(from The Gospel & Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever)
In a previous post we discussed the balance of honesty, urgency, and joy in our evangelism. In this post we will give five specific suggestions on how we should evangelize.
1. PRAY
Remember the importance of prayer in your evangelism. When Jonah was saved from the fish, he said, "Salvation comes from the LORD" (Jonah 2:9). If the Bible teaches us that salvation is the work of God, then surely we should ask him to work among those we evangelize.
- For opportunities to share the gospel
- For boldness when those opportunities come
- For the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those we speak to
- For wisdom in how to present the message
- For genuine love for the lost
Before you speak to someone about Christ, speak to Christ about that someone. And keep praying after the conversation ends. Salvation may come immediately, or it may come years later as God waters seeds you planted.
2. USE THE BIBLE
The Bible is not only for public preaching and private devotionals. It can also be used in evangelizing. Introduce a non-Christian to the person of Jesus Christ as he is revealed on the pages of Scripture.
Consider reading a Gospel with an unbeliever. Ask them: "Would you be willing to read through the book of Mark with me and discuss it over coffee?" Many people who would decline an invitation to church will accept an invitation to explore the Bible.
The Bible has power that our words lack. As Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is alive and active." Let God's Word do the heavy lifting. Read passages, ask what they think, and let the Spirit use the Scripture.
Don't be afraid to open your Bible in conversation. Point to specific verses. Let people see that your faith is grounded in something outside yourself.
3. BE CLEAR
When you share the gospel, think carefully about the language you use. We need to be both engaging and clear when we present the gospel. We must be clear about:
The fact of sin: Don't skip over sin in an effort to make the gospel more appealing. People need to understand the bad news before the good news makes sense. We are not merely "broken" or "hurting"—we are rebels against a holy God.
The meaning of the cross: Jesus didn't just die as an example or martyr. He died as a substitute, bearing the punishment we deserved. He satisfied God's justice so that God could be both "just and the justifier" of those who believe (Romans 3:26).
Our need to repent and believe: The gospel calls for a response. It is not enough to agree intellectually that Jesus died and rose again. We must turn from sin (repentance) and trust in Christ alone for salvation (faith).
Avoid jargon that unchurched people won't understand. Explain terms like "grace," "salvation," and "born again." Ask questions to make sure they understand: "Does that make sense? What questions do you have?"
4. PROVOKE SELF-REFLECTION
We want to live and talk in such a way that we provoke people to reflect on themselves, on their own desires and actions. We can do this by asking good questions. Ask good questions and listen to their answers.
- What do you think happens after death?
- If there is a God, what do you think He's like?
- Who do you think Jesus was?
- If Christianity were true, would you want to know?
- What's holding you back from considering the claims of Christ?
- What would it take to convince you?
Then listen. Really listen. Don't just wait for your turn to talk. Understand where they're coming from. Discover their objections, fears, and misconceptions. Let their answers shape how you present the gospel.
Questions also help people realize what they actually believe—and whether those beliefs make sense. Sometimes articulating their worldview out loud helps them see its weaknesses.
5. USE THE CHURCH
Invite the person to whom you're witnessing to the church at which you're a member. Realize that how the Christian life is lived out in the Christian community is a central part of our evangelism.
- People from different backgrounds united in Christ
- Genuine love and care for one another
- Lives being transformed over time
- Authentic community that the world cannot replicate
Don't just invite them to a Sunday service. Invite them into your life. Let them see Christianity lived out in your home, your relationships, your struggles, and your joys.
Many people come to faith not through a single conversation but through ongoing exposure to believers who embody the gospel. The church is not just a tool for evangelism—it is part of the gospel itself, the body of Christ on display.
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Remember: Evangelism is not a formula to master but a lifestyle to embrace. It flows naturally from a heart that has been captured by the gospel and genuinely loves both God and neighbor.
