A Beginner's Guide to Sharing the Gospel

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." —Romans 1:16

It is so awesome that you want to share your faith and are taking God's command to share the gospel seriously (Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19; Psalm 96:3). You are doing exactly what Jesus commanded His disciples when He said to go into the world and make more disciples.

"Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" —Matthew 28:18-20

Here are a few things you could do to effectively witness for Christ:

1. Prepare your own heart.

One of the most important steps of preparing to share your faith is found in 1 Peter 3:15, which says to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." That means that we must first understand WHY we believe.

If you don't understand your own faith and/or you don't live like you follow Christ, then you need to focus on developing and strengthening your own faith before chasing after someone's heart for Christ. Study God's Word, live the way the Bible teaches, and practice living as a testimony of God's love. There's no rush—especially if you don't feel confident in sharing your faith...yet.

2. Get involved in a church and/or youth group.

It's important to develop healthy relationships with other believers. When you're close to other followers of Christ, you can help each other grow spiritually (Proverbs 27:17). You can learn how others live out their faith, how they handle challenges, and discover how they talk to people about God. Having believing friends who support your spiritual journey (and who you can support in return) is essential to personal growth.

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." —Proverbs 13:20

Once you have established a safe place for your faith, you will have a place to invite those who don't know Christ or have questions about God. You could introduce others to your Christian friends and share your faith.

If your unbelieving friend isn't ready for a big group or to go to a church building, meet them where they are emotionally, spiritually, and socially. No matter where you are, you can always be on the lookout for little opportunities to share the gospel and your faith in different conversations. It doesn't have to be a big "special" talk. God can use even the smallest interaction to change a heart.

3. Meet people who love things you enjoy.

If you are homeschooled or go to a faith-based school, it can be easy to surround yourself with only Christians. While having Christian friends is important, you still want to meet unbelievers if you are to share the gospel with them. Finding others in the community who like the same activities or have the same interests as you gives you an immediate common ground. Other easy places to meet people are in the workplace, at the library, or in common-interest classes or volunteer groups.

If you like to dance, maybe think about joining a dance academy. If you like to read, join a book club at the library. Find what you like to do and then get involved. Share your life and faith as you share the things you love to do. God made you uniquely, so you can confidently be you as you go into the world.

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." —1 Peter 3:15-16

4. Show Christ's love wherever you go.

When you go out to coffee shops, convenience and grocery stores, or even a restaurant, let Christ's love, compassion, and life shine through your words and actions. Unexpected (or even undeserved) kindness toward strangers speaks louder than almost anything else we could do.

Colossians 3:12-15 gives us some great advice on how to present ourselves to the world: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

If there's somewhere you go often, the employees or other regular patrons may start to recognize you. This is a perfect opportunity! After a while, you may be able to develop a more personal connection with them—perhaps even share about your faith, crediting Jesus for your attitude, actions, words, etc. that they have already started to recognize in you.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." —1 John 4:7

5. Tell people your story.

Once you feel comfortably close to an unbelieving friend, you may consider telling them your faith story. Your story, no matter what it is, is definitely worth telling. You don't need a prepared speech, a dramatic conversion, or have grown up in the church to have things of valuable to share. How has God changed you in comparison to what the world expected of you—or what YOU expected of you? What would your life be like without Him? What has God done in your life? What have you seen Him do in the lives of others? Share those thoughts and stories!

If you're afraid to tell your story, ask God to give you courage. Practice putting into words the moments of your spiritual journey by talking to other believers about it or journaling. Over time, you may develop a confidence about your faith story and feel comfortable talking about it with others.

Whether your words are heard and absorbed, or outright rejected, or taken casually and not thought of again for a long time, the story of His faithfulness in your life will bring Him glory one way or another.

"[God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." —2 Corinthians 12:9

6. Ask if you can pray for others.

If you come across a situation where it seems like someone needs prayer, offer to pray for them. Whether they are grieving, experiencing mental illness, or even celebrating or feeling lucky, you can ask to share a prayer on their behalf.

Many people will be touched by your offer rather than hostile. Even if they don't believe in God, you can say that you do and, if it's OK with them, then you could pray for them anyway. It doesn't have to be in their presence if they don't seem open to it. If you feel it is appropriate, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray with them right then and there. If the timing isn't right or it seems like it would do more harm than good in that moment, then do be true to your word and make sure you follow up with a prayer soon after your conversation with them.

"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." —1 Timothy 2:1-4

7. Be intentional.

Because the Bible encourages us to share the gospel, we cannot be passive about it. When you feel prepared to talk about your faith, ask God for opportunities and be on the lookout for them. They don'thave to be big "presentation" moments. It could be simple moment between you and a barista. It could be a quick prayer in the midst of a friend's chaotic day. It could happen during a late night conversation after a movie. God will equip you for any opportunity He brings your way!

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." —1 Corinthians 15:58

I'd been asking God for a chance to share the gospel with someone, and a couple days later, my mom and I were out to lunch at a restaurant. We joined hands and prayed aloud before our meal. A little while later, the man sitting at the table next to us approached us as he was leaving and said he noticed us praying. That led into a conversation where we could share the gospel with him and learn more about where he was at spiritually. Since I had prayed for this before, my heart was prepared when it came, and God could use me in that moment.

8. Forget the time.

Don't worry about being in a rush or a time crunch when you see a chance to share your faith. Jesus was always stopped by people. Even when He was "busy," He always took time those who crossed His path. We should strive to be the same. God takes care of the details when we're on His schedule and taking care of His business.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." —2 Peter 3:9

9. Resist keeping score.

You never know what God will do through His Spirit working in you and through conversations, interactions, or any given situation in your life. If you get a negative response from someone, don't let it worry or bother you. It doesn't mean you've failed. We are not responsible for the "results" of those opportunities—God is.

"Even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." —1 Peter 14-15

God's ways are bigger than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Our job is to plant the seeds, but God is the one who will grow new faith in an unbelieving heart.

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." —John 6:44

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