Evangelism

Disciples of Jesus are called to make disciples, and the only way to make a disciple is through evangelism, or sharing the gospel (Matthew 28:18-19). Just as you were saved and became a follower of Jesus through faith in the gospel message, others must also hear this message in order to be saved and follow Jesus. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). When you declare the gospel, you give people the opportunity to turn from their sin, believe in the gospel, and follow Jesus. Good works may open a door for the gospel, but good works cannot save anyone. People are saved only by hearing and believing in the gospel message. God’s mission advances when his people declare his message in his power.

It’s tempting to think that evangelism is only for church leaders and trained ministry “professionals,” but evangelism has always been the calling for all disciples of Jesus. After Stephen was martyred, mass persecution broke out against the early church in Jerusalem, causing God’s people to scatter. As they went, they preached the word (Acts 8:4). Luke, the author of Acts, notes that those who were scattered did not include the apostles (Acts 8:1). Therefore, the gospel advanced throughout the land through non-apostles, ordinary Christians who simply loved Jesus and wanted to get his message out to the world.

All you need to evangelize is love for Jesus and love for people. As a child of God, you are hardwired to tell others about him: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Evangelism is simply telling others about the beauty of the One who called you, just as Philip told Nathanael, “Come and see” (John 1:46). God gave you the gift of the gospel. And just like any gift from God, he calls you to steward it faithfully by declaring it to your neighbors and the nations.