Contributing to world evangelism is an important calling for all Christians. Here are some key ways to get involved:
Pray
Prayer is the foundation for all evangelism efforts. Pray for open doors and open hearts, for wisdom and boldness for yourself and other evangelists, and for the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus. “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).
Give
Consider giving financially to support missionary work and evangelistic ministries around the world. Your gifts help provide tools and training for indigenous evangelists, literature and media production, networking of ministries, and sending missionaries. “For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12).
Go
If possible, go on a short or long term mission trip to directly participate in evangelism. This could involve home-to-home outreach, street evangelism, putting on evangelistic events, or simply building relationships and sharing Christ’s love. “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest'” (Luke 10:2).
Send
Help send and support missionaries who will devote themselves full-time to evangelism. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to specific missionaries or ministries to partner with. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).
Equip
Help equip fellow Christians for evangelism by organizing or leading evangelism trainings and workshops at your church. Topics could include how to share your testimony, how to explain the gospel clearly, or how to engage people in apologetics conversations. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Mobilize
Encourage and mobilize other Christians to utilize their unique gifts and opportunities for evangelism. Brainstorm strategies for how they can share the gospel in their specific vocations, neighborhoods, friend groups, and spheres of influence. “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).
Disciple
Focus on discipling new believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus and engaged members of a local church community. Model evangelism for them and teach them to obey Christ’s call to share the gospel with the lost. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a).
Develop Relationships
Build sincere friendships with non-believers and take a genuine interest in their lives. Look for opportunities to share the love of Christ through acts of service. Your lifestyle and care for them can spark spiritual conversations. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31-32).
Share Your Story
Be prepared to share your personal testimony of how you came to faith in Christ and the difference He has made in your life. Your story is unique and can resonate with others. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
Proclaim the Gospel
Look for opportunities to clearly explain the message of salvation. Outline mankind’s separation from God due to sin, Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, and the gift of eternal life for all who repent and believe. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
Discern the Times
Study your culture and community to better understand people’s beliefs and worldviews. Discern where the Holy Spirit is already at work and look for ways to meaningfully engage people where they are. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Persevere
Be patient and persistent in evangelism, remembering that only God can change hearts and bring salvation. Continue scattering gospel seeds through word and deed, trusting God for the harvest in His timing. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Contributing to world evangelism requires utilizing every means available to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to all peoples. As each of us plays our part in God’s global purposes, He will use our diverse gifts and efforts for His glory.