Sharing the Gospel with unbelievers is not just a calling to some specific set of people —it’s a divine mission expected of every believer. Jesus Himself commanded us on this in, Mark 16:15.
Yet, the sharing of the gospel can feel overwhelming to many to many believers. How then is it possible to share the gospel with unbelievers who may be skeptical, indifferent, or even resist the message of the gospel. To be honest with you sharing of the gospel with unbelievers don’t have to be complicated or intimidating, if you reflect on God’s love, allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit, and reaching out to people wherever you meet them.
As people go around in today’s world struggling with confusion, uncertainty, and searching. The Gospel has no equal in the offering of hope and redemption. As Paul made it clear in Romans 1:16.
Either as an evangelist or one seeking for inspiration or idea on how to go about sharing the gospel with an unbeliever, this article provides you with 10 effective practical strategies on how to share the gospel with unbelievers, in a way that resonates with them.
From taking steps like building genuine relationship and making use of tools like social media, gives you the medium to share the gospel.
You also have to come to terms with the fact that sharing the gospel is not all about perfection, but your willingness to make yourself available for use as a vessel, in the vineyard of God.
Now let’s see how you can go about this great commission applying these 10 effective strategies to share the gospel with unbelievers.
Here Are 10 Effective Strategies of How to Share the Gospel with Unbelievers
1. Build Genuine Relationships
If you ever find your self in a situation whereby you’re not sure of how to share the gospel with unbelievers, then building a genuine relation is a sure way to start.
On instances where relationships are genuine, people find’s it easy to be open to the hearing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, most especially when they feel valued, respected and loved.
Genuine relationships easily create medium for spiritual conversation naturally and without pressure.
In the book of “1 Peter 1:22” the bible made emphasis on the importance of loving one another deeply and from the heart. Genuine love for one another goes far beyond mere words and what the eyes can see. It has to be sincere from the heart, caring for one another well-being, listen to each other struggles, and been there for one another.
How to build genuine relationships with unbelievers:
- Be Intentional: Getting to know people where they are, and building a genuine relationship takes time. Be it a co-worker, neighbor, or a friend, show interest in their lives, their passion, and their struggles. –Scripture Philippians 2:4.
- Show Christlike Love: Let your actions towards them reflect the love of Christ. Be kind, patient, and forgiving, even when it feels challenging to do. –Scripture John 13:34-35.
- Be Consistent: Consistency builds trust, that makes you someone they can rely on, both in good and the bad times. -Galatians 6:9.
- Pray for Them: Pray for opportunities and also that their hearts may be open when the opportunity to share the Gospel present itself. -2 Thessalonians 3:1.
As you invest in building genuine relationship and demonstrate a Christlike love, avenue to share the gospel present themselves naturally.
2. Listen First, Speak Second
Mind you, it is easier to speak than to listen, as you can see in today’s world where everyone seems eager to speak seeking attention, so therefore practice listening.
Understand others first before you seek they understand you, that way you get to know their views and how to the gospel with unbelievers like them.
Also be slow to anger, as you listen they might say something that irritates you as reacting with anger is detrimental to the overall aim. –James 1:19.
On meeting the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26), Jesus did not just go ahead to preach the good news to her immediately. Instead, He first of all asked questions, listened to her, and showed interest on her needs. By so doing, her heart became open to the message he had to share with her.
How to listen first before speaking:
- Ask deep Questions: Ask questions that gives ideas about their beliefs and experiences. You can ask questions to know about their thoughts on the gospel, their source of hope, and as much as you are being led to ask. Proverbs 20:5
- Do not Jude them: Allow them express themselves fully irrespectively weather their views do not align with yours without judging them. James 1:19
- Show them sympathy: Showing sympathy is a clear indication that you care for someone. Romans 12:15
- Respond with Grace: As you listen respond with gentleness and respect. Share the Gospel in response to their unique needs and questions. 1 Peter 3:15.
Listening dos not mean you should remain quiet forever, but that you may understand the person you are dealing with and also, to know how to go about sharing the gospel for an effective reach to the unbeliever in person.
3. Share Your Personal Testimony
Your personal testimony can be used as tool to share the gospel. For instance, unbelievers can show resistance to testimonies they heard or been told off, because they cannot relate to. But they cannot resist your personal experience and testimonies because they are relatable, and authentic, and can’t argue because they are your unique experience. Your unique testimonies also serve as a real-life impact of God’s love and grace. As demonstrated by apostle Paul throughout his ministry.
In Acts 26, Apostle Paul stand to testify before King Agrippa about how he used to persecute Christians and how he encountered Christ on his road to Damascus which eventually changed his life
How to share the Gospel with unbelievers using your personal testimony?
- Make it clear and simple: With a clear and simple personal testimony, focused on your life before Christ, how it comes about, and how your life has changed in Christ. 1 Peter 3:15
- Be Honest and Authentic: Make your story sound and perfect. Share with them the stories of your struggles, doubts, and how you encounter God in the midst of them. Story told with authenticity is more impactful than a polished narrative. 2 Corinthians 12:9.
- Highlight God’s Work: As you say your testimony, let it point to Jesus and not you. It’s about how great is the work God has done in your life. 2 Corinthians 10:17.
- Connect to Their Story: look for ways you can relate your stories to theirs and use it to connect with them. For example, if their struggles are related to loneliness, you can go ahead to share with them how God comforted you in similar situation.
Look for ways to relate your experiences to the struggles or questions your listener might be facing. For example, if they’re dealing with loneliness, share how God’s presence comforted you in a similar season. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. - Invite Them to Respond: On sharing your testimony, plant in their heart thought of how Jesus can intervene in their life. You can also go ahead to ask them if someone has shared something like that with them before, or seek of their opinion about your testimony. Psalm 66:5.
Let your personal testimony serve as reference to the impact of the work of God, in the life of a believer. That is to say from your testimony an unbeliever should be able to see significant positive impact of Christ presence in your life.
4. Use Simple, Relatable Language
Keep the message simple, using relatable language, and avoid theological terms that might seek explanation to be understood most especially to an unbeliever. 1 Corinthians 9:22. This is how you reach to person where you meet, without going beyound their level of understanding.
In order to use simple and relatable language, Jesus adopt the use of parable by teaching deep spiritual truths with simple stories that relates to a day to day life. E.g. the parable of the sower Matthew 13:1-23, He used a story that one can easily relate to, in other to explain the manner at which people respond to the word of God
How you can use simple, relatable language to share the Gospel effectively:
- Avoid Christian Terms: Avoid words and terms that a mostly familiar only within the Cristian community, words like “sanctification,” “justification,” or “redemption” may be understood to believers but confusing to unbelievers. Instead, explain these in a simple and relatable words. For example, you can say “Jesus paid the price to set us free from sin and gave us a fresh start,” than saying “Jesus redeemed us”. Colossians 4:6.
- Use Stories and Analogies: Share stories of your own personal experience or analogies to explain spiritual truths. For example, you can make use of parent unconditional love to compare with God’s love. Matthew 13:34.
- Focus on the Core Message: Then message of the good news should be kept simple and centered on Christ. Made known the love of God to humanity and what separates us from God is sin, and how Jesus died on the cross to bridge the, and all we have to do is believe in him, that we may have eternal life. John 3:16.
- Ask Questions to Score Understanding: Always ask questions to know if the communication is making any sense to them, also ask to know if they are familiar with the topic of discussion. Proverbs 18:15.
- Be Patient and willing to explain over and over again: You need to be ready to explain, and explain more to your listener, in a situation whereby they find it difficult to relate or understand the point you are trying to make, therefore you have to be patient if you find yourself in such situation as you explain to their understanding. 2 Timothy 4:2.
The use of relatable language helps you to remove unnecessary barriers and make the gospel available in clear terms for everyone. You also have to understand that sharing the gospel is not about expressing the depth of your knowledge –but sharing the word of God in such a way that your listeners will understand by meeting them where they are.
5. Live Out Your Faith Authentically
Living out your faith with authenticity is no doubt one of the difficult strategies to adopt when it comes to the sharing of the gospel, as the saying goes “easier said than done” and also one of the most effective strategy to adopt when it comes to “how to share the gospel with unbelievers” as the saying also goes “action speaks louder than words”.
When people see the reflection of the word of God in your life, they become curious and want to know about your faith on their own. 1 Peter 2:12
Jesus made emphasis on the importance of living right to our faith in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:16). This means that our daily actions and way of life and how we threat other is enough gospel to speak to the heart of men.
Here’s how you can live out your faith authentically:
- Demonstrate Christlike Love: Be good and kind to all, not just only those who are good to you an evidence that we are the disciples of Christ. John 13:34-35.
- Be Honest and Transparent: Be honest with your weakness if you must mention them. Acknowledge and state how your faith helps you to navigate through them. This act of honesty makes your listeners trust you more than when you pretend to be perfect. James 5:16.
- Serve Others Selflessly: Selfless service require one to go out of his way to reach out to others, there for in your journey of evangelism you are bound to find yourself doing more of selfless service either through act of kindness, volunteering, or been there for others, make it a habit.
- Live with Integrity: Be true to your faith by ensuring you practice that which you preach to others. Do not compromise your faith, be honest and trustworthy. Proverbs 10:9.
- Respond to Challenges with Faith: Do not respond to challenges panicking, rather with boldness and confidence knowing fully well that God is in control an all things shall work together for you own good. James 1:2-3.
- Be a Peacemaker: Make peace with both God and men and let your life demonstrate the reconciliation of the gospel in through your actions. Matthew 5:9.
When your life is ethically aligned with the gospel, you become a model people look study to groom their faith. People may forget what you say to them, but the remarkable impact of your actions and the way you make them feel is unforgettable. 2 Corinthians 3:2
The fact that you practice your faith with integrity gives you the boldness and courage to reach to an unbeliever to share the gospel.
6. Leverage Social Media and Technology To Share The Gospel
In today’s world where social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok offer an incredible medium to reach more people than ever, offering a global audience to share the gospel, reaching out to audience you can’t meet in person and so therefore they cannot be ignored, but rather they should be leveraged in the best possible way to make significant impact on the sharing of the word of God.
In your search of how to share the Gospel with unbelievers, Just a reminder that the early church make use of the available medium like the writing of letters, traveling, and public gatherings to spread their gospel in their time, so also should the modern church leverage on available tools and medium to aid spread the gospel.
How you can effectively leverage social media and technology to share the Gospel:
- Share Your Testimony Online: Share your experience with Jesus online, about how he changed your life. Let your post contain text, images, and videos when necessary. These allows you to share our video in a way that is relatable and engaging. Psalm 107:2
- Make your post inspirational: Let you post be encouraging and uplifting in such a way that they would trigger interest for Christ in the heat of your audience. Psalm 119:105.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Use the social media as a platform to engage in meaningful faith based conversation by responding to comments and message sharing the hop e. 1 Peter 3:15.
- Use Live Streaming: live streaming on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Youtube, enables you to engage with your audience directly, through Q&A sessions, Bible studies, discussion or prayer meeting. Matthew 28:19.
- Share Christian Resources: Share links to sermons, podcasts, or articles that are faith based. Make recommendations of apps like BibleGateway or Youversion for bible study to your audience. Isaiah 52:7
- Be Consistent: Let your online presence reflect your real-life faith. Share with your audience both the good and the hard times in your journey of, so they can reflect on the work of God in yourlife. Colossians 3:17
- Pray for Your Online Community: People might be resistant to your opinions or ideas, but they can’t be resist your prayer. Pray for the online community, most especially those who interact with your content, ask God to open their hearts. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Leveraging on social media, enables you to reach out to people you can never reach in person and people who might never step their foot in the church. You can make significant impact, by planting seeds of faith into their lives with your posts and interactions.
While you leverage the social media for the gospel outreach, remember also that the goal is to point people to God, not just to gain followers.
7. Address Common Objections
Addressing common objection when reaching out to unbelievers with the gospel is important to clear their doubts, questions and objection you are likely to come across in the process. That is to say, rather than seeing objections and barriers, leverage them as opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue and demonstrate to them the reasonableness of the faith. 1 Peter 3:15
Jesus address objection from Thomas by not rebuking him, but providing evidence to his doubts by asking him to touch and feel his wounds which help strengthen his faith.
John 20:24-29
Here’s how to address common objections effectively:
- “How Can a Good God Allow Suffering?”
– Accept the pain and complexity of this objection and make them to understand that God gave humans free will, and suffering occurs as the result of the choices of men or the brokenness of the word.
“for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”
Also make them to understand that God do not just allow humans to suffer from the consequences of their deeds but provides them with a means of restoration through Christ Jesus. John 16:33.
- “Is the Bible Just a Myth?”
– Share with them evidence that the bible is reliable, by providing them with historical accuracy, archaeological support, and prophecies that has come to past. Make them to understand that the bible is made of first class (eyewitness) accounts, inspirations and not just mere fictions. 2 Timothy 3:16 - “Aren’t All Religions the Same?”
– Make them understand that while moral principles form the basis of most religion, Christianity remain distinct in the free gift of God (Salvation) through Jesus, not earned by works. John 14:6 - “Why Should I Trust in a God I Can’t See?”
– Make use of things we cannot see or touch, but the evidence that they exist I clear, e.g. the wind we cannot see or touch it but the evidence of its existence is clear, wireless transmission of information for instance the man Guglielmo Marconi who first discover that information can be transmitted wirelessly was admitted into the psychiatric by friends and relative but the accuracy of his discovery is clear in the wireless devices we use today. And so are many mysteries remaining hidden from men, due to the limit we place on ourselves to physical things. Romans 1:20
- “What About People Who’ve Never Heard of Jesus?”
– God is just and merciful, and he choose to reveal himself to men in every possible ways they can understand him.
Explain that God is just and merciful, and He reveals Himself to all people in ways they can understand (Romans 1:19-20). The responsibility of a believer is to share the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9
- “Isn’t Christianity Just a Crutch for Weak People?”
– Make them understand that Christianity is not a Crutch for weak people, but acknowledging the need for a savior, summiting to the will of God a higher power with the master plan of the universe. Philippians 4:13. Man can only try but would fail, if he goes against the will of God. Proverbs 19:21
- “What About Hypocrites in the Church?”
– Accept the fact that Christians also struggles with imperfection, the Gospel is about Jesus not men. Also make them to see the church more like a clinic for sinners, and not a place for saints. Romans 3:23
When handling objections, bear in mind that the aim is not to win an argument, but o plant the seed of the gospel, in the heart of your audience and show the love of Christ.
Response to them with gentleness, respect and humility. Pray for wisdom and the work of the holy spirit in their lives.
8. Invite Them to Church or an Event
Inviting unbelievers to the church or a Christian event is a significant way to make them experience the gospel with a community of believers who worship together to learn and grow. This very act provides them a meaningful sense of God’s presence and love. Hebrews 10:24-25
Phillip invitation for Nathaniel to come and see Jesus for himself leads to a personal experience with Christ cause him to believe and have faith, because at the beginning he was in a doubt weather “any good thing can come out of Israel.”
Here’s how to extend an invitation effectively:
- Make It Personal: Let your invitation to them be personal. For example, if they’re passing through hard time, invite them to a service or event focused on hope and healing.
Tailor your invitation to their interests or needs. Galatians 6:2 - Be Genuine and Low-Pressure: Announce to them you’d love them to join you,
Let them know you’d love for them to join you. Let your invitation be no obligation. —“just thought you might enjoy it!” can go a long way. 1 Peter 3:15 - Explain What to Expect: Explain to them what the service or the event would be like if they’ve never experienced what it feels like to be in the church. 1 Corinthians 14:33
- Go with Them: Considering the fact that going to church or attending a faith base event is a whole new experience to them, it would be more comfortable with someone they know around to guide them and even to introduce them to others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Pray for Their Response: As you plan to invite them to church or events, pray to God to make them not to harden their hearts. Do not be discourage if they say no, trust God for everything to happen at his own time.
Before extending the invitation, pray for God to prepare their heart and give you the right words. Trust that He is working even if they don’t say yes right away. 2 Peter 3:9
- Follow Up: As the attend the events and services, follow up with them. Ask of their thought and any question they may have. And if they resist, do not be discouraged, rather keep showing Christlike love and look for future opportunities. Galatians 6:9
Inviting them to the Church or an event gives them the opportunity to experience God in a different way. Weather they say yes or no, do not let their response discourage you. Pray and trust God to bring them closer to him.
9. Pray for Opportunities and Guidance
For an effective evangelism prayer is necessary. Before you engage on your journey of evangelism to an unbeliever. Prayer is important to seek for God’s guidance and open doors for effective evangelism.
Prayer aligns our hearts with the will of God and serve as a reminder that effective evangelism is not accomplished by our efforts, but by the power of God working through us, Colossians 4:2-3
Jesus often withdraw himself to the wilderness to pray. Luke 5:16. He also went out into the mountain and spent time all night with God praying, Luke 6:12.
Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, often withdrawing to spend time with the Father (Luke 5:16). Before choosing His disciples, He prayed all night (Luke 6:12).
how to pray for opportunities and guidance as you share the Gospel:
- Pray for Open Doors: Ask God to make ways for the spread of the gospel with those around you. Colossians 4:3
- Pray for Boldness: Pray for the courage and boldness you need to preach the gospel to an unbeliever no matter how it feels. Ephesians 6:19. Keep praying for them. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Pray for softness of Hearts: Pray for God that they harden not their hearts and prepare them to receive the message, as you share the gospel with them. Acts 16:14
- Pray for Wisdom: Ask God for provide you with the right words to use and to also know when to listen.
Ask God to give you the right words to say and the discernment to know when to speak and when to listen. James 1:5 - Pray for Protection: Seek for God’s protection, from those you are sharing the gospel with and others from spiritual oppression. Ephesians 6:10-11
- Pray for Unity: As you share the Gospel to an unbeliever alongside other believers, pray for unity and harmony so as not to defeat the aim of the gathering. John 17:23
Prayer is not just for the preparation of evangelism, but also a core part of it. Keep praying to God for opportunities and guidance, He will see you through with unexpected open doors.
10. Be Patient and Trust God’s Timing
Sharing the gospel is a journey that requires time due to the response from your audience, not everyone will give a leading response immediately, some might not, while some might pick offence which is okay.
No matter what the response of your audience don’t neglect your duty, “to faithfully plant seeds of the gospel and keep nurturing” that’s how it grows. Trust God’s timing throughout the process. Psalm 27:14
Here’s how to cultivate patience and trust God’s timing as you share the Gospel:
- Remember That Growth Takes Time: As seeds takes time to grow so also it takes time for the winning of a soul which makes patience a requirement for the process. Mark 4:26-27
- Avoid Pressuring Others: Respect their speed in the journey, without mounting pressure on them. Let God perfect is work on them. 2 Peter 3:9
- Celebrate Small Steps: Celebrate small wins even its just a light interest in the gospel, it could be from a question, willingness to pray, attending a church service or event which indicate steps in the right direction. Zechariah 4:10
- Trust God’s Sovereignty: Trust God to be in control and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a respond to your expectations. Isaiah 55:8
- Stay Faithful in Your Witness: Result might not come immediately and can vary from person to person. Continue to serve God with integrity and share the gospel at the slightest opportunity presented to your door. Galatians 6:9
- Rest in God’s Promises: Trust and stand by the word of knowing that it does not return void but to accomplish that which it’s supposed to. Isaiah 55:11
Being patient means you should give change time and surrender everything to God, it does not happen overnight.
Conclusion
Sharing the gospel is the most important and general call to all believers. Sharing the gospel does not end by just sharing the message, demonstration of God’s love, leaving right to our faith and letting God God’s handle the rest.
In this text you will see that there are many ways to share the gospel effectively, either through conversations, social media, your way of life, or simply by invitation to church or faith based events.
Remember evangelism does not mean perfection or knowing all, to allow God have his way through you.
As you embark in the journey to share the gospel, bear this in mind:
- Be patient and trust God’s timing —Keep spreading the good news even if your efforts do not seem to be making significant impact, by trusting good.
- Pray continually—Do not relent in your prayer life “pray without season”
- Stay authentic—Serve God with integrity it matters alot, most especially when you intend sharing it with an unbeliever.
The Great Commission: Go and make disciples of all nation! Mathew 28:19-20