How to Share the Gospel
Equipping You to Share the Greatest News with Confidence
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The Message
Four essential gospel truths every believer must know
Different Contexts
Natural gospel conversations at work, home, and beyond
Religious Backgrounds
Engaging Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, and more
Common Objections
Biblical responses to tough questions
Leading to Christ
How to guide someone through salvation
Free Gospel Card
Downloadable pocket guide for conversations
The Message You’ve Been Entrusted With
Before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples a clear commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This wasn’t a suggestion for the especially gifted or the naturally outgoing. It was a command for every believer—including you.
You don’t need to be a theologian or a natural evangelist to learn how to share the gospel effectively. You simply need to know what you believe, care about where people spend eternity, and be willing to speak when God gives opportunity. The Holy Spirit does the convicting, converting, and transforming. Your job is faithful witness—telling what you know about what Christ has done.
This guide exists to equip you practically. You will find biblical clarity about the gospel message, practical wisdom for various life situations, and confident responses to common questions and objections. Think of this as a reference you’ll return to again and again—before conversations, during difficult questions, and as you grow in boldness.
The stakes are eternal. The message is simple. And God has chosen to use ordinary believers like you and me to proclaim the extraordinary news that changes everything.
How to Share the Gospel in Four Essential Truths
Before you can share the gospel effectively, you must understand it clearly yourself. The gospel can be explained in many ways, but these four truths capture the essential message every person needs to hear.
God is Holy and We Are Separated
The Starting Point:
God is perfectly holy, righteous, and just. He created humanity in His image to have a relationship with Him and to reflect His glory. But sin entered the world through Adam’s rebellion, and that sin separated humanity from God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Why This Matters:
Many people assume they’re “good enough” for God or that He grades on a curve. But God’s standard isn’t comparison to other people—it’s His own perfect holiness. The gap between us and God is infinite, created not by God’s unwillingness to accept us but by our sin that cannot coexist with His holiness.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
We Are Sinful and Cannot Save Ourselves
The Problem:
Sin isn’t just bad actions—it’s rebellion against God, a corrupted nature we inherit from Adam. We’re born spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, hostile to God, and incapable of earning righteousness through our own effort. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). This death is both physical and eternal—permanent separation from God in hell.
Why This Matters:
People tend towards the belief that they can earn God’s favor through good works, religious observance, or moral effort. But Scripture is clear: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). No amount of good deeds can erase guilt or bridge the gap sin created. We need rescue, not self-improvement.
“For the wages of sin is death.”
Christ Died and Rose to Save Us
The Solution:
What we couldn’t do for ourselves, God did for us. Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man—lived the perfect life we couldn’t live and died the death we deserved to die. On the cross, He bore the punishment for sin, satisfying God’s justice. Three days later, He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Why This Matters:
This is the heart of the gospel—substitutionary atonement. Christ took our place, bore our penalty, and offers us His righteousness. Salvation isn’t about our performance but about Christ’s finished work. The resurrection proves His sacrifice was accepted and that He has power over death. This is the good news: God Himself provided the way when there was no way.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
We Must Respond in Repentance and Faith
The Response:
The gospel requires response. We must repent—turn from sin and self-reliance—and believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). This isn’t mere intellectual agreement but wholehearted trust in Christ as Savior and Lord. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Why This Matters:
Many people acknowledge Jesus as a good teacher or historical figure but never trust Him personally for salvation. Saving faith is specific—it rests entirely on Christ’s work, not our own. It’s also transformative—genuine faith produces new life, new desires, and new obedience. You’re calling people not just to believe facts about Jesus, but to trust Him completely, abandoning all other hope of salvation.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Memorize these four truths and their key verses. When you can clearly explain God’s holiness, humanity’s sin, Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection, and the need for repentant faith, you have the essential gospel message that saves souls.
Essential Scriptures to Know
When sharing the gospel, Scripture carries the power, not your eloquence. These verses form the biblical backbone of gospel conversations. Commit them to memory so you can share them naturally and accurately.
God’s Holiness and Our Sin:
- Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
- Romans 3:10 – “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
- Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God.”
The Consequence of Sin:
- Romans 6:23a – “For the wages of sin is death.”
- Hebrews 9:27 – “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
- Revelation 20:15 – “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Christ’s Work on Our Behalf:
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
The Offer of Salvation:
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
- Romans 6:23b – “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
- John 1:12 – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
The Call to Respond:
- Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
- Acts 16:31 – “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
- Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Assurance for New Believers:
- John 10:28-29 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
- 1 John 5:13 – “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Write these verses on index cards and review them daily until they’re memorized. When you know Scripture well, the Holy Spirit can bring the right verse to mind at the right moment during conversations.
Natural Gospel Conversations by Context
Sharing the gospel doesn’t always look the same. The message is unchanging, but how you initiate conversations, build trust, and find natural entry points varies by relationship and context. Here’s practical wisdom for different scenarios.
At Work: Professional but Caring
The Challenge: Work is where most of us spend the majority of our waking hours, surrounded by people who need the gospel. But there’s a balance—you want to be a faithful witness without being preachy, pushy, or creating an uncomfortable environment. The key is living a visibly Christian life while creating natural opportunities for spiritual conversations.
Foundation Building:
- Your character is your credential. Integrity in small things, excellence in your work, kindness when others are stressed, and calm under pressure make people curious. They’ll wonder what’s different about you long before you say a word.
- Be genuinely helpful and available. Don’t just be the “Christian guy”—be the person coworkers actually want to talk to when life gets hard. Real care creates real opportunities.
- Let your faith be visible but not obnoxious. Mention church naturally when discussing weekend plans. Pray quietly before lunch. Keep your Bible app open on your phone. Don’t hide who you are, but don’t force it either.
- Build real relationships. Grab coffee, ask about their families, remember what matters to them. You earn the right to speak into someone’s life by actually caring about their life.
Conversation Starters:
1. When They’re Going Through Hard Times
- If they share struggles at work: “Man, that sounds really tough. How are you holding up?”
[Let them answer, then:] “Do you have people supporting you through this—family, friends, a church community?”
[If they say no:] “I’d be happy to grab coffee if you want to talk. And if you’re okay with it, I’d love to pray for you.” - If they mention anxiety/stress: “I get that. I’ve been there too. What helps you when you feel overwhelmed?”
[Listen to their answer, then:] “For me, prayer really helps. Talking to God helps me remember that He ultimately has everything under control.”
2. During Casual Conversations About Life
Weekend Plans:
- Them: “What are you doing this weekend?”
You: “Church Sunday morning, then probably just hanging out. What about you?”
[If they ask about church:] “Yeah, I really look forward to it. It helps me refocus on what’s truly important. Have you ever been to church, or is that not something you grew up with?”
When Life Gets Deep:
- If they bring up feeling unfulfilled: “I hear you. I think a lot of people feel that way, honestly. Can I ask—what do you think would make work feel meaningful for you?”
[Let them answer, then:] “That’s a good answer. For me, I realized work itself can’t give me ultimate purpose. That had to come from somewhere bigger. Faith really changed how I see everything.” - If they mention existential questions: “Those are really good questions. I think about that too, and my faith has really shaped my outlook. Would you be open to hearing my thoughts?”
3. When They Notice Something Different About You
- “You seem really calm for everything going on.”
You: “Thanks. Honestly, it’s not because I have it all together. My faith helps a lot. Knowing God’s in control takes pressure off me to fix everything myself.” - “How are you so positive all the time?”
You: “Ha, I’m definitely not positive all the time. But my relationship with Jesus has helped me so much in this area. Even when things are hard, it’s like having a solid foundation that doesn’t shift.”
4. When They Bring Up Religion/Spirituality
- “Did you grow up religious?”
You: “I wouldn’t call it religious in terms of rituals or going through the motions, but I do have a personal relationship with Jesus. My faith in Him has completely shaped my life. What about you? Did you grow up going to church or anything?” - “I used to be [Catholic/Baptist/etc.] but I’m not anymore.”
You: “Good to know. Can I ask—what made you step away? Was it bad experiences with church people, or did you just stop believing the message?”
[This opens the door to talk about the difference between cultural Christianity and genuine faith.]
Moving from Surface to Substance:
1. Invite Them to Continue the Conversation:
- “Hey, I’ve really enjoyed our conversations. Would you want to grab lunch sometime and keep talking about this? I’d love to hear more about your story and share mine.”
- “This is probably too deep for a work conversation, but if you ever want to talk more about faith, I’m an open book!”
2. Invite Them to Church:
- “Our church is doing a series on [relevant topic] right now. You should come check it out if you’re curious—no pressure, but I think you’d find it interesting.”
- “We’re having a BBQ after church Sunday—low-key eating and hanging out. You should come. I’ll introduce you around and you can decide what you think.”
3. Share Resources:
- “I was just reading something about this. Can I send it to you? It explains it way better than I can.”
- “There’s a short video that breaks this down really clearly—like 5 minutes. Want me to text you the link?”
Example Gospel Conversation (When They’re Ready to Hear It):
“You know, I appreciate you asking about this. For the longest time, I thought being a decent person was basically the goal—the golden rule, try to do more good than bad, and hopefully that’s enough. But when I actually started reading the Bible for myself, I realized I had totally misunderstood what the Bible teaches.
It’s not about being good enough, because none of us are. We’re separated from God because of our sin. And here’s the hard part: no amount of good I do can erase that guilt or bridge that gap.
But that’s exactly why Jesus came. He lived the perfect life I couldn’t live, and He died the death I deserved to die. He took the punishment for my sin so I wouldn’t have to. And when He rose from the dead, He proved He had power over sin and death.
When I finally understood that and put my trust in Him instead of myself, everything changed. Not that my life became perfect, but I had this peace and purpose I’d never had before. I went from trying to earn God’s approval to resting in the fact that Jesus already earned it for me.
Does that make sense? I know it’s a lot, but I’d love to keep talking about it if you’re interested.”
With Neighbors: Building Relational Bridges
The Challenge: Neighbors are long-term relationships. You see them regularly, so you don’t want awkwardness, but you also don’t want to waste years of proximity without sharing Christ.
Foundation Building:
- Invest in genuine friendship first. Serve them—help with yard work, bring meals when they’re sick, watch their kids in emergencies.
- Host regular gatherings (BBQs, game nights) where spiritual conversations can arise naturally without pressure.
- Let them observe your family’s faith—how you handle conflict, raise kids, prioritize church, pray before meals.
Conversation Starters:
- After serving them: “Happy to help! We’ve really enjoyed getting to know you guys. I don’t know if you’re connected to a church or faith community, but if you ever want to check one out, we’d love to have you join us.”
- During life transitions (moving in, new baby, loss): “I can’t imagine how overwhelming this must be. Do you have people supporting you through this—family nearby or a church community? If not, we’d genuinely love to help however we can.”
- Over casual conversation: “Hey, we’re having some friends over Friday night—nothing fancy, just hanging out. You guys should come if you’re free. I think you’d really enjoy them.”
- When they comment on your family/peace: “Thanks, that means a lot. Honestly, we’re far from perfect. But our faith really does hold us together. Do you guys have any faith background, or is that something you’ve thought about?”
Navigating Boundaries:
- Don’t be fake-friendly just to evangelize. Genuinely care for them.
- Earn the right to speak into their lives through consistent, sacrificial friendship.
- When you share the gospel, frame it as sharing what’s most important to you, not judging them.
Example Gospel Conversation: “You guys have become real friends to us, and I’d love to share something with you. I don’t know if you know this, but my relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life. It’s not just something I grew up with or do on Sundays—it genuinely changed everything for me. Would you be open to hearing about what I believe and why? I’d love to share with you what gives me hope.”
New Acquaintances: Reading the Moment
The Challenge: You don’t have an established relationship, so discernment is crucial. You want to be bold but not weird, faithful but not obnoxious.
Foundation Building:
- Look for natural entry points—they bring up faith, mention church, ask about your worldview, or share deep struggles.
- Ask good questions that reveal their spiritual background and openness.
- Don’t force it if they’re clearly uninterested. Plant a seed and trust God’s timing.
Conversation Starters:
- When they mention church/faith background: “Oh, interesting! Are you still involved in church, or has that changed over time? What do you believe now?”
- During deep conversations about life: “Man, that’s such a big question. My faith has shaped how I think about that. Would you want to hear my take on it?”
- When they’re clearly searching: “It sounds like you’re wrestling with some really important things. Have you ever looked into what the Bible teaches about [their topic]? I’d be happy to share what it says.”
- Airplane/long travel conversations: Natural flow from “What do you do?” → “What gives you fulfillment?” opens doors to spiritual conversations.
Navigating Boundaries:
- If they shut down or get defensive, don’t push. Say, “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. These things just matter a lot to me.”
- If they’re genuinely interested, exchange contact info: “I’d love to keep talking about this. Can I send you my number?”
Example Gospel Conversation: “You said you’re not really religious, but it sounds like you think about what happens after we die. Can I share what I believe? The Bible gives a really clear answer about eternity and how we can know where we’re going. It’s honestly simpler than most people think.”
During Crisis or Suffering: Truth with Compassion
The Challenge: People are most open during suffering, but also most vulnerable to feeling preached at. You must balance truth with genuine compassion.
Foundation Building:
- Minister practically first. Show up with meals, childcare, listening ears, and consistent presence.
- Don’t minimize their pain or offer quick religious platitudes. “God has a plan” doesn’t comfort someone in fresh grief.
- Earn trust through faithful presence, then gently introduce the hope you have.
Conversation Starters:
- After establishing presence: “I’ve been praying for you through all this. I don’t know if that means anything to you, but I wanted you to know. Can I share why prayer gives me hope even in hard times?”
- When they express hopelessness: “I can’t imagine how dark this feels right now. I won’t pretend to have easy answers, but can I tell you what got me through my darkest season?”
- When they ask “Why did this happen?”: “I honestly don’t know why this happened to you. I wish I had a simple answer. But I do know what the Bible says about suffering and God’s heart for people in pain. Would you want to hear it?”
Navigating Boundaries:
- Never use suffering as leverage: “See, you need God now!” That’s manipulative and cruel.
- Acknowledge their pain: “This is awful, and I’m so sorry.” Don’t rush past their grief.
- Point to Christ who suffered: “Jesus understands suffering. The Bible calls Him ‘a man of sorrows.’ He understands what you’re going through.”
Example Gospel Conversation: “I know this feels unbearable, and I wish I could take it away. I really do. But I want you to know something: there is hope—real hope—even in this. Not the kind that ignores your pain or pretends everything’s fine. But hope that says death isn’t the end, that suffering can have meaning, that one day all of this pain will be made right. Jesus died and rose again so that ultimately, all this suffering and death will be undone. Can I share more about that with you?”
With Family: The Long Game
The Challenge: Family relationships are complex. You have history, shared experiences, and often entrenched patterns. They’ve watched your failures and hypocrisy. But you also have unmatched access and influence.
Foundation Building:
- Live out your faith authentically. Your transformation is your best sermon.
- Apologize for past hypocrisy or religious arrogance that may have hurt them.
- Be patient. Family evangelism is often years-long.
- Pray consistently. Intercession is your most powerful tool.
Conversation Starters:
- During holidays/reunions: “I know we didn’t grow up talking much about faith, but it’s become really central to my life. I’d love to share what happened if you’re open to hearing it.”
- When they bring up your changes: “Yeah, I am different. Jesus really did change me. I’m not perfect—obviously you know that better than anyone—but He’s transforming me. Do you want to hear the story?”
- Around significant events (weddings, funerals, births): “Moments like this make me think about what really matters in life. Do you ever think about eternity, or what happens after we die?”
- After they criticize Christians/church: “You’re right, Christians—including me—mess up constantly. But can I tell you what the Bible actually teaches, separate from how imperfectly we live it out?”
Navigating Boundaries:
- Don’t nag. Repeated pressure hardens hearts.
- Model grace when they mock or reject your faith. Your response to rejection preaches louder than your words.
- If they’ve heard the gospel before, ask: “Do you remember what I believe? Can I clarify anything or answer questions?”
Example Gospel Conversation: “Mom/Dad/[Name], I love you, and there’s something I need to say. I know we haven’t talked much about faith, and maybe my past actions makes this awkward. But I believe everyone will spend eternity somewhere—either with God or separated from Him forever. I don’t want to be pushy or preachy, but I can’t stay silent about this either. Can we talk about what I believe and why it matters? I really want you to understand.”
Every context requires discernment, but the core principles remain: build genuine relationship, create natural conversation entry points, share truth clearly, and trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do—open eyes and hearts to see and receive Christ.
Responding to Different Religious Backgrounds
Not everyone you share with is a blank slate. Many come from religious traditions that seem Christian but distort essential gospel truths. Here’s how to engage different backgrounds biblically. Note: Below are only a few examples of different religious beliefs. These are meant to give you a starting point on learning to compare other beliefs against what the Bible truly teaches, how to expose those differences lovingly, and ultimately point the listener back to what Scripture says about Jesus.
Sharing the Gospel with Catholics
Common Ground: Catholics affirm Jesus as God, the Trinity, Scripture’s inspiration, and Christ’s atoning death. Start here before addressing differences.
Key Differences to Address:
1. Justification: Faith Alone vs. Faith + Works
- What they believe: Justification is a process involving faith, baptism, and ongoing good works. They believe grace infused into the soul enables merit.
- Biblical response: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Justification is a one-time declaration (Romans 5:1), not a process. Christ’s righteousness is imputed, not infused. Good works are the evidence of salvation (James 2:18), not the means.
- How to say it: “I understand Catholic teaching says we cooperate with grace through works. But Paul is really clear—if works contribute even partially to our justification, then Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:21). Can I show you what the Bible says about how we’re made right with God?”
2. Mary’s Role: Mediatrix vs. Christ Alone
- What they believe: Mary is co-redemptrix, mediatrix of grace, immaculately conceived (born without sin), assumed into heaven, and worthy of veneration (prayer).
- Biblical response: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary was a blessed, faithful woman, but she herself called God her Savior (Luke 1:47), indicating she needed salvation like everyone else. No Scripture supports that Mary was sinless or that we should pray to her.
- How to say it: “I have deep respect for Mary’s faithfulness, but the Bible says there’s one mediator—Jesus. When we pray to Mary or saints, we’re going to someone other than Christ. Why would we do that when Jesus invites us to come directly to Him?”
3. Purgatory vs. Christ’s Finished Work
- What they believe: After death, believers go to purgatory to be purged of remaining sin before entering heaven.
- Biblical response: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Christ said on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). If His sacrifice wasn’t complete, we’re still in our sins. No purgatory is mentioned in Scripture; instead, “to be absent from the body [is] to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
- How to say it: “If purgatory is necessary, then Christ’s death wasn’t sufficient to fully cleanse us. But the Bible says His blood cleanses us from all sin—past, present, and future. We’re made perfect in God’s sight the moment we trust Christ.”
Helpful Approach: Emphasize that you’re not attacking them personally but inviting them to examine whether their church’s teaching aligns with Scripture. Ask, “If the Bible is our authority, what does it actually say about [topic]?”
Sharing the Gospel with Muslims
Common Ground: Muslims affirm one God, Jesus as a prophet, moral living, and accountability to God. Start with monotheism and God’s holiness.
Key Differences to Address:
1. Jesus’ Identity: Prophet vs. Divine Savior
- What they believe: Jesus (Isa) was a prophet and miracle worker but not God’s Son. He didn’t die on the cross (someone else was substituted), and He will return to establish Islam.
- Biblical response: Jesus claimed to be God: “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). He accepted worship (Matthew 14:33), forgave sins (Mark 2:5-7—only God can forgive), and repeatedly called God His Father in unique terms. His death and resurrection are historically attested and central to Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- How to say it: “I know Islam teaches Jesus was only a prophet. But Jesus Himself claimed to be God. He said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6). If He’s just a prophet, He’s either a liar or insane—because prophets don’t claim to be God. What do you think He meant?”
2. Salvation: Works vs. Grace
- What they believe: Salvation comes through submitting to Allah, following the Five Pillars, and hoping Allah’s mercy outweighs their sins on judgment day. No assurance of salvation except for martyrs.
- Biblical response: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). No one can earn salvation because God’s standard is perfection (Matthew 5:48), and we all fall short (Romans 3:23). Christ died as a substitute to pay for the sin debt that we couldn’t pay ourselves (Romans 5:8).
- How to say it: “Islam teaches that you have to earn your way to paradise, but you can never be sure if you’ve done enough. The Bible teaches that Jesus did enough—His perfect life and sacrificial death paid the full penalty for sin. When you trust Him, you have assurance: ‘These things I have written to you who believe…that you may know that you have eternal life’ (1 John 5:13).”
3. The Quran vs. The Bible
- What they believe: The Quran is Allah’s final, uncorrupted revelation. The Bible has been changed/corrupted (though they can’t produce evidence).
- Biblical response: Manuscript evidence shows the Bible is the most reliable ancient text in existence. Thousands of manuscripts dating back centuries demonstrate textual stability. If the Bible was corrupted, the Quran itself contradicts this by commanding people to judge by the Torah and Gospel (Surah 5:47, 68).
- How to say it: “If the Bible has been corrupted, when did that happen? We have manuscripts from centuries before Muhammad proving the text hasn’t changed. The Quran even tells Muslims to judge by the Gospel. If the Gospel is corrupted, the Quran is unreliable. If it’s not corrupted, Islam contradicts it.”
Helpful Approach: Show love and respect. Build relationship. Ask questions: “What do you think happens to your sins?” “How do you have peace with God?” Let them see that Islam offers no assurance, only endless striving, while Christ offers finished work and rest.
Sharing the Gospel with Mormons (LDS)
Common Ground: Mormons use Christian terminology and emphasize family, morality, and Jesus. Start with affirming their zeal.
Key Differences to Address:
1. Different Jesus
- What they believe: Jesus is a created being, spirit brother of Lucifer, one god among many. He earned godhood through obedience.
- Biblical response: Jesus is the eternal God, Creator of all things (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17). He’s not one god among many but “the only begotten Son” of God (John 3:16). He’s worshiped as God (Hebrews 1:6), which would be blasphemy if He weren’t truly God.
- How to say it: “The Jesus of Mormonism and the Jesus of the Bible are two different people. The Bible says Jesus is the eternal God who became man—not a created being who became a god. If we worship different Christs, we ultimately have different faiths, even if we use the same name.”
2. Additional Scripture
- What they believe: The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are additional scripture necessary for salvation. The Bible alone is insufficient and contains errors.
- Biblical response: The Bible is complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God warns against adding to His word (Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2). The Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible on salvation, God’s nature, and Christ’s identity.
- How to say it: “If the Bible is God’s word, it’s sufficient. God says, ‘Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar’ (Proverbs 30:6). Why would we need additional scripture 1800 years after the apostles?”
3. Works-Based Salvation
- What they believe: Salvation by grace after all you can do. Exaltation (godhood) comes through temple ordinances, marriages, and works.
- Biblical response: “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Romans 11:6). Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. We can know we have eternal life now (1 John 5:13), not after endless striving.
- How to say it: “Mormonism teaches grace kicks in after you’ve done all you can. But Paul says if works are involved at all, it’s not grace. How can you ever know if you’ve done enough? The Bible says we can know we’re saved now—not after we’ve proven ourselves.”
Helpful Approach: Mormons are often sincere and well-meaning. Don’t attack them personally. Instead, point out contradictions between Mormonism and the Bible, and ask which authority they’ll trust. Share your testimony of assurance and rest in Christ’s finished work.
Sharing the Gospel with Jehovah’s Witnesses
Common Ground: JWs are Bible-focused, zealous, and disciplined. Commend their commitment to studying Scripture.
Key Differences to Address:
1. Jesus’ Deity Denied
- What they believe: Jesus is Michael the Archangel, a created being, the first of God’s creations. He’s “a god” but not God Almighty.
- Biblical response: Jesus claimed equality with God (John 10:30). John 1:1 in the Greek clearly calls Jesus God (not “a god” as their NWT version mistranslates). Thomas called Him “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), and Jesus accepted worship (Matthew 14:33)—which only God can receive.
- How to say it: “You believe Jesus is a created being. But the Bible says, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’ (John 1:1). If Jesus is ‘a god,’ that’s polytheism. If He’s a creature, He can’t save us. Only God can.”
2. The Trinity Rejected
- What they believe: God is one person—Jehovah. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not God. The Trinity is pagan polytheism.
- Biblical response: The Bible teaches one God in three persons. All three are called God (Father: John 6:27; Son: John 1:1; Spirit: Acts 5:3-4). All three are involved in creation (Genesis 1:1-2, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). The Trinity isn’t three gods but one God in three persons.
- How to say it: “The Trinity doesn’t mean three gods. It means one God who exists eternally as three persons. The Bible reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all equally God, all involved in creation and salvation. If Jesus isn’t fully God, His death can’t save us.”
3. New World Translation Issues
- What they believe: The NWT is the most accurate translation because it restores God’s name (Jehovah) and corrects trinitarian bias.
- Biblical response: The NWT intentionally mistranslates verses to fit JW theology (John 1:1, Colossians 1:16-17 [adds “other”], Hebrews 1:6 [changes “worship” to “obeisance”]). No reputable Greek scholars outside the organization support these changes.
- How to say it: “Have you ever compared the NWT to other translations in the original Greek? Scholars—even non-Christian ones—say the NWT mistranslates key verses about Jesus. Why would the organization need to change Scripture to fit their theology?”
Helpful Approach: JWs are trained to deflect to organizational authority. Ask, “If the Watchtower Society is wrong, would you want to know?” Use their own NWT when possible, showing it contradicts their teaching. Focus on Jesus’ deity—if they accept He’s God, the rest of JW theology collapses.
Sharing the Gospel with Secular/Atheist Friends
Common Ground: Everyone seeks meaning, morality, and hope. Start with questions about what grounds their worldview.
Key Questions to Ask:
1. Morality Without God
- Ask: “You clearly believe some things are right and wrong. Where does that moral standard come from if there’s no God?”
- Biblical response: Without God, morality is subjective preference—just evolved instincts or cultural conditioning. But if God exists, He defines objective right and wrong. The fact that we all recognize moral truths (murder is wrong, love is good) points to a Moral Lawgiver.
2. Meaning Without Purpose
- Ask: “If we’re just matter in motion, accidents of evolution, what gives life meaning? Why does anything matter?”
- Biblical response: If atheism is true, there’s no ultimate meaning. We’re cosmic accidents headed for extinction. But deep down, everyone knows life has meaning. That’s because God created us for a relationship with Him—He is the source of meaning.
3. Science and Faith
- What they claim: Science disproves God. Faith is blind belief without evidence.
- Biblical response: Science studies the natural world God created. Science can’t disprove God because God is outside nature (supernatural). Christianity is evidential faith—based on historical evidence (Christ’s resurrection), philosophical reasoning (cosmological argument, moral argument), and personal experience. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
- How to say it: “Science assumes the universe is orderly and rational. Why would that be unless there’s a rational Creator who designed it? Also, Christianity makes historical claims—Jesus’ death and resurrection are events we can investigate. Have you ever examined the evidence?”
Helpful Approach: Don’t argue. Ask questions that expose the emptiness of their worldview. Show that the Bible offers better explanations for reality, morality, meaning, and hope. Share your testimony—personal experience is harder to dismiss than arguments.
Sharing the Gospel with “Spiritual but Not Religious”
Common Ground: They sense transcendence and value spiritual experience. Start by affirming their spiritual curiosity.
Key Differences to Address:
1. All Roads Lead to God
- What they believe: Every religion is equally valid. There are many paths to God/enlightenment/truth.
- Biblical response: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Religions contradict each other fundamentally (reincarnation vs. resurrection, works vs. grace, many gods vs. one God). They can’t all be true. Either Jesus is the only way, or He’s a liar.
- How to say it: “If all paths lead to God, why did Jesus say He’s the only way? Either He’s telling the truth and there’s one path, or He’s wrong and the Bible is false. But you can’t say Jesus is one valid path among many if He claims to be the only path.”
2. Define Your Own Spirituality
- What they believe: Spirituality is personal. Everyone defines God/truth for themselves. No one can say another’s beliefs are wrong.
- Biblical response: Truth exists outside our preferences. If I define God as green and you define Him as purple, we can’t both be right. God is who He is, regardless of our opinions. He’s revealed Himself in Scripture and ultimately in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2).
- How to say it: “I appreciate that spirituality feels personal, but if God is real, He’s real independent of what we think. Wouldn’t you want to know Him as He actually is rather than who you imagine Him to be?”
Helpful Approach: Show that vague spirituality provides no answers. When tragedy strikes, “the universe” offers no comfort. When guilt plagues them, “good vibes” don’t cleanse. Jesus offers specific, historical, provable claims and real relationship with the living God.
Every false religion or worldview adds to, subtracts from, or distorts the gospel. Your job is to lovingly expose the deception by pointing back to Scripture. Know the gospel clearly, listen carefully to what they believe, and show where their system fails to satisfy the soul—then offer the only One who can: Jesus Christ.
Answering Common Objections
When you share the gospel, expect objections. They’re not barriers—they’re opportunities to clarify truth. Here are the most common objections and biblical responses.
Response: “You’re right that you’re kind and try to live a good life. But God’s standard isn’t how good we can do or how we compare to others—it’s perfection. He says, ‘Be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48). Have you kept every commandment perfectly? Even one sin separates us from a holy God. The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). Good works can’t erase guilt—only Christ’s blood can (Hebrews 9:22).”
Response: “That’s a good question. The Bible says God has revealed Himself to everyone through creation (Romans 1:19-20) and conscience (Romans 2:14-15). Everyone instinctively knows God exists and that we’ve violated His moral law. Those who seek Him will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). God is perfectly just—and I trust that He’ll judge everyone fairly based on His purposes. But here’s the real question: you have heard about Jesus. What will you do with Him?”
Response: “That’s a common claim, but it’s not true. There are thousands of ancient manuscripts—more than any other ancient document—and they’re remarkably consistent. Scholars can verify the Bible’s text with 99.5% accuracy. No essential doctrine is in question. If you doubt the Bible because of supposed changes, what ancient texts do you trust? And if God spoke, wouldn’t He preserve His word (Isaiah 40:8)?”
Response: “Jesus is exclusive because truth is exclusive. Two plus two can’t equal both four and five. Either Jesus is God who died for sins, or He’s not. He claimed to be the only way (John 14:6). If He’s wrong, Christianity is false and we’re wasting our time. But if He’s right, then loving people means warning them. Would it be tolerant to watch someone walk off a cliff without saying anything? I care too much about you to stay silent about eternity.”
Response: “I understand. But the Bible says, ‘Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation’ (2 Corinthians 6:2). None of us knows if we’ll have tomorrow. Death doesn’t wait for convenience. If you know this is true, why wait? What are you waiting for that will change?”
Response: “God doesn’t send people to hell—we choose it by rejecting Him. Hell is eternal separation from God, which is what people who reject Him want. God respects that choice. He’s also perfectly just—sin must be punished. But He’s also loving, which is why He sent Jesus to take the punishment in our place. He did everything necessary for us to be saved. If people go to hell, it’s because they refused the rescue. That’s not God being unloving—it’s people rejecting love.”
Response: “You’re absolutely right. The church is full of hypocrites—and sometimes I’m one of them. Christians aren’t perfect; we’re forgiven. We’re all sinners saved by grace, and we still struggle with sin. But that doesn’t make our faith in God false. Jesus didn’t come for people who have it together; He came for the broken and sinful (Mark 2:17). Don’t let imperfect Christians keep you from a perfect Savior.”
Objections are often smokescreens for deeper issues—hurt from church, love of sin, or fear of surrender. Answer the objection, but also pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the real barrier. Sometimes the best response is, “That’s a great question. But can I ask—if I answered that to your satisfaction, would you believe?”
Leading Someone to Christ
When someone expresses readiness to trust Christ, don’t panic or rush. Take your time to help them truly understand. Here’s how to walk them through it clearly.
1. Make Sure They Understand the Gospel
Ask clarifying questions:
- “Do you understand that you’re a sinner separated from God?”
- “Do you believe Jesus is God who died for your sins and rose again?”
- “Are you trusting Christ alone for salvation, not your good works?”
- “Are you willing to repent—turn from sin and follow Jesus as Lord?”
If they’re unclear on any of these, take more time to explain before moving forward.
2. Explain What Happens When They Believe
Tell them:
- “When you trust Christ, God forgives all your sin—past, present, and future.”
- “You become a child of God, adopted into His family forever.”
- “The Holy Spirit comes to live in you, giving you power to live for God.”
- “You have eternal life—not something you earn, but a gift God gives the moment you believe.”
3. Lead Them in Prayer
Say something like: “There’s no magic words or specific prayer you have to say. But prayer is how we talk to God, and He wants to hear from you. I’ll guide you, and you can pray in your own words, or you can repeat after me.”
Sample Prayer to Guide Them:
“God, I know I’m a sinner, and I’ve broken Your laws. I deserve Your judgment. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose from the dead. I’m sorry for my sin, and I turn from it now. I trust Jesus alone to save me. Come into my life, forgive me, and make me Your child. I surrender my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Important: Make sure they’re praying sincerely, not just repeating words. Ask, “Are you trusting Jesus right now?” not “Did you say the prayer?”
4. Give Them Assurance
After they pray, immediately point them to Scripture:
- “The Bible says, ‘As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God’ (John 1:12). You just received Him—so you’re now a child of God!”
- “It also says, ‘These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life’ (1 John 5:13). You don’t have to wonder—you can know you’re saved.”
5. Celebrate with Them
Don’t rush past this moment. Say, “This is the most important decision you’ll ever make. The Bible says that even the Angels rejoice when someone comes to faith in Christ (Luke 15:10). I’m so glad you trusted in Him!”
Salvation happens in a moment but is confirmed over time by fruit. Make sure they understand that trusting Christ means life change—not perfection, but new desires, new power over sin, and new love for God and His Word.
What to Do After Someone Believes
The Great Commission doesn’t end at salvation—it says, “Make disciples.” Here’s what new believers need immediately.
1. Immediate Follow-Up (That Day or Within 24 Hours)
- Affirm their decision: Text or call them. Say, “I’ve been praying for you since you trusted Christ! How are you feeling?”
- Give them a Bible: If they don’t have one, provide one (NKJV, ESV, or NASB are good). Mark key passages: John, Romans, 1 John.
- Explain what to expect: “You won’t feel different every day, but you are different. The Holy Spirit is in you now. You’ll start noticing new desires—to read the Bible, to pray, to avoid sin. That’s evidence of new life.”
2. Connect Them to a Church (First Sunday)
- Invite them personally: “I’d love for you to come to church with me this Sunday. It’s where Christians gather to worship, learn, and encourage each other. Can I pick you up?”
- Sit with them: Don’t drop them off and disappear. Introduce them to others. Help them navigate the unfamiliar environment.
- Follow up after: “What did you think? Any questions?” Make sure they felt welcomed and want to return.
3. Begin Discipleship (First Month)
- Meet weekly: Coffee, lunch, or a phone call. Ask how they’re doing spiritually. Pray together.
- Start with the basics: Explain baptism, prayer, Bible reading, temptation, the Holy Spirit, assurance of salvation.
- Recommended structure:
- Week 1: Assurance of salvation (1 John 5:11-13)
- Week 2: Prayer and Bible reading (Luke 11:1-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Week 3: The Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, Galatians 5:16-25)
- Week 4: Baptism and church membership (Romans 6:3-4, Hebrews 10:24-25)
4. Warn Them About Spiritual Opposition (Ongoing)
- Explain spiritual warfare: “You’re now God’s child, which means Satan will attack. Expect temptation, doubt, and spiritual battles you didn’t have before. That’s normal—and Jesus gives you the power to resist (James 4:7).”
- Prepare them for setbacks: “You’ll still sin—you’re not sinless, just forgiven. When you fail, confess it immediately (1 John 1:9), and keep walking with God. Don’t let guilt keep you from Him.”
5. Encourage Them to Share Their Faith (First Few Months)
- Their testimony is powerful: New believers have fresh zeal and relationships with unbelievers that mature Christians often lack.
- Help them articulate their story: “Practice telling me in 3 minutes: What was your life like before Christ? How did you come to trust Him? What’s different now?”
- Pray for opportunities together: “Let’s both pray this week for chances to share Jesus. Then let’s meet and talk about what happened.”
The enemy wants to isolate new believers and pick them off one by one. Your job is to get them connected to the body of Christ quickly and walk with them through the vulnerable early months.
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When They Say No: Trusting God’s Timing
Not everyone will believe when you share the gospel. In fact, most won’t—at least not immediately. Here’s how to handle rejection faithfully.
1. Don’t Take It Personally
Their rejection isn’t rejection of you—it’s rejection of Christ. Jesus said, “He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me” (Luke 10:16). Your job is faithful witness, not successful salesmanship. The Holy Spirit convicts and converts; you just proclaim.
2. Leave the Door Open
Say something like: “I understand. This is a big decision. But can I just say—this is the most important thing in my life, and I care about you too much to stay silent. If you ever want to talk more, I’m here. No pressure, no judgment. I just want you to know the truth.”
Don’t end the friendship. Continue to love them, pray for them, and live out your faith visibly. Often people need to see the gospel lived before they’ll consider it intellectually.
3. Keep Praying
Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). You may plant a seed that someone else waters, or water a seed someone else planted. Trust God’s timing. Pray specifically:
- For their spiritual eyes to be opened (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- For the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8)
- For boldness to speak again when opportunity arises (Ephesians 6:19-20)
4. Don’t Give Up
Rejection today doesn’t mean rejection forever. Look for future opportunities:
- When they face crisis or suffering
- When their worldview fails them
- When you’ve built more trust through consistent friendship
- When God opens their heart through circumstances you can’t see
5. Trust God’s Sovereignty
God saves whom He will when He will. Your responsibility is obedience—proclaiming the gospel. Results are God’s. Paul says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). You’re the preacher. Be faithful and leave outcomes to God.
You can’t save anyone—only God can. But He’s chosen to use your faithful witness as the means. So speak, pray, trust, and repeat. Don’t let discouragement silence you.
Reflection Questions
When was the last time you intentionally shared the gospel with someone? What held you back from doing it more often—fear of rejection, lack of confidence, not knowing what to say, or something else?
How clearly can you articulate the gospel in 2-3 minutes? Practice right now: Explain God’s holiness, humanity’s sin, Christ’s substitution, and the need for repentance and faith. Where do you stumble? What do you need to clarify?
Who in your life right now most needs to hear the gospel? Name three people: one family member, one friend or coworker, and one acquaintance. What specific steps will you take this week to create gospel conversations with them?
Which objection or religious background challenges you most? What additional study or preparation do you need to engage that group confidently and biblically?
If you knew you only had one year to live, how would that change your urgency about evangelism? What’s stopping you from living with that same urgency now?
Prayer for Boldness
Father, forgive me for how often I’ve been silent when I should have spoken. Forgive my fear, my love of comfort, and my lack of urgency about eternity. The gospel is the greatest news in history, yet I’ve treated it like optional information rather than life-or-death truth.
Give me boldness to speak. When opportunities arise, help me recognize them and seize them. When I face opposition or rejection, remind me that I’m representing Christ, not myself. When I stumble over words or forget Scripture, help me trust that You use weak vessels for Your glory.
Burden my heart for the lost. Let me see people the way You see them—headed for eternal separation from You unless they trust Christ. Don’t let me grow comfortable with unbelieving friends and family perishing. Give me tears, urgency, and faithfulness.
Bring people across my path who need to hear the gospel, and give me eyes to see and courage to speak. When I share, let Your Spirit do what only You can do—open blind eyes, soften hard hearts, and draw people to Jesus.
Most of all, help me remember that salvation belongs to You. I can’t save anyone, but You can use my faithful witness as the means. Make me faithful, not successful. Make me bold, not impressive. And let my life and words point clearly to the only One who saves: Jesus Christ my Lord.
In His name, Amen.
Continue Your Evangelism Journey
Learning how to share the gospel effectively is a lifelong growth process. You’ll grow in boldness, clarity, and wisdom with practice. Keep sharpening your skills and deepening your dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Need to strengthen your foundation first? Evangelism flows from your own relationship with God and understanding of His Word. Build your foundation with these resources:
How to Study the Bible Effectively
Learn to observe, interpret, and apply Scripture so you can explain it clearly to others.
How to Pray Effectively
Evangelism requires prayer—for boldness, for opportunities, for the lost. Strengthen your prayer life.
How to Grow Spiritually
Your spiritual maturity directly impacts your effectiveness in evangelism. Grow in Christlikeness.
How to Be Saved
Understand the essential gospel message and assurance of salvation before you share it with others.
Free Scripture Memory Cards
Download our free cards featuring essential gospel passages you can hide in your heart and share naturally.
Devotional Library
Deepen your walk with God through daily Scripture-rich devotionals that strengthen your faith.