Sharing Jesus Without Freaking Out

1. Evangelism is a Natural Overflow of a Transformed Life

The main ingredient for sharing Jesus the way you were born to share him is simply a genuine relationship with him.

Authenticity is Paramount. Sharing Jesus isn't about mastering techniques or reciting scripts; it's about letting your genuine relationship with Christ overflow into your everyday interactions. When Jesus is central to your life, your values, and your joys, he will naturally become a part of your conversations. Focus on being a Christian, and the ease of communicating Christ will follow.

Overcoming Barriers. Distractions, difficulties, and disobedience can hinder the natural overflow of your faith. The fast-paced nature of modern life, the suffering in the world, and our own sinfulness can draw us away from God's goodness. Remembering your identity in Christ—a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—helps to overcome these barriers.

Empowered by the Spirit. As a Christian, you are not alone in this endeavor. The Holy Spirit indwells you, guiding, informing, and empowering you to be a faithful witness. Prayer is a powerful tool that shapes your attitude about God's mission and the people you encounter, opening your eyes to witnessing opportunities and growing your love for others.

2. Sharing Jesus is Storytelling, Not Salesmanship

Evangelism is storytelling and everyone has a story.

The Power of Narrative. The gospel is, at its heart, a story—the story of God reaching out to humanity through Jesus Christ. Sharing Jesus is simply retelling this story and your own personal experience of it. People are naturally drawn to stories, making it a more effective approach than a sales pitch or theological debate.

Beyond Bullet Points. Avoid reducing the gospel to a list of facts or benefits. Instead, weave its truths into the broader narrative of the Bible, highlighting God's personal relationship with humanity. The Bible is not a collection of statements about God, but the story of a living, personal God seeking relationship with real-life human beings.

Relating to Real Life. Pay attention to how the stories of people's lives intersect with God's story. By understanding their questions, concerns, and experiences, you can tailor your storytelling to resonate with them on a personal level. This approach makes the gospel more accessible and relevant to their lives.

3. Gospel Conversations Thrive on Genuine Relationships

Gospel conversations are better for everyone.

From Proclamation to Dialogue. Relationships are built on conversations, not pronouncements. Shift from delivering a pre-packaged gospel presentation to engaging in genuine dialogue. This approach allows for a more natural and meaningful exchange, fostering understanding and connection.

The Art of Listening. Paul's ministry in Athens exemplifies the power of relationship-based evangelism. He engaged in conversations with the citizens, listened to their beliefs, and learned about their religious practices. This allowed him to tailor his message to their specific context and needs.

Relax and Engage. Approach gospel conversations with a relaxed and open attitude. Focus on the person, not the presentation. Let the conversation flow naturally, responding to their questions and concerns. This approach creates a safe and welcoming space for exploring spiritual topics.

4. Context is Key: Tailor Your Approach

Every context is an opportunity to share the joy of the gospel with others.

Understanding Your Audience. Just as Peter and Paul adapted their messages to different audiences, it's crucial to understand the context in which you're sharing Jesus. Consider the cultural, personal, and spiritual backgrounds of the people you're interacting with. This will help you tailor your language and approach to resonate with them.

Leveraging Your Unique Context. God has placed you in a specific time and place, with unique experiences, passions, and relationships. See these as avenues for the progress of the gospel. Whether you're an artist, a teacher, or a stay-at-home parent, your context provides opportunities to share Jesus in a way that is authentic and relatable.

Living a Consistent Christian Life. Your actions speak louder than words. By living an honorable and authentic Christian life, you create a context in which others can see the transformative power of the gospel. This consistency validates your message and makes it more compelling to those around you.

5. Listen Actively to Uncover Needs and Opportunities

The issues people face are open doors to connect the gospel to them.

Blessing and Brokenness. In every conversation, people will inevitably share something related to either a blessing they're experiencing or an area of brokenness in their lives. These are the most natural foundations for discussing the gospel.

The Power of Questions. Instead of launching into a pre-prepared presentation, ask questions and listen attentively to the answers. This allows you to understand their perspective, identify their needs, and tailor your response accordingly.

Beyond the Surface. Social media can create a culture of isolation and superficiality. By actively listening and engaging in genuine conversations, you can break through these barriers and connect with people on a deeper level, addressing their true needs and concerns.

6. The Gospel is Good News for All People, Everywhere

People are already interested in what is best for them; the gospel is best for all people.

Expect Openness. Approach evangelism with a new level of expectation, assuming that people will be open to the gospel because it speaks to their core needs. This shift in mindset will recalibrate your approach and make your joy contagious.

Addressing Core Questions. Deep down, people are asking the same fundamental questions: Where did everything come from? What's gone wrong with this world? What can be done about it? What does the future hold? The gospel provides satisfying answers to these questions.

Beyond Salvation: The gospel is not merely a message about how to "get saved." It's the story of God's desire for relationship with humanity. It's a story of love, forgiveness, and hope that transforms every aspect of our lives.

7. Intentionality and Planning Cultivate a Jesus-Sharing Lifestyle

A Jesus-sharing lifestyle starts with a plan to share Jesus as a part of everyday living.

From Commitment to Action. While a desire to share Jesus is essential, it's not enough. Intentionality and planning are crucial for translating that desire into action. Just as with any worthwhile goal, a plan helps you stay focused and accountable.

Identifying Your Assets. Take stock of your gifts, passions, and opportunities. What are you naturally good at? What excites you? Where do you spend your time? These are the building blocks for your evangelistic lifestyle.

The Power of "Plus One." Aim to help people move one step closer to a saving knowledge of Jesus in each conversation. This approach removes the pressure of immediate conversion and allows you to focus on planting seeds and watering those already sown.

8. Prayer is Your Superpower in Evangelism

Talk to God about people before you talk to people about God.

Boldness and Power. Prayer is your source of boldness and power in evangelism. Ask God to grant you the courage to speak his word and the power of the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those you're sharing with.

Partners in the Harvest. Pray for other believers to be awakened to the spiritual needs around them. Ask God to send out workers into his harvest, both locally and globally.

Praying for Individuals. Pray specifically for those who need Jesus. Ask God to open their eyes, give them ears to hear, and grant them the faith to believe. Your prayers can pave the way for a transformative encounter with the gospel.

Last updated: April 7, 2025