Providing Next Steps

Every conversation we have has to come to an end at some point. Here are some tips for when you finish sharing the gospel.

When I do encounter someone who desires to repent, I don’t lead them in what is commonly referred to as the sinner’s prayer. When I became a Christian way back in 1972, I did great damage to the cause of the kingdom by leading prospective converts in the sinner’s prayer. Because they didn’t really understand what they were doing, they didn’t seek the Lord with their own hearts or recognize their need to turn from their sin. This is a matter of death or life. When dealing with someone’s eternal fate, we shouldn’t be aiming for fast and easy, telling them that God has a wonderful plan for them as long as they repeat a specific prayer, but rather, we should commend people to God. True repentance flows from the hearts of people who have truly recognized their sins; they don’t need you to tell them what to say. Always remember that it’s God who saves, not us.

I do, however, often ask if I can pray for the person I’ve just shared the gospel with, personalizing it based on the conversation we had. It’s always good to pray that they’ll seriously consider what you’ve shared, repent of their sins, and trust in Jesus.

I almost always ask those to whom I share the gospel if they have a Bible, and even if they have one, I give them a copy of John. I know that every time the person glances at it (even if it’s not open), it will remind them of our conversation. And when they want to search for answers, they’ll have them.

I’ve been asked if I then follow up and continue to disciple those I’ve spoken with through my street evangelism ministry. My answer is that I can’t, and I shouldn’t. As a married man, I can’t ask young ladies for their contact information so that I can follow up with them. Instead, I commit people into the hands of a faithful Creator, knowing that he who has begun a good work in them will complete it if he so sees fit. If they have a Christian friend with them, I ask the friend to talk further with the person about their faith. If you personally know the person you’re speaking to, continue to nurture their relationship with God, setting an example for them.

May we ever be grateful of the amazing gift of grace God has provided us through the cross. And may we never stop sharing this truth with everyone we encounter.

This plan contains content from Why Jesus?: Answering Life’s Most Important Question by Ray Comfort. https://broadstreetpublishing.com/why-jesus/9781424566105/