Evangelism Resources
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20
In Matthew 28:18-20, referred to as the Great Commission, Jesus gives his followers a final command before he ascends back to heaven. His command to his followers that day and for every follower since is to go and make disciples. We, as Jesus’ followers, are to go into all the world and make disciples of Jesus. This is our command. This is our mission. This is what Jesus wants us to do with our lives. Go and make disciples. Advance the Kingdom of God. Share the gospel, lead people to Jesus, baptize them, and teach them all about Jesus.
The discipleship process begins with evangelism—telling those that do not know Jesus about Jesus and calling them to believe in Him (Romans 10:9-17). We are sent out as His witnesses to the entire world to display and declare Jesus’ truths to those in our lives (Acts 1:8). This may mean Jesus calls you to be a missionary overseas, or He may call you to a different city or neighborhood. But until he calls us elsewhere, we are called to be missionaries exactly where we are—in our neighborhood, community, city, workplace, family, etc. God has you where you are for a purpose, and that purpose is to go and make disciples.
I know evangelism and talking with people about the gospel can be intimidating. That fear can often prevent us from ever sharing. I get it, it can be tough. If that’s you, I would like to recommend a few resources that will help equip you and give you some practical places to start as you seek to build relationships with those that don’t know Jesus.
1. Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
In Gospel Fluency, Jeff Vanderstelt calls believers to a culture of evangelism. To be fluent in another language, one must immerse themselves in the language—speaking it and practicing it every single day. The same is true with the gospel and evangelism. This book will give you practical insights and steps into becoming more fluent in the gospel and speaking the truths of Jesus into everyday life. If you don’t know where to start when sharing the gospel, start with this book.
Ready to read it? Buy it today! Amazon | ChristianBook.com
2. The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
I personally believe the best evangelism process in our current culture is through radical hospitality. Biblical hospitality is opening your home and lives to “the stranger,” to those who think and believe differently than you. By welcoming others into our homes and lives, it demonstrates our love, care, and concern for that person and opens so many opportunities to share Jesus. In this book Rosaria Butterfield explains what biblical hospitality is, how to practice it, and how the Lord can use it to create gospel conversations—all while sharing personal stories and experiences of living out what she calls “radically ordinary hospitality.”
Ready to read it? Buy it today! Amazon | ChristianBook.com
3. Evangelism as Exiles by Elliot Clark
As Christians we know this world is not our home. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom and as such are living in this world and culture as exiles. Spending years as a missionary in Central Asia, Clark shares from this experience what it looks like to live for Jesus and share the gospel in a place that is strongly against Christianity. As our country continues to move further and further away from Christianity, how are we to live as Christ’s witnesses? Drawing on lessons from the book of 1 Peter, Clark shows us to live for Christ and share the gospel in our current culture.
Ready to read it? Buy it today! Amazon | ChristianBook.com
4. Tactics by Greg Koukl
Tactics is an extremely practical book about having gospel-centered conversations with non-Christians. Often, conversations about Jesus can turn into debates and arguments. As Christians we feel pressure to give a clear answer and defense to every question and accusation against Christianity. If you have ever felt that pressure or unsure about how to talk to people who believe different than you, Tactics is a great place to start. Koukl gives readers practical advice on how to navigate these conversations, how to gently encourage people to share what they believe and why, and how to get people thinking about Jesus and the truths of Scripture.
Ready to read it? Buy it today! Amazon | ChristianBook.com
I know sharing your faith can be tough and scary at times but remember how the Great Commission ends—Jesus is with us, always! Jesus, who is all powerful, the Creator of everyone and everything, is with us always! He will provide the opportunities. He will give us the words to say. The results of every conversation are held firmly in His sovereign hands. All he calls us to do is follow Him in obedience, to go and make disciples.