I’m on the World Race. It’s month 9. Evangelizing to others and sharing the Gospel with them is what I came on the Race to do. My desire is to bring Kingdom.
A question I have gotten in many countries is “What is your role? What ministry do you do?” It’s hard to explain that my team’s ministry and role changes each month, but it changing has been a benefit to each of us. Because it changes month to month, we get to experience different types of ministry and different ways to share the Gospel. Thus, each month evangelizing looks different.
In some places we evangelize just in how we act. In others it is by first forming a relationship. And yet others present opportunities to immediately share the Gospel by word.
When I came on the Race I had never before been overseas or on a missions trip. The only experience I had obtained with evangelism came from a handful of times I had shared the Gospel in the States. I wish I could say I have done so more, but I can’t. In all honesty I was nervous and I didn’t know what I was doing.
I want to help those who have felt or feel the same way in regards to evangelizing and sharing the Gospel, and I’ll do this through sharing things I have learned as well as a couple experiences.
First of all, Evangelism is defined as the “spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness” (dictionary.com).
1. In order to evangelize well whether you are in Asia, Africa, Europe or the States, you have to know the Gospel and know it well. You have to know how to apply it, and you have to know how it applies to your own life as well as how it can be applicable to the lives of those around you.
2. Know your audience. Are you in Asia, Africa, the States? Have they heard the gospel message before? Are they open to listening or argumentative and closed off? Are they young or old? All of these have a role in how you can share. They are factors that need to be taken in to consideration.
3. Practice, practice, practice. This is something I wish I had done before the Race. It is completely nerve-wracking the first time you go up to someone or get in front of an audience to share. Practicing helps that nervousness to ease as you work on different methods and grow more comfortable.
When my team was in Zambia our ministry was door to door evangelism in the villages. This was completely new to me. I had evangelized with people over the course of my Race, but never door to door. I was about to become like those people I never want to open the door for back in the States. I was scared of the rejection that would happen, but after the first couple of days and learning from my teammates, it was easier. Each day got easier and easier and my passion for sharing grew. By the third day it was just me and the translator and though that was nerve wracking as I realized that it was just me speaking and I couldn’t lean on anyone else, this made me lean on God all the more. This leads me to my next point.
4. Ask God for boldness and confidence as you share. He will grant you that request. He’ll give you that. There is so much power in the gospel and when we share it with that same power that has been instilled in us, people are drawn to that.
5. Ultimately, realize that we are instruments of God. We are His hands and feet. It is a blessing that we get to share His message and bring Kingdom, but ultimately God is the one bringing the increase. When people reject the message we give, they aren’t rejecting us, but our Savior. Remember to even then love them as Christ loves. Toil the soil so that those who come after you will have better soil to plant those seeds.
6. Above all don’t argue or force them into believing. Share what Christ has done in your life. How He has changed your life and the relationship you have with Him. And at the end of it all, after answering any questions they may have, ask if you can pray with them and if you or someone you are working with (if you are on a mission trip) can come again.
Evangelism is not something I am perfect at, and I know that it will be something I am always growing in. But, it is such a blessing. Writing this now, thinking of all the different times I have had the opportunity to share Christ and what He’s done over these past 9 months makes my heart happy. It is an experience where we truly get to see God work right then and there. Evangelizing will always serve a purpose. Whether you are toiling, sowing, watering or harvesting, it is all serving an eternal purpose. Never lose hope because you don’t see the fruit of what you are doing.
Till Next Time,
Kara Faber
