Are you saddened by missing opportunities to share Jesus? Do you want to lead people to Christ but are unsure how to begin? Are you hesitant to speak up because you don't know what to say? Would you like a few tips to help you initiate and facilitate productive conversations?
You’re not alone. Most Christians report having trouble witnessing to unbelievers, with three of the biggest reasons being fear, lacking opportunity, and feeling ill-equipped. In this article you will learn ten ways to be a more effective messenger of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Being part of the biggest life changing decision a person can make is amazing! I would love to hear how you have helped lead someone to Christ...tell me your story in the comment section!
People want to be seen, heard, and valued. Deep relational connections are lacking now more than ever, thanks to one of greatest oxymorons of all time: social media. By being open to letting go of the next item on your task-oriented agenda, you will be in a position to notice and respond empathetically to the people around you.
Observation and a little preparation go a long way on this one! Noticing what people are saying and doing gives you an opportunity to see similarities you share and gives you a way to meaningfully relate to them. This makes starting conversations more natural and surprisingly easy. Spend a little time selecting a few icebreaker questions that resonate with you so you will always be ready to interact with anyone. Check out this Reader's Digest article for ideas on breaking the ice: 125 Conversation Starters That Make You Instantly Interesting.
Actively listening and taking time to understand people you talk with shows that you care, and, subsequently, tears down barriers. People will feel valued and will want to talk more. When someone knows you care, you can reach their heart and will have an open door to share what it means to know Jesus.
Taking time to write down how you came to faith in Jesus Christ will remind you of key points in your personal experience. This will help you share your story more meaningfully. Additionally, reflecting on the various pieces that contributed to your decision to become a Christian will give you an opportunity to recognize parts of your history that someone else can relate to. Be aware that many times, a particular conversation lends itself better to a specific part of your story rather than your whole story.
[Related: How One Woman Found Healing From Mental and Emotional Turmoil Through Jesus Christ]
Understanding the central message of the gospel is vital. There are many Scriptures explaining it. Read them and choose which resonate the most with you. This will make it easier to remember and share them. Here are the core pieces of the gospel message with a few Bible references:
Writing the key elements, steps, and Scriptures in your Bible or on a sheet of paper that can be kept handy in your wallet or purse will allow you to easily review it so it takes root in your heart and mind. It will also be available for you to pull out and share with an unbeliever if you feel flustered or are having trouble remembering the essential points.
[Related: How to Become a Christian in 2 Life-Saving Steps]
Everyone’s journey is different. Understanding that there is much variation in what resonates with each person will aid you in being a better listener and guide you in what to focus on. Becoming a Christian is ultimately a decision of faith, but most people have had tangible things that helped them take that leap of faith. Identifying the main components that contributed to you choosing to receive salvation through Jesus will remind you of the struggle involved in believing. This makes you more relatable and expresses a great deal of respect to the unbeliever.
[Related: Who Should I Pray To? (Exploring Options from the Top 5 Religions)]
Nobody has all the answers so saying you don’t know when someone asks a question that stumps you is not only honest but it makes you more approachable. When you offer to try finding an answer, it creates a natural reason to have a second conversation. Even if the person declines your offer to talk again, it still gives you a meaningful opportunity to grow spiritually as you look for an answer through Bible exploration.
[Related: How to Read the Bible Using the S.O.A.P. Method]
According to a 2023 Gallup poll, about 85% of Americans pray which is remarkable when you consider that the combined number of people that regularly attend religious services across all religions makes up only 55% of Americans. This awareness can help you understand that most people would love for someone to pray for them. To determine if it would be more impactful to pray on the spot with the person or to pray later when you’re conversation has ended, sense the environment and the Holy Spirit’s leading.
[Related: Does Prayer Really Work? (10 Secrets to Effective Prayer)]
Every conversation comes to an end, so be prepared to end it well. If it seems appropriate, you could mention that you’ll continue praying for them. If there were questions, challenges, or interesting thoughts that you’d like to pursue further, let them know you’d love to hear more of their thoughts. If the conversation didn’t go well, comment on something you appreciated about talking with them, and tell them you hope they have a good day.
There’s always more to learn and there’s always something to celebrate. Reflecting on what went well and what could have been better gives you an opportunity to hone your skills in sharing the gospel. Ask God to teach you how to handle sticky situations. Finally, always remember to give God all the glory for the victories that occurred.
Everyone needs to know that they are loved; and whether or not they understand right now, love begins with God. As a Christian, you have the privilege of demonstrating God's love to unbelievers and conveying how their sins can be forgiven, bringing reconcilitiation to God through Jesus' death and resurrection. By noticing the people around you, making yourself availble to listen, sharing your faith journey, and praying, you will have many opportunities to effectively communicate the gospel message and lead people to Christ.