When we think of “evangelism,” 80% of us start to sweat and immediately start looking for the closest emergency exit. It wasn’t until I realized that the gospel could be shared in ways I enjoyed that I stopped looking for the nearest exit and also stopped feeling ashamed that “evangelism” just felt so hard and “unnatural” to me. Before I start sharing some of my favorite creative ways to spread the gospel, I want to share a framework that I have found to be really helpful in my quest to bring Jesus to people I meet and develop trusting relationships.
1. Pray. I always start with prayer. If I know I’m going to have an opportunity to have a conversation with a non-believer, I start praying that the Holy Spirit would prepare his/her heart and that he would give me the words to say. I have found time and time again that if I simply allow God to enter into the situation, I don’t have to do much other than the following:
2. Listen. Just listen to the person you are talking to and to the Holy Spirit. If you feel prompted to speak or all of a sudden he gives you something to say, then obey, but start by listening.
3. Ask Questions. After you have listened, you can start asking questions to understand context for comments or ideas. My favorite question to ask is “And what else?” Listen some more and continue to ask questions.
4. Share your story. When appropriate, I’ve found the most profound way to share Christ with people is to simply share my story. You might not remember the Roman’s Road or the 3-Circles illustration, but I can guarantee, you won’t forget your own story. Talk about where you were before Christ, how you met him and how he is shaping and changing you now. If your friend is really paying attention, this is when asking more questions helps to take the conversation even further…. “What do you think of that?” “Do you think that is something you would want?”
Now, where and when can all this good stuff happen? That’s where we are going to get a little creative!
Start a book club.
You can discuss any book, but I would suggest one that has some deeper themes to discuss like eternity, mortality, morals, good vs evil, etc. It does not have to be a Christian text, but consider what the book is saying and if its main ideas are going to help or hinder your mission to share the gospel. Use the book as a catalyst to delve into topics that aren’t normally broached in everyday conversation.
Make Together.
There is something about using our hands that opens up our hearts. Maybe the activity is cooking, knitting, building, fixing a trail, reorganizing a room, painting, or crafting. Making together gives a common connection, and it takes pressure off both parties when it comes to small talk. Some of my best gospel-centered conversations have occurred while painting alongside curious friends. What do you like to make? Invite non-believing friends to join you next time, and pray for God to enter into the conversation while you make.
Share the day-to-day (tell-the-truth-principle).
College Ministry Director, Ben Patella, once shared an idea from the pulpit called “tell-the-truth-evangelism” and it has stuck with me ever since. It’s a powerful idea that has changed the way I communicate with all my non-believing friends, and it has made it very apparent to them that I’m a Christian and I’m not hiding. Here’s what it looks like…. When your friend asks you how your day is going or what you’ve been up to, you actually tell them what God is doing in your life rather than what you had for dinner. It might not sound very creative, but it is, because it comes at your problem from a different angle.
Mix the company.
Sometimes we want to keep our Christian and non-Christian friends separate, but I think that’s a big mistake. Jesus said that the world would know we are his disciples because of our love for each other. How in the world can they know our love if they never see us interacting? Find places of common interest–hiking, movies, the dog park, painting parties, dinner out, etc.–and mix up the company so that your non-Christian friends can see you doing life with your brothers and sisters. Welcome them into the conversation, and don’t hide who you are.
These are just a couple creative avenues for sharing the gospel. If you want to learn more about living a life where the gospel simply flows out into all your conversations and interactions, read Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt.
One last thing, if you are still gazing at the exit door or still mopping sweat off your brow, it’s okay. Everything we do as Christians is counterintuitive, so just know it’s okay if this doesn’t come easy to you. You are NOT a bad Christian. Remember, you are NOT alone in this commission. God clearly says that when we ask in Jesus’ name, we will get what we ask for. Ask for courage in sharing the gospel. Ask for a heart for the lost. Ask for opportunities. And then, watch out! Change is right around the corner, and it will be amazing.
Amelia Furman has been a member of Faith for eight years. She is a professional fine artist and teacher who specializes in mixed media art.
At Faith, Amelia serves on the writing team and encourages others in blessing people with their creativity. She loves telling meaningful, thought-provoking stories that shape imaginations and minds for God’s glory.
Amelia is from Pennsylvania and enjoys painting, reading, running, hiking, and laughing.