By Brant O’Connor
NEW ORLEANS (LBM) — Our mistakes in evangelism are serious because they affect our churches, reduce our effectiveness in the Great Commission, and harm our relationships with God.
MISTAKE #1: NOT SHARING
According to Lifeway Research (2022), only 38% of self-identified Christians had shared Christ with a loved one in a six-month period, and even fewer (30%) had shared with a stranger. But according to Scripture, evangelism is not optional (Matthew 28:18-20). It is every believer’s duty. So, ultimately, failing to share Christ is nothing short of rebellion against our Lord!
MISTAKE #2: A PARTIAL GOSPEL
Some Christians fail to share essentials of the Gospel, then call on listeners to follow Jesus, who has not been fully described, and require a response to a Gospel that has not been clearly explained.
When sharing the Gospel, include three key elements:
- Sin: Sin (Rom.3:23), consequence (Rom.6:23), helpless (Rom.3:20).
- Savior: Birth (Jn.1:14), substitutionary death (Rom.5:6), resurrection (Acts13:30).
- Required Response: Repent (Acts 3:19), Trust (Jn.3:16), surrender (Rom.10:9-10).
When proclaiming Christ, make it clear, concise, and complete. Neither complicate it nor cut it short!
MISTAKE #3: NO LOST FRIENDS
Statistics strongly support the concept, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Christian researcher Gary L. McIntosh found that 59% of new believers are introduced to faith in Jesus through a family member or friend. Yet, 38% of practicing U.S. Christians say they do not have any unbelieving family or friends (Barna Group).
Jesus was known as a “friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34), and He proclaimed, “The Son of Man has come to seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10). Reach out as a friend to sinners. Show them that you love them in the Lord, and they will ask you what you know about Him.
MISTAKE #4: EXPECTING REJECTION
According to Lifeway Research (2021), 47% of unbelievers are willing to have religious conversations, and 79% of the unchurched are open to a Christian friend talking about his or her faith. Moreover, Jesus declared, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). God is at work convicting, convincing, and drawing unbelievers to Jesus in your community, and He invites you to join in His work.
MISTAKE #5: FEARING INADEQUACY
You do not need to know every answer. Just be a great listener. Unbelievers (62%) are looking to discuss faith with someone who “listens without judgment” (Barna, 2019).
Ask questions, but do not argue. Show compassion and affirm what you can.
If you do not know something, admit it and circle back to what you do know—that Jesus gave you eternal and abundant life, and He can do the same for them (John 9:25).
MISTAKE #6: NOT DEPENDING ON HIM
In the Antioch Effect (1999), Christian apologist Ken Hemphill wrote, “the sin of carnality is nothing more than attempting to do supernatural work through human ability.”
The Holy Spirit leads, empowers, equips, and emboldens believers for evangelism—when they ask.
Luke recorded that when the church “… prayed … they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). Fruitfulness always follows faithfulness (Jn 15:5). So, spend more time on your knees as well as in the Word, and follow the Spirit’s lead.
MISTAKE #7: HOLY WORDS, UNHOLY LIVES
Nonbelievers watch to see whether Christians live out the Gospel Monday-Saturday and not just on Sunday.
A second century sermon that was widely read at the time put it this way, “When the heathen hear from our mouth the oracles of God they wonder at their beauty and greatness; then discovering that our deeds are not worthy of the words we utter, they turn from their wonder to blasphemy, saying that it is all myth and delusion” (Second Clement).
Live holy to honor Christ so your evangelistic efforts will be blessed.
MISTAKE #8: SHARING WITHOUT LOVE
Motives matter!
According to the Apostle Paul, you can deliver an amazing sermon, but without love, you come across like a “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1).
The cross is born from God’s love for sinners. So, as His ambassador, demonstrate passion in your presentation, and always speak the truth with grace.
Do not be discouraged if there are times when you do not get to reap. Just obey!
Sow more. Water more. Rely on God.
Play your part in the process and trust that, in His sovereign plan, God will bring the harvest.
