Many people believe that since our entire ministry is built around sharing the Gospel at live events, that we believe that this is the only way or even the best way to share Christ with others. However, that is not the case. A powerful evangelistic event is only a small part of a larger evangelistic strategy for a church and should not be viewed as the only or even the best way to share your faith.
So let me begin by saying that all Christians are called to share their faith. This is not something that is reserved just for the pastor or missionary or the person called into some sort of ministry. It is for all of us. The key is that you are called to minister wherever you are. So if God places you at an accounting firm or in a school or in the music industry, that becomes your mission field.
God commands us to be salt and light wherever we are. So the easiest way to share your faith is to simply start with building relationships with non-believers right where you work and live. Begin by finding things to do with other non-believers that you both can enjoy. This may be working together, going to concerts or events together, or simply eating together. As you build this relationship, ask Jesus to give you a genuine love for this person (no matter how crude or irritating they may be). This is a long term process that may take years and even decades before a real convert is made. But that is okay. Jesus himself was not always quick to reveal who He was right away.
Too many people want to share the gospel without the hardship of actually loving someone. After all, it is difficult to spend long amounts of time with someone who believes differently than you politically, spiritually, etc. So instead of investing in key people in their lives, some Christians choose to only share the gospel by handing out tracts or taking the occasionally mission trip. Now, these are both good ways to share the gospel, but like a big event, they are not the only way and it is not the best way. Most Christians today became a Christian because of a relationship they had with a close friend or relative. So be unselfish and invest long-term in the lives of people around you.
As you build relationships with non-believers, pray for opportunities to share your faith. It may take months for the first opportunity to truly appear but be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have. As your relationship grows stronger, you may be able to do things together that open up the door for deeper conversations. You may go to a movie together that has spiritual themes or invite them to a community outing with your church. As your confidence grows, you could invite them to church or to an event where the gospel will be shared. All of these are ways to stimulate conversations about Jesus.
Some of you reading this may find it very easy to share your faith quickly with someone. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, was known for sharing his faith with almost everyone he came in contact with. He even had a shorter presentation that was possible to give on an elevator ride! Bill was certainly a unique personality! Your personality and gifts may not match Bill's and so this method may not work for you. The point is, you may be able to share your faith quickly or it may take you awhile. Either method is appropriate for winning souls to Jesus Christ.
Finally, there are conferences, organizations and books out there that train and develop Christians to share their faith. I would recommend Evangelism Explosion as one of those organizations that could prepare you. However, there are many others so ask a pastor at your church to assist you in finding the training you need.
