let yourself get discouraged if you realize you missed an opportunity. That feeds fear, and fear is not from God. The next opportunity is already around the corner, and you can take it without worry. You’re not the one speaking; it’s God’s Spirit within you.
Remind yourself that it’s not about a conversion, but about sowing seeds. Trust that when you sow, someone else will harvest. Trust that God will send a “follow-up preacher” at the right time, and the seeds you’ve planted will begin to sprout.
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