Sharing your faith

As Christians and recipients of God’s grace to salvation our natural response is to desire to share the gospel to other people as Christ commanded the disciples and us (Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:21-25; 1 Peter 3:15).

As simple as this sounds, Teleios has shown through research several issues often inhibit the gospel from being shared by many Christians:

They often fear the process of sharing the gospel with an unbeliever.
They may not know the gospel message itself.
They may not know how to answer objections or questions.
They may not know an unbeliever.

Nonetheless, God graciously uses Christians to spread His gospel (Romans 10:14-16). Therefore, let’s examine the results of research of sharing the gospel and perhaps some pointers on how to make sharing easier.

Teleios research – Gospel survey: The fear!

Teleios recently evaluated how often evangelical Christians share the gospel and what makes a person fear doing so (1). We surveyed all attendees at one Sunday worship service in a midwestern evangelical church. Approximately 370 people participated. Below are some issues the survey addressed:

What is sharing the gospel? – The survey also discovered what many people consider to be sharing the gospel may not necessarily include a verbal explanation! In fact, a verbal gospel message came in only number five on the list of how people say they share. Most common methods are noted in Table 1.

So is it important actually to verbalize the gospel? The Bible indicates in Romans 10:13-15 that someone has to actually hear the words of the gospel to understand salvation. Further, the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 noted that although he worked day and night to live a blameless life in front of the Thessalonians, he still verbally spoke the gospel to them. In other words, non-verbal efforts, although important, will not bring somebody to belief. A non-Christian needs to hear the specific gospel message.
Do Christians fear in sharing the gospel? Almost all (96%) participants said they feared sharing the gospel’ but thought they should explain it more often to others (5.1/6.0 rating). Further, participants confessed to some guilt in not explaining the gospel (3.0/6.0 rating). In total, 31% indicated that they shared the plan of salvation verbally with someone once a month or more frequently. However, the fear or social pressure to explain the gospel might have caused participants to confess they exaggerate how often they actually explain the gospel (4.9/6.0 rating). In a politically correct society where Christians often are demonized as mean, judgmental, racist and uneducated it is easy to feel ashamed and reticent to speak God’s truth. Yet if our God is the God of the Bible, He has given us His power and truth to salvation and for daily living. We have a wonderful message to give our colleagues, family and friends. We are correct and society is wrong! Therefore, we should be confident in sharing these truths in a patient and loving manner (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Does sharing the gospel help me? This study also found that the personal wellbeing of the believer telling others how to become Christian was boosted. This was true also for several biblical markers for wellbeing! (Please see Table 2).

Why would this be? Several causes might be possible:

Believers may feel better after discussing the gospel realizing they are fulfilling an injunction from the Bible.
A Christian who explains the message of salvation may derive joy knowing they are providing good advice and helping others.
If a Christian does not know how to share the Gospel with someone else, they may not be able to even convince themselves of God’s faithfulness in times of personal doubt, which may hurt their own wellbeing.
It takes our mind off ourselves and focuses on someone else’s needs. This most likely is healthy for us and gives our mind a rest from ruminating over our own troubles.
It orients our goals under those of the almighty God and recognizes His purposes are greater than ours. Therefore, our personal troubles are set in proper perspective, providing a balance to our own mental health.
It helps build community, both in numbers and maturity, by encouraging a civil and gracious society.
Believers who told others about the gospel were more likely to be adherent in other areas of their Christian life including: teaching others, praying, praising God and having meaningful Christian fellowship. These extra measures of adherence, especially in associating with other believers, may have contributed to wellbeing (2,3).

Our study suggests that practicing, Bible-believing Christians generally have high ratings of wellbeing. Although Christians may fear explaining the gospel to others, those who do so show better wellbeing than those who do not.

Teleios Research – The gospel and millennials

Teleios also evaluated sharing the gospel in young Christians by surveying visitors to the Instagram accounts SpiritualWord (n=100) and GodsHolyScriptures (n=357)(4). There were 457 total participants of whom about 2/3 each < 18 years of age, protestant and evangelical.

The results showed that young Christians recognized the need to share their faith, with most doing so about once/year or once/month although some never tell others. See Figure 2 below.

They indicated on average less fear in sharing the gospel (80%) or any aspect of their faith (53%) than their elders in the prior survey. However, they also seemed to have high levels of guilt for not sharing the gospel (96%) and thought they should tell others more (98%).

Like their older counterparts those who feared sharing the gospel generally did so because of social awkwardness, as well as not knowing what to say, how to answer questions and the contents of the gospel itself. In fact, actually verbalizing the gospel to others was their fifth favorite way to share the plan of salvation (7%) whereas lifestyle, encouragement, praying and loving others were the preferred choices.

The survey participants may have been unfamiliar that scripture says for people to believe they explicitly must hear the gospel message (Romans 10:14-17). Otherwise, people are unable to interpret our love and lifestyle as knowing how to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. It takes a succinct verbal expression of the gospel for people to understand and believe (please see bottom of the page).

For example, if your teacher stood before class and said nothing while living a good quiet life and then handed out a test, and you failed because you didn’t know the information, you might be furious because she failed to teach you. Same with the gospel, our lifestyle just doesn’t teach what God intended; we need to say it!

At Teleios we believe the Bible is true instruction to salvation and healthy lives. What we offer to society is correct and true.

In contrast, what the world offers through globalism, humanism, communism, identity and statist politics cannot match the glory and the benefits from our blessed Savior. We should not recoil from the world but realize what we have is good for our family, friends and society.

So … what exactly is the gospel, anyway?

The gospel message should contain generally the following information:

Man sinned.
God is just, requiring a punishment for sin.
But out of love God sent His Son, Jesus Christ who by dying on the cross, provided forgiveness of sins in taking man’s deserved punishment.
Therefore, by faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life.

You see, it is that easy!

What does a new believer need to do? Nothing, remember the gospel message requires only belief. A person isn’t required to say a special prayer, go to church, or be water baptized; they simply believe!

However, the new believer should be able to repeat the gospel back to you (Romans 10:10). If a person cannot articulate their new faith, then they probably have not understood it.

How to be a fearless gospel sharing dynamo! Simple steps you can do:

We understand people fear sharing the gospel.

So how do we relate the Good News to others in today’s world? Fortunately, scripture does not tell us that we need to beat people with the gospel in a socially awkward and isolating way. Communicating the gospel can be done in an easy, acceptable manner that you can adapt to your lifestyle.

Well there are many ways to share the plan of salvation, but here is a simple process that might help you:

Realize first we have a great message – Remember the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see our website for scientific proof). What the world has to offer as a replacement god, for example humanism, statism, and atheism is hateful, bigoted, anti-freedom and very dark.
Learn the gospel – It is short and easy (Please see The Gospel – how to become a Christian).
Prayerfully consider others – Most of us are so busy that unless we stop and specifically consider those around us we may easily miss wonderful opportunities to spread the gospel. Therefore, try thinking through the people you know and who might respond to the gospel. Many Christians say ‘well nobody!’ So then, consider how you can meet more people and know your acquaintances better (please see next point). Start by praying for them!
Build a solid relationship – This is vital as people need to know that you genuinely like and respect them. There are many books on the subject and perhaps the best starter is the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. You can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It is frightfully easy to read and apply. Do it! In short, good relationships are built on, at least in part: listening, asking inquisitive questions about people’s passions, work, interests and family. This should be done in a genuine, affable manner with a smile, gratitude, empathy, appropriate specific compliments, and saying ‘I’m sorry’ as needed. A solid relationship may take some time to build, months to years. Be patient.
Build a solid spiritual relationship – This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as:
- Were you raised in the church and in what denomination? Did you like the church? Was it a good social environment?
- What do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian persecution? Does religion or the church help our culture, etc.?
- Work towards issues pertaining to Christ, who is the major goal of the conversation, such as: what did their Church teach about Christ? What do they themselves believe about Christ? What is Christ’s role in salvation? Important note: You don’t have to respond to the above questions, it typically is better that you mostly just listen initially and gather information, again showing you respect for their opinions.
- Don’t be legalistic – Do not tell people the plan of salvation through guilt producing, inflexible messaging (e.g., ‘receive Christ or die in hell’). We have a great truth which we can tell others with joy in the midst of a positive relationship with the recipient.
Identify a need – As you listen you should be able to perceive spiritual needs such as: are they are saved? Are they concerned about not going to heaven? Do they express reasons for guilt or unhappiness? Based on these issues you can develop a plan to assist them.
Meet their need by saying the gospel – Based on your assessment of their spiritual needs, plan how to explain the gospel as a specific solution to their need. Make sure the explanation is simple and clear, and that they can respond with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Although you may be able to discuss the gospel directly, I generally find it is helpful to offer a Bible study for 4 weeks to study the claims of Christ in Ephesians 1:1-14. During this study they can discover the truth themselves, ask questions and you can share the Gospel as issues of salvation are raised in the text (please review plan of salvation at the bottom of the page so you know what to say). Salvation is neatly packaged also in Romans 3:10-26 or Ephesians 2:1-10.
- Don’t feel guilty if rejected – The epistles tell us to be obedient (just do it!) and does not mention guilt. We have the joy to tell others about salvation. It is the hearer’s responsibility to accept God’s message. Further, it is God Himself, not us by our efforts, who brings people to faith (John 6:44; John 16:8-11).
- Follow-up – What should you do after the new Christian acknowledges they believe? Good question! Since Christians are regenerated by the Holy Spirit at salvation (Titus 3:5; Romans 6:2-12) they are God’s “workmanship” or product (Ephesians 2:10), not yours! God causes them to grow and stand (Romans 14:4; 2 Timothy 1:12). It is not our responsibility! If a person truly believes they have become a new person and will show eventually others their new faith by their actions in obedient response to Jesus their Lord.

If they say yes and believe, then praise be to God. What a privilege to see God save and change a life!

Indeed, sharing the Gospel is a privilege we have as Christians. Our society needs to hear it! The only way we will change our culture is to change hearts, and that by the power of God’s Spirit.

Even if this individual ultimately says ‘no’ to your efforts, the strong relationship you’ve built in the initial steps outlined above should overcome any social awkwardness. Through prayer and patience perhaps the opportunity to share again will occur.

As a physician, if I knew the truth about someone’s life-threatening medical condition and also knew how to cure it, would I withhold disclosing the diagnosis in case my patient found it offensive or didn’t believe me? If so, I would be a terrible doctor! We have the truth which we can help others. Our society needs the truth of the gospel!