Exploring Evangelism Mythsনমুনা

What does a typical Sunday church service look like in your life? Many churches follow this rhythm: a friendly welcome, worship songs, greet your neighbor, announcements, sermon, communion, more songs, and goodbyes. What would it look like to mix up this rhythm to include more stories of gospel conversations happening in and through your church? 

What if your weekly church services or small groups were times of remembering your own salvation stories or telling current salvation stories you’re seeing unfold right in front of you? Instead of feeling confined to the “typical” Sunday rhythm, what if we made more space for someone to share their salvation story and another person to share how they recently talk to a colleague about faith? Sharing and hearing salvation stories is worship and inspires us to share the Good News more frequently.

Sharing how Jesus has saved you doesn’t have to be an epic monologue or your entire life story. It could be a few sentences describing what life was like before you knew Jesus personally, how you came to know him personally, and what life is like now as you walk with Him daily. 

It’s important to note, your salvation story doesn’t need to be told in the same way every time. For instance, your story doesn’t have to begin with: “Well, I grew up in a Christian home…” or “I can’t remember a time I didn’t believe in God.” Try sharing your salvation story at a different point in your storyline and you might be surprised to see how God was present in ways you haven’t caught before.

Sharing your testimony helps you to remember. The Bible contains tons of reminders to remember God’s salvation. 

The Israelites are told to remember God saving them from Egypt. “Be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Deuteronomy 6:6).

The psalmists sing: “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD” (Psalm 107:43). 

There is a significance to remembering what God has done in your life and in the lives of those around you. It builds your confidence to have gospel conversations. It opens your eyes to see opportunities for conversations about faith in your everyday life. And it inspires your church to look for gospel opportunities in their own life. 

Want to go deeper? 

Listen to the Exploring Evangelism Myths podcast series where we explore these five myths on evangelism:

1. Evangelism is unethical. Should we even be evangelizing?
2. Evangelism is best done by pastors and extroverts.
3. Evangelism should be easy.
4. Evangelism is about a single moment.
5. Evangelism is regularly celebrated in churches.

Each episode includes an audio transcript (for those of us who prefer reading) and discussion questions for your personal reflection or to use with a small group! You can access all these resources at evangelismmyths.com