After more than 20 years in ministry, I’ve come to realize how many Christians struggle with a lack of confidence to share the Gospel. Here are a few simple steps I have learned that have helped to make sharing the life-saving hope of Jesus easier for many people.
It all starts with your story.
Sharing the Gospel from a personal perspective helps to make it real for the listener. Communicating how knowing Jesus has changed your life and given you hope helps to demonstrate that this isn’t just a theory—it’s something that has made a difference in the life of a person they know. Your story doesn’t have to be long, it just needs to be honest.
Here’s an example:
There was a time in my life that I felt broken and alone. Then I met Jesus. He forgave me and now I follow Him. Since that day I’ve found healing and love. Do you have a story like that?
Ending with a question about their story opens the door to a deeper conversation. If their story doesn’t include a relationship with Jesus, you can take the next step in showing them how their story can change.
Let Scripture lead the way.
There’s a simple path to explaining the Gospel that is found in the book of Romans. Some people will recognize this as the Romans Road to salvation.
Start with the problem of sin. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23 NLT).
Present the consequences and the alternative. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NLT).
Show them how that gift was given. “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT).
Explain how easy it is to step into new life with Jesus. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NLT).
Their story starts with a prayer.
Once you’ve shared your story and followed through with these Scriptures as part of a meaningful conversation, the other person may want to know how they can begin their own story with Jesus. You can help them take the first step by leading them in a simple prayer like this one:
Jesus, I know that I have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard. I believe You died for my sin so that I can have eternal life through You. I believe You rose again and that through You I am saved. Today I make You my Lord and my Savior. Thank You for saving me, Jesus. Amen.
Encourage and confirm the power of salvation in Christ.
It’s important to help a new believer understand that while they may not feel different right away, God has done a miracle in their heart and life. Some good Scriptures to help remind them of this are Romans 5:1 which says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (NLT), and 2 Corinthians 5:17 which states, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (NLT).
Remember that only God can change their heart.
While it is a difficult reality to face, it’s true that some people you share the Gospel with are going to reject what you say. It’s important to remember that your role is to simply share the Gospel. The real power and real change is a work of the Holy Spirit. We share the good news and Jesus is the One who saves.
A Prayer to Prepare for Sharing the Gospel
Heavenly Father, I want to share the hope I have found in Your Son with others. Help me to see opportunities to share my story and the truth of the Gospel with those around me. Help me to be bold, confident, and sensitive to the leading of Your Spirit in these conversations. Speak to the hearts of those who hear my words and draw them to Jesus for salvation. I ask this in His mighty name, amen.
