How to properly share the Gospel
I recently came across a Gallup Poll that has surveyed Americans on their views of religion over the decades. While I was not necessarily surprised by some of the results, I was sobered by them.
Of those adults surveyed in 2020, 27% indicated that religion was “not very important” in their own lives, 20% indicated that they did not identify with any denomination or religion, 64% indicated that religion is “losing its influence” on American life, and 35% indicated that religion is “largely out of date.”
While the reasons for these answers are complex and varied, what are we to make of this data if we follow Jesus Christ?
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I think it is time for us to reevaluate our approach to sharing the Gospel.
Before I came to faith, I thought Christians and religious people were weird, but I gathered up the tracts they offered me, trying to make sense of life’s biggest questions—and then one day I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ while eating lunch on the grounds of my high school. I am so grateful to have been mentored by Chuck Smith, who invested in me and took a risk with me when he allowed me to lead a Bible study group when I was just 19 years old. I have been preaching hope ever since.
All around us, people are looking for healing and relief, which is why it is critical we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. But how we do that is just as important. I would like to offer an acronym to help us share the Gospel with our friends, neighbors, family members, coworkers, and everyone else we come in contact with — Jesus style — “B.L.A.S.T.”
Build a bridge
Throughout his three years of earthly ministry, Jesus overcame man-made religious and cultural barriers in order to reach those who were hurting. He was, in a sense, the ultimate bridge builder.
We are commanded in Scripture to take the Gospel to all people. There is no room for bigotry or prejudice when it comes to sharing hope with others. Moreover, God often calls us to engage with people with whom we may not be comfortable, or who may be different from us. But that’s exactly what Jesus did: he was a friend to people he was not “supposed to” be friends with, according to the cultural and religious dictates of his day.
Listen with love
When engaging others, Jesus used something many Christians in America today seriously lack: tact.
I have seen Christians armed with memorized Bible verses and clever arguments completely overwhelm a person in a “Gospel barrage.” They might feel as if they have “won” their argument (sharing the Gospel should never be an argument), but they have more than likely turned off the person to whom they were speaking.
We must begin our conversations by listening carefully to the other person and praying to the Lord for His wisdom. Then, we can ask appropriate follow-up questions based on what we have heard.
Adapt to the conversation
This should go without saying, but since every person is different, there is not a “one size fits all” approach to sharing the Gospel with someone. Jesus never dealt with any two people in exactly the same way.
Just as we change our approach depending on who we may be speaking to in our day-to-day life — a boss, a friend, a child, a parent, a coworker — we have to listen, learn, and be willing to adapt if we are trying to engage with another person.
Share your story
Telling your own salvation story is meaningful and nonthreatening. There is a lot of power in the simplicity of a changed life.
But, as you share, keep in mind the following: Do not glorify or exaggerate your past, do not boast of what you’ve given up for Jesus Christ, but of what He gave up for you. And do not be long winded in telling your story.
Tell them how to come to Jesus
If the person you are sharing the Gospel with seems open to Jesus, you can try praying with them or listen as they pray. When they are finished, you can offer to help them get connected to a church family where the Gospel is faithfully proclaimed and preached.
And if the person you are speaking with is not receptive, that is okay. God will use your conversation as a “seed” in that person’s life.
The key to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is humility. We share our hope because we know who and what we once were — lost, lonely, guilty, confused — and how Jesus has transformed our lives.
And remember: We are all works in progress.
Greg Laurie is the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of Harvest Crusades. He is an evangelist, best-selling author and movie producer. His new book World Changers: How God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things (Baker Books), releases Sept. 1.
