Sharing the Christian Gospel: What to Say & Do

How to Share the Gospel

Study the Gospel yourself. Before you can share the Gospel, it’s important that you understand the Gospel yourself. Even if you think you know it well, take a moment to try to explain it. If there’s anything you’re uncertain about, read the Bible and/or ask a religious leader to explain it.

Practice what you’re going to say. While sharing the Gospel should feel natural, it doesn’t hurt to prepare what you want to say ahead of time so you don’t miss anything important. Plus, people will be more likely to listen to what you have to say if you’re calm and collected rather than stuttering over your words. After delivering your message a few times, it’ll be a breeze. Remember, you want to leave enough room in the conversation for the other person to ask questions. Try to keep your message to less than 3 minutes to avoid turning the conversation into a speech. If it helps, practice with friends, family, or members of your church to get advice.

Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel. Before you start sharing the Gospel, pray for God to give you guidance. Ask God to give you the words to say and the wisdom to know when and how to share your faith. Pray that the person you’re sharing with will be open to receiving the message, and trust that God will guide you where you need to be.

Build a relationship with the person you want to share with. While you can share the Gospel with strangers or people you don’t know very well, it is generally recommended to build a relationship with someone before sharing the Gospel. Get to know them as a person so you can develop trust and respect. This way, they’re more likely to be open to hearing your message. Share the Gospel wherever you see an opportunity. This could be at the grocery store, on the bus, or even online. If there isn’t time for a conversation, offer the person a pamphlet or note that explains the Gospel. However, it isn’t the best idea to share the Gospel if the other person is unable to remove themselves from the conversation, like if you’re a customer and they’re a cashier. Whether you’re sharing the Gospel with a friend or a stranger, be bold but not pushy. If the person is clearly uncomfortable or uninterested, shut the conversation down.

Share your testimony. Sometimes, people are more willing to open up if you share a personal story with them. Talk about how and why you became a Christian and how your religion has impacted your life. Be open and vulnerable about your struggles and how God helped you overcome them. This way, the person you’re talking to can understand the power of the Gospel.

Explain the Gospel simply. The more complex your explanation is, the more likely people will shut down. When sharing the Gospel, think of it as a conversation rather than a presentation. Talk to them about how and why God created humanity, how everyone has sinned, why Jesus died on the cross, and why people should accept Christ into their lives. If it helps, remember that the Gospel has 4 key movements: Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Briefly summarize each of these parts to explain the Gospel in a way that people can easily understand. After you’ve shared your message, answer any questions they may have. While many people may not be saved from one conversation, this can open up further communication between you two. If they seem open, ask if you can pray with them or invite them to join you at church.

What is the Gospel?

The Gospel is the good news of what Jesus has done. The word “Gospel” literally translates to “good news,” and in Christianity, the Gospel is the message of everything God has done through Christ to secure humanity’s salvation. It describes the journey of humanity through Creation, the fall of Adam and Eve and the introduction of sin, Jesus’s sacrifice, and how people can be saved by accepting Christ into their lives. Christians share the Gospel in an attempt to get non-Christians to understand what Christ has done and to get them to accept Him into their hearts.

When to Share the Gospel

Share the Gospel when you feel equipped to do so. The time frame is different for everyone; some Christians share the Gospel soon after accepting Christ into their life, while for others, it takes a bit more time. Pray to God and trust that He will let you know when it’s time. Until then, continue studying the Gospel so you’re prepared when you’re called to do so.

Share when you think the other person is open to listening. As a Christian, it’s understandable that you want to share your love for God with everyone. However, not everyone will be open to hearing your message as soon as you meet them. This is why it’s important to get to know others before sharing the Gospel. This way, you can see where they are in their faith journey and share your message when you think it would be most beneficial. If someone isn’t open to hearing the Gospel at a certain point in time, it doesn’t mean they’ll always feel that way. Continue developing your relationship and see if things change down the line.

How to Live the Gospel

Accept Christ into your life. To receive Christ, accept and admit you’re a sinner, then pray to God for forgiveness. Believe that Jesus died for your sins, and accept God into your heart. Trust that He will guide you in life and open yourself up to His word.

Pray daily, read the Bible, and attend church regularly. One of the best ways to live according to the Gospel is to learn as much about it as possible. Study the Bible to learn about God’s word. If you have questions, talk to a religious leader. Connect with other Christians and learn more about living a godly life by joining a church, and remember to thank God for all that He has done for you and to pray for your loved ones.

Practice humility. Remember, everyone is equal under God. To practice humility, be willing to admit when you’re wrong and be open to learning new things. Listen to others rather than judging them, and show empathy for their situation. Be willing to self-reflect and work to become the best version of yourself.

Serve and love others. Christians are called to love the world without judgment. Volunteer and do charity work for your community through your church and other organizations. Show others you care, even if you don’t always agree with them. One of the best ways to spread the Gospel is to treat others with respect and love.