We know we should evangelize as Christians, but it often feels like an intimidating task. I am not an expert on evangelism, but here are 50 things I’ve learned in my time trying to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I’ve tried to make these tips practical and biblical. I hope they will be helpful as you commit to sharing the gospel with others!
1. Jesus is our supreme model for soul-winning (Luke 19:10).
2. We must be flexible to be successful (1 Cor. 9:19-22).
3. A “no” for now is not a “no” forever (Acts 2:36-37).
4. We don’t have to know everything to share the truth about Jesus (1 Cor. 2:2).
5. Not everyone is a teacher, but everyone can play a part in evangelism (1 Cor. 12:29).
6. It’s our job to sow the seed, not to determine what kind of soil someone is (Luke 8:5).
7. Soils (hearts) can change over time. Sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse (Luke 8:5-15).
8. Allow prospects to verify our teaching in Scripture, don’t manipulate them (Acts 17:11).
9. Start where you are and branch out from there (Acts 1:8).
10. Prayer and evangelism go hand-in-hand (Rom. 10:1).
11. Asking others to pray for our efforts is vital to evangelistic success (Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:2-4; 2 Thess. 3:1-2).
12. Inviting someone to “come and see” is a great place to start (John 1:45-46).
13. There is more than one way to teach people. Avoid getting locked into any one method. People are different and require different approaches (1 Cor. 9:19-22; also see Acts 17 for 2 different methods in Thessalonica and Athens).
14. Teaching people about Jesus involves teaching them about His kingdom (Acts 8:12-13).
15. Just because someone sins right after their baptism doesn’t mean their conversion wasn’t genuine. It means they’re human (Acts 8:18-25).
16. Baptism is not the end, it’s the beginning (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:3-4).
17. Helping people comprehend repentance can be challenging (Luke 13:1-5; Acts 3:19).
18. Evangelism is ALWAYS a team effort and NEVER a one-man show (1 Cor. 3:6-9).
19. Involving new Christians in the congregation immediately after baptism is a key to their remaining faithful (Col. 1:6).
20. Typically, soon after people obey the gospel they have to combat false doctrine and other distracting ideas (Gal. 1:6-7).
21. Pray for new Christians and tell them that you’re praying for them (Col. 1:3-4).
22. If we want to save souls, we have to go to where the lost people are (Acts 17:2).
23. Being ready to give a reason for the hope you possess doesn’t mean you have to be a Bible encyclopedia (1 Pet. 3:15).
24. Being kind, gentle, and patient are invaluable — lost people deserve our compassion, not our self-righteous snobbery (2 Tim. 2:24-26).
25. Remembering that we used to be lost will help us help others in the same condition now (Titus 3:3-5).
26. New converts can be effective in evangelism immediately — their conversion speaks volumes (1 Thess. 1:8-10).
27. Start where the people are and go from there (Acts 17:22-23).
28. Ask lots of questions and be sure to listen closely to the answers (Matt. 22:42).
29. Just because you’re afraid doesn’t mean you’re a failure in evangelism (1 Cor. 2:3; Eph. 6:19-20). It’s natural to be nervous when discussing the most important things in the world.
30. Don’t complicate the simplicity of the gospel (1 Cor. 2:2).
31. If heaven rejoices when people repent, we better be rejoicing too (Luke 15:7, 10).
32. Nobody has a 100% success rate; not even Jesus (John 6:60, 66).
33. The more attempts we make at sharing the gospel, the more likely we are to receive a positive result (Mark 16:15).
34. Making disciples is harder than simply baptizing people (Matt. 28:19).
35. Don’t try to teach others everything before they’re baptized, they can grow in grace and knowledge afterward (Acts 2:42; 2 Pet. 3:18).
36. Don’t give up too soon (Gal. 6:9).
37. Evangelism is about love for people as much as it’s about the knowledge of scripture (Rom. 9:1-4).
38. We need a greater focus on retention after baptism (Col. 1:21-23).
39. Introduce prospects/new Christians to as many Christians as you can as soon as possible (1 Thess. 3:1-2).
40. More people are hungry for the gospel than we think (Matt. 9:37).
41. The friendliness and welcoming spirit of a congregation can go a long way in bringing people to Jesus and keeping them there (Matt. 5:16).
42. The only way to get better at evangelizing is to do more of it (Acts 5:42; 20:20-21).
43. None of us should be satisfied with our efforts to reach the lost, there’s more to be done (Acts 19:21; Rom. 15:28).
44. Every member of the body has a part to play in evangelism. It’s not a talent for a few. Don’t downplay your part or the part of others, but work together (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).
45. Evangelism involves telling people hard things. Though this is difficult it must be done (Gal. 4:16; Eph. 4:15).
46. Opening a Bible is more useful than tossing verses around and arguing back and forth (Acts 8:35).
47. Help people discover the truth without telling them what to believe (Acts 8:26-40).
48. God’s far more involved in our evangelistic efforts than we often give Him credit for (1 Cor. 3:6-7; Eph. 3:20-21).
49. Carnal people will refuse spiritual truths. Don’t let this surprise you (1 Cor. 2:14). We have to share, but they must be a seeker (Acts 17:11; Heb. 11:6).
50. The gospel can change any life; remember how it has already changed yours (1 Tim. 1:13-16).
SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons Young People Are Leaving the Church
Point 16 is something I’ve stressed many times. A birth is the beginning, not the end. Too often we have a “dip ‘em and drop ‘em” mindset.