I took a deep breath as I approached my neighbor’s front door, the cool evening breeze washing over me.
My palms were sweaty as I clutched the bag of groceries I had bought for her family. I was hoping to use the groceries as an icebreaker to start a spiritual conversation about my faith.
You see, I had felt God nudging my heart lately about sharing the gospel with unbelievers, but I have to admit, the thought made me nervous.
I worried about coming across as pushy or judgmental. But then I remembered Jesus’ words to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and His command to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth.
As I rang the doorbell, my mind raced back to the evangelism conference I had attended last month.
I recalled the speaker’s advice to approach unbelievers with gentleness and respect. To listen well, ask questions, and focus on sharing my personal story of encountering God’s love in Jesus Christ.
The sound of the front door creaking open jolted me back to the present moment. I smiled and extended the groceries as my neighbor greeted me.
“Well, here goes”, I thought. “Please, Lord, give me the right words to share your gospel story. Help my neighbor’s heart be open and receptive today…”
1. Know the Gospel Message
You can’t share what you don’t know. Start by studying Scripture to understand the gospel inside and out.
The core message is simple:
- God loves all people and desires to give them eternal life (John 3:16).
- All people are sinners separated from God (Romans 3:23).
- Sin leads to death, but Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23).
- Jesus was raised to life again, proving He conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- We receive forgiveness and eternal life by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19)
Countless stories, prophecies, and passages in the Bible demonstrate the goodness and power of the gospel.
“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15 (NASB)
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The better you know the whole narrative of Scripture, the better you can explain the gospel clearly to unbelievers.
2. Depend on the Holy Spirit to Start Sharing the Gospel
Evangelism isn’t about eloquence or charisma. Just allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”
Acts 1:8 (NASB)
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Pray before you share the gospel. Ask God to guide your conversations and empower your witness.
Trust that the Spirit will give you the right words at the right time.
“My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
1 Corinthians 2:4 (RSV)
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Your job isn’t to “close the sale” or argue anyone into the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and draws them to Jesus.
Cooperate with what the Spirit is doing in people’s lives through your gospel witness.
3. Build Relationships With Unbelievers
People don’t care what you know until they know you care. Don’t just walk up to strangers and blast them with the full gospel. Take time to build relationships.
Jesus set the example by befriending tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-13).
Get to know unbelievers. Hear their stories. Share your life too. Meet them where they are. Find common interests.
Earn the privilege of speaking truth into their life. Look for the opportunity to transition to spiritual topics.
“I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel.”
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV)
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Genuine relationships make way for conversations about Christ at the right time.
4. Communicate Clearly
Don’t use overly complex theological terms or Christian lingo. Adjust your communication style to the person you’re witnessing to.
“In the same way, if you don’t speak in a way that can be understood, how will anyone know what you’re saying? You will be talking into thin air.”
1 Corinthians 14:9 (God’s Word Translation).
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Avoid insider language like being “washed in the blood” or “saved.” Explain biblical concepts simply.
Connect the gospel to the needs in their life. Relate it to their experiences and worldview.
Give examples and tell stories to reinforce points. Be vivid and visual in your communication.
The goal isn’t to impress with your knowledge. It’s to convey the gospel in a way they understand.
5. Keep Your Focus on Jesus as You Share The Gospel With Others
Don’t just present the gospel as an impersonal message. Introduce people to Jesus himself!
Share what Jesus personally means to you. Give a testimony of how he’s changed your life.
Paint a picture of who Jesus truly is and what he came to do.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (ESV)
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Emphasize the incredible love and grace of God. Explain Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our sins.
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
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Let His love motivate a desire for repentance. The goodness of God leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Lift up Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts people as they get glimpses of Him.
6. Call for a Response
Don’t just share the gospel as information. Call for action.
Explain that receiving Jesus involves repentance and surrender of their life to Him as Lord.
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Acts 3:19 (ESV)
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“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 (ESV)
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Make sure they realize the magnitude of this life decision. Being a follower of Jesus changes everything.
Don’t present the gospel as a take-it-or-leave-it option. Warn about the consequences of rejecting God’s gift.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
John 3:36 (ESV)
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Lovingly call for a wholehearted response to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.
7. Trust God with The Results
Your role is to faithfully share the gospel. But only God can change a heart.
Some will accept Christ, others will reject him. Don’t get discouraged if your outreach is rejected.
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
1 Corinthians 3:7 (ESV)
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Remember, even Jesus was rejected by many. But some did believe, and the gospel spread.
Keep sharing in faith. Scatter the seed of the gospel broadly. Trust that God’s word always bears fruit in His timing:
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
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God promises to draw many to Himself as we spread the Gospel.
Key Takeaways: How to Share the Gospel with Unbelievers
- Know the gospel message well through continuous Bible study.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power – it’s not about your eloquence.
- Take time to build relationships and earn the right to speak into someone’s life.
- Avoid theological terms and communicate the gospel clearly at their level.
- Focus on Jesus – share your testimony, who Christ is, and what He’s done.
- Lovingly call for repentance and the surrender of their life to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
- Trust God with the results. Don’t get discouraged by those who reject the message.
Sharing the life-changing gospel is a great privilege and responsibility. With God’s help, you can plant seeds that will lead unbelievers into a reconciled relationship with Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I start spiritual conversations with unbelievers?
A. Pray for open doors. Ask questions to draw out their beliefs and worldviews. Listen well. Share your own faith journey. Look for common ground that relates to spiritual things. Testify about God’s work in your life.
Q. What are some good verses to share when explaining the gospel?
A. Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Peter 3:18, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9.
Q. How can I avoid being judgmental when sharing my faith?
A. Remember Jesus befriended unbelievers. Let the Holy Spirit convict people of sin, not your judgmental attitude. Approach people with love. Share the gospel to help people, not to prove yourself right.
Q. Should I invite unbelievers to church if they aren’t ready to accept Christ?
A. Yes, invite them to church events, services, groups, etc. Expose them to preaching of the Word, worship, and Christian community. Let the Holy Spirit work in their life. But don’t pressure them to convert before they are ready.
Q. What if I’m afraid to share my faith with unbelievers?
A. Pray for boldness and remember God promises to be with you (Matthew 28:20, Acts 4:29-31). Share with another believer for support and practice. Believe that it’s the Holy Spirit working through you. Start by sharing your testimony.
