What is evangelism?
Evangelism is sharing the Gospel, that is, the “good news” of Jesus Christ. The word comes from the Greek euangelion, which in the ancient world was used to announce a victory or the birth of a king. For Christians, the best news in history is that God loves us, that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again, and that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness and eternal life. Evangelism is not imposing a religion or winning arguments, but inviting others to know Jesus with respect, love and truth.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples a mission known as the Great Commission. He did not ask them only to make believers, but disciples: people who learn to live as Jesus lived. And he did so with a promise: “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” In Acts 1:8 Jesus described the reach of that mission: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the earth; from near to far. This mission is the reason this site exists: to preach the Gospel to the nations.
The Gospel message
Although it can be explained in many ways, the heart of the Gospel contains a few essential truths. God created us and loves us. We were made in his image to live in fellowship with him. Sin separated us from God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ is God’s answer. He lived without sin, died on the cross in our place and rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are saved by grace through faith. Not by our works, but as a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are invited to respond. To repent, believe in Jesus and follow him as Lord.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10:9-10
The example of Jesus
Jesus is the best model of evangelism. He approached people where they were: fishermen by the lake, the Samaritan woman at the well, Zacchaeus in a tree, Nicodemus at night. He listened, asked questions, met concrete needs and spoke in simple words and parables drawn from daily life. He never forced anyone to follow him, but he invited clearly: “Come unto me.” His compassion for the crowds, “because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36), moved him to teach, heal and feed.
Ways to share your faith
With your life. Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Consistency, honesty and love open doors that words alone do not. With your testimony. Telling what God has done in your life is one of the most powerful forms of evangelism; no one can argue with your experience. You can share your testimony on this site. With questions. Asking someone what they think about God, what gives them hope or what worries them opens sincere conversations. With the Word. Share a verse, a Psalm or an article that has helped you. All the content on this site may be shared freely for evangelism. With service. Helping a neighbour, visiting someone ill or supporting a family in need shows Christ’s love. With hospitality. A meal at home or an invitation to a service or small group are great opportunities. Online. Social media lets you share hope with people around the world; do it respectfully and without needless controversy.
Practical advice
Pray first. Ask God to prepare hearts and give you opportunities. Listen more than you speak. Take a sincere interest in the person. Keep it simple. Avoid difficult religious jargon. Be respectful. Peter advises answering “with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”. You can look for the answer and talk again. Don’t pressure. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit; your task is to plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6). Walk alongside. If someone wants to follow Jesus, help them read the Bible, pray and find a community.
Sharing with family and friends
It is often harder to speak of Christ with those closest to us. They know our failings and sometimes react with distrust. Here the testimony of a life is fundamental: patience, forgiveness and humility speak loudly. Pray faithfully for your loved ones, take advantage of natural moments —an illness, a loss, a celebration— and don’t lose heart if you don’t see results quickly. Many parents have seen their children return to God after years of prayer.
The mission to the nations
The Gospel was born in Jerusalem and within a few centuries reached Europe, Africa and Asia. Today there are Christians in every country in the world. Yet there are still thousands of peoples with very little access to the Gospel and hundreds of languages without a single portion of the Bible. Bible translation organisations, missionaries and Christian media work so that everyone can hear the message in their own language. You can take part by praying, supporting missions and sharing the Gospel where you are. Also read our article Hope for the nations and the good news of evangelistic work around the world.
The first Christians
The book of Acts shows how the Gospel spread. After Pentecost, Peter preached and three thousand people believed. Philip explained Isaiah 53 to an Ethiopian official on a desert road. Paul travelled around the Mediterranean, preaching in synagogues, market places and even the Areopagus in Athens, adapting his language to each audience without changing the message. Priscilla and Aquila taught in their home. Persecuted believers fleeing Jerusalem “went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The Gospel advanced not only through the apostles, but through ordinary Christians who spoke of Jesus in daily life.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Romans 1:16
A simple prayer for anyone who wants to receive Christ
If as you read this you feel a desire to follow Jesus, you can pray in your own words or with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Help me follow you every day. Amen.” Then find a church, read the Bible and tell someone. You can read more in Have you given your life to Christ?.
A prayer for evangelism
Lord of the harvest, send labourers into your harvest. Give me courage to speak of you with love and wisdom, and a life that backs up my words. Open the hearts of my family, friends and neighbours. Bless missionaries and those who translate your Word. May all nations know Jesus Christ. Amen.
Answers to common objections
“All religions are the same.” They all seek answers, but Christianity claims something unique: that God himself came to find us in Jesus Christ and that salvation is a gift, not a prize. “If God is good, why is there suffering?” It is a serious question; the Bible does not avoid it, and shows a God who suffered with us on the cross. “The Bible is full of errors.” Invite the person to read a Gospel for themselves. “I’m too bad for God.” Jesus came precisely for sinners; read with them I am a sinner: will God accept me?.
Remember that you do not evangelise alone: the Holy Spirit goes before you, convicts hearts and gives the words at the right moment (John 16:8; Luke 12:12).