Sharing the gospel with others is a natural part of exercising one’s faith. Jesus commanded his followers to do it, (Matthew 28:18-20) For some the word “evangelism” has become a negative word that is associated with sharing the faith. However sharing the story of salvation is one of the most rewarding ways to live out ones faith. It is also a discipline that can require practice.

The Christian Handbook by Augsburg Books outlines these 7 steps for sharing the faith:

1. Look for the opening.
2. Be yourself
3. Watch for a chance to take the conversation to a deeper level
4. Open up
5. Follow up
6. Offer to share your faith community with the other person
7. Try to maintain a relationship with the person regardless of what the person does

1. Regular daily conversations offer lots of chances to talk about your faith. Listen for open-ended comments, such as, “ I wonder why life is like that,” or “Sometimes life seems so hard”. When possible offer a response. Begin sentences with phrases such as, “I’ve come to think…” or “I don’t have the answer, but..”
2. Expressing your faith should be natural and the same as other types of daily conversation. Avoid suddenly switching your tone of voice or vocabulary. Don’t try to impress the other person with your knowledge. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
3. Carefully gauge the other person’s response. Observe facial expression, verbal tone, and body language. If the other person seems to be closing down, set the topic aside and wait for another time.
4. We are often attracted to each other by our strengths, but we bond because of our weaknesses. Key to sharing your faith is willingness to be honest about your own life’s struggles.
5. Offer to continue the conversation later and arrange a time. Allowing the other person to see your commitment to your faith alongside your continuing questions will reassure him or her of your sincerity.
6. Most people join a church after being invited by a friend. When the time is right invite the person to attend your faith community. Tell them what makes it special to you.
7. Be prepared for the other person to shut down around faith talk, decline your invitation, or even appear to avoid you. The most effective way to communicate that you are a follower of Jesus Christ is through your actions; continue to live with integrity. Be open for another opportunity later on.