3-Step EvangelismSmakprov

Step 1: Pray A few months ago, we sent out a survey to the members of our church about their spiritual habits. What did they rank as dead last on their list? Evangelism. Compared to going to church or reading the Bible, sharing their faith was far, far behind. You too? I think we fear talking about faith because we can’t predict how people will react. Will they be interested or offended? Will they ask questions or think we’re pushy? As the evangelistic efforts of Jesus and the first Christians prove, not everyone loves to hear the truth. So how do you overcome the fear of sharing your faith? Paul has an idea: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:2-4). Did you catch the repetition? “Prayer . . . pray . . . pray.” Sharing Jesus with them starts with talking to Jesus about them. Maybe the door to talking about Jesus with your friend seems closed. It might be. If so, pray that God “may open a door for our message” so that your friend has an open mind about spiritual things. Write down a few names on a note card and stick it in your car cupholder, a reminder to pray for those who need the greatest news in the universe. Evangelism isn’t easy, so bring God into the process. Pray. And pray some more.