Stepping Out in Faith: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Faith
“Share your faith!”
I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read, sermons I’ve heard (and given), and Bible passages I’ve studied that clearly challenge me to share my faith. Often, instead of walking away feeling empowered and ready to change the world, I feel defeated and guilty. Or … even worse…bored, with a “this again?” attitude.
Have you been there? Nothing could be more clear than that Christians have a faith worth hearing. But nothing feels more difficult, especially in an increasingly secular, hyper-partisan, trigger-warning needed culture.
Despite my fears, the call remains. Jesus didn’t say, “Go into all the world and feel comfortable in your home and post a few Christian things on Facebook.” He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
We might wrestle with doubts, fears, and insecurities. Maybe we're afraid of saying the wrong thing, or we're unsure how to start a conversation about Jesus. But the truth is, every Christian is equipped to share the good news, and it's simpler than we often think. This post offers seven practical steps to help you overcome those hurdles and confidently step out in faith.
1. Sweep Away Misconceptions
Let's clear the air. Evangelism isn't about racking up conversion numbers or showcasing our good deeds. It's not about mastering a complex method or reciting a memorized script. At its heart, evangelism is simply sharing the message of the gospel with a genuine desire to see others come to faith. It's about teaching, persuading, and pointing people to Jesus.
2. Prepare Your Heart
Begin with prayer. Prayer is essential. Pray for specific people who don't know Jesus, and ask God to soften their hearts and open their minds to the truth. Praying reminds us that salvation is ultimately God's work. It aligns our hearts with His, cultivating a deeper love for the lost and a greater awareness of their spiritual needs.
3. It's Not About Your Personality
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, God can use you to share His love. Evangelism isn't about having the "right" personality; it's about recognizing the eternal significance of the gospel and sharing it in a way that's authentic to you. Remember, every person you meet is destined for eternity, either in the glorious presence of God or separated from Him. This understanding provides the motivation we need to overcome our fears and share the hope we have in Christ.
4. You Can Get Better at It
I’ve never been good at something the first time I tried it. Sharing our faith is no different. Evangelism is a discipline, and like any discipline, it takes practice. Don't get discouraged if your initial attempts feel awkward or imperfect. Learn from each experience, and seek to grow in your understanding and communication of the gospel. Read books on apologetics, listen to testimonies, and find ways to naturally steer conversations towards spiritual matters.
5. Rehearse the Gospel
The gospel is a profound message, and it's crucial to understand it deeply. Study the key elements: the nature of God, the reality of our sin, the person and work of Jesus, and the call to repentance and faith. Connect these truths to Scripture, and find ways to articulate them clearly and concisely, avoiding Christian jargon. If you’re regularly preaching the gospel to yourself, you’re already well on your way here.
6. Take Specific Steps
Think about the non-Christians in your life: friends, family, neighbors, colleagues. Write down their names and pray for them regularly. Consider how you can build relationships and create opportunities to share your faith. Invite them to church, engage in spiritual conversations, or even start a Bible study. Be intentional about asking questions like, "Are you interested in spiritual things?" or "What's your faith background?" Maybe invite them to a “non-church” activity like the upcoming Trunk or Treat.
7. Take the Plunge
Preparation is important, but ultimately, we need to step out in boldness and clarity. Pray for courage, fix your eyes on Jesus, and take the plunge. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations and open doors for you to share the gospel.
Persevere in Faithfulness
Sharing our faith is not always easy. We may face rejection or indifference. The point isn’t always our results, it is our faithfulness to the call God put on our lives. God sees and honors our faithfulness, and He can use even the smallest acts of obedience to bring about eternal impact.
The Importance of a Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
Healthy churches prioritize the gospel and equip their members to share it effectively. A biblical understanding of evangelism recognizes that salvation is entirely God's work. We are called to faithfully proclaim the message, trusting Him to bring about transformation in hearts.
Evangelism is not about manipulating people or forcing decisions. It's about lovingly and honestly presenting the truth of the gospel, leaving the results in God's hands. It's about extending an invitation to a life-changing relationship with Jesus, a relationship that offers forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.
Conclusion
Sharing your faith is a privilege and a responsibility for every Christian. It's not about perfect methods or impressive personalities. It's about a heart transformed by grace, overflowing with a desire to see others experience the same joy and freedom. So, step out in faith, trust in God's power, and watch Him work in and through you to bring His lost children home.
With You;
Pastor Tim
