How to Evangelize Effectively

Every Christian Is Called to Evangelize

There is a God-given gift of an evangelist, and Billy Graham had it. But, though some are gifted to be an evangelist, and some may not be called to be an evangelist per se, every Christian is called to evangelize.

As Paul said to Timothy, “Do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV). We’re all called to preach the gospel.

We’ve been entrusted with the Great Commission—to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them all things that Christ has commanded us. 

By the way, evangelism and discipleship are really inseparable. Our mission from Christ is to proclaim Jesus, lead people to Him, and then get them grounded in their faith. New believers need older believers to stabilize them, but older believers need new believers to energize them, right? 

That’s why I always encourage older people to get some younger people in their lives, because younger people need older folks, older folks need younger folks.

How Not to Evangelize

Maybe there’s someone reading right now who has someone they want to share the gospel with but feels nervous or even scared to offend. Let me give you an example of what not to do.

One day, I was in a hamburger restaurant, and a lady recognized me. She said, “Are you Roman Herrera?” I said, “Yeah, I am.” She said, “Well, nice to meet you.” And then she gestures toward her husband, “This is my husband; he’s a sinner. Can you say something to him to help him believe in Jesus?” And the poor guy was just getting ready to take a bite when this happened. He just froze and looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights. I felt so bad for the guy. I said, “Hey man, enjoy your burger. Okay, God bless you.” 

So, that’s how you don’t do it. Don’t embarrass a person. Don’t create unnecessary friction. When it comes to evangelism—if you have the luxury of some time—you want to build a bridge, not burn one.

How to Evangelize Effectively

Jesus was not only the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and the Creator of the universe, but He also happened to be the greatest evangelist of all time. And look at the way He interacted with people. Look at Jesus in John 3 with Nicodemus. Look at Jesus in John 4 with the woman at the well. Nicodemus is religious and moral. The other is immoral, living with a man, married and divorced many times. Yet Jesus built bridges with both of them. 

Stepping Stone, Not Stumbling Block

Our objective is to be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.  

Give and Take

See, it’s give and take. When you’re a preacher, it’s a monologue. But when you’re in conversation with people, it’s a dialogue. So be a good listener. Find out about the person you’re talking to so you can then appropriately bring the message of the gospel. 

When it’s all said and done, it’s about sharing the message of the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. 

The Power of the Gospel

Coming back to Billy Graham, he was once asked, “If an older Billy could speak to a younger Billy, what would you say to yourself? What would you tell yourself to preach more on?” And he said, “I would say preach on the cross of Christ and the blood because that’s where the power is.”

I think what’s true of preaching is also true of one-on-one evangelism. The power of the gospel is when you get to the message of the death of Jesus for them and why they need their sin forgiven.

I’ll leave you with this last bit of encouragement. I have a friend who is a pastor and he’ll just say to someone, “Let me ask you a question. Has anyone ever told you there’s a God in Heaven who loves you?” Sometimes they say no, and they move on. Other times they’ll say no, and they’ll be moved by it. I’ve seen it open the door for really interesting conversations.

You might be surprised by where a simple sentence like that gets you. The hardest part about evangelism is getting started. It’s breaking the ice. But sometimes, you just have to take that little step of awkwardness. And I tell you what, if that person responds, that will be a life-changing moment for both of you.