Evangelism: Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15
1. What Is Evangelism? The Heart of the Gospel
Evangelism is the living heartbeat of the Church. It is the sacred task and holy joy of proclaiming to others the good news that God, through Jesus Christ, has made a way for all people to be saved, forgiven, and restored. It is not reserved for pastors or missionaries. It is the shared calling of every believer in Christ.
At its core, evangelism is about invitation—inviting people into a new life, a new relationship, and a new hope. The Greek word euangelion means “good news.” Evangelism, then, is the act of spreading that good news—whether across the street or across the world.
But this is not a cold obligation or mechanical message. Evangelism flows naturally from a heart that has been changed. When we experience God’s mercy, we cannot help but speak of it. As the apostles said in Acts 4:20, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Evangelism is not an argument to win. It is not a debate to conquer. It is a message of love to be shared—with humility, truth, and joy.
2. Evangelism in the Ministry of Jesus
To understand evangelism, we need only to look at Jesus. His life was a continual invitation. He spoke truth in love to crowds, comforted individuals with compassion, and called sinners not to shame, but to salvation.
Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him; He went to them. He ate with tax collectors, touched lepers, forgave the immoral, and opened blind eyes—both physically and spiritually. He lived among the people, taught in parables, and walked with the broken. His final command was this: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Evangelism is not separate from the Christian life—it is the Christian life poured outward.
3. The Evangelist’s Model: Billy Graham
Few names are as closely tied to evangelism as Billy Graham. Over more than 60 years of ministry, Graham preached to over 215 million people in person and reached countless more by radio, television, and internet. What made his message so powerful was not its complexity, but its clarity and sincerity¹.
In stadiums and on national broadcasts, he delivered a simple gospel:
• We are sinners in need of salvation.
• Jesus died on the cross for our sins.
• We can be forgiven and born again through faith.
• You can receive Him today.
At the close of every message, Graham gave an altar call—not pressuring, but inviting. Millions responded. His message never shifted with trends or culture. He believed deeply in the truth of John 3:16 and trusted the Holy Spirit to move hearts.
Graham’s organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, continues his work today through outreach, training, chaplaincy, and discipleship.
4. A Purpose-Driven Approach: Rick Warren
Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, brought evangelism into the lives of everyday Christians. He believed evangelism was not a solo act, but something woven into the rhythms of the church’s life and purpose.
His best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, helped millions understand that we are created for five purposes: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism². In Rick Warren’s model, evangelism was never a standalone event; it was a way of life.
Saddleback Church grew by reaching those who didn’t know Jesus, especially people who had given up on “religion” but were still spiritually hungry. Through practical teaching, accessible worship, and small groups, Warren created a community where seekers felt welcomed, not judged.
His approach was deeply relational: build trust, meet needs, speak truth. As he famously said, *“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”*³
5. Word-Centered Revival: Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel
Chuck Smith, pastor and founder of Calvary Chapel, had a heart for lost youth during the 1960s counterculture. While most churches distanced themselves from the “hippie movement,” Chuck Smith saw a generation crying out for truth and belonging. He opened his doors—and his heart.
His method was not entertainment or hype. It was Scripture. Verse by verse, chapter by chapter, he taught the Word of God faithfully⁴. The result? A revival. Young people encountered Jesus through the Bible, and thousands were baptized in the ocean off Costa Mesa.
Calvary Chapel’s legacy lives on in hundreds of churches worldwide that still emphasize simple, Spirit-filled worship and line-by-line Bible teaching.
Chuck Smith showed that evangelism doesn’t always mean preaching on a platform. It can be as simple—and as powerful—as teaching the truth and trusting God to do the work.
6. Evangelism Through Relationship
In today’s culture, evangelism often looks different than it did 50 years ago. Street preaching and stadium crusades may not always reach hardened or skeptical hearts—but relationships still do.
Relational evangelism means listening first, speaking second. It means earning trust, respecting doubts, and living out your faith authentically. People are watching—your kindness, your peace, your integrity. These are often the first sermon they hear.
Jesus didn’t just preach to crowds. He spoke to Nicodemus by night, He paused to speak to a Samaritan woman, He called Zacchaeus out of a tree. Relationship was at the heart of His evangelism. It must be at the heart of ours.
7. The Power of Your Testimony
One of the most powerful tools in evangelism is your story. You may not have a dramatic conversion, but you have your story. How did you meet Jesus? How has He changed you? What hope sustains you?
Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Your testimony isn’t about your greatness—it’s about His grace.
Here’s how to share your story:
1. Before: What was your life like before you knew Christ?
2. Encounter: How did you come to believe?
3. After: How has He transformed your life since?
Keep it personal, not preachy. Let the Spirit do the convincing.
8. Obstacles to Evangelism—and How to Overcome Them
Many believers hesitate to share their faith. Here are some common fears, and truths that overcome them:
• “I don’t know enough.”
You don’t need to be a Bible scholar. Share what you do know: Jesus loves, forgives, and changes lives.
• “What if I say the wrong thing?”
The Holy Spirit is the true evangelist. You are just the messenger.
• “They might reject me.”
They may. But it’s not personal. They’re wrestling with truth. Keep loving them.
• “I’ve failed in my witness.”
We all have. God still uses imperfect people. Start fresh. Share humbly.
Evangelism is not about technique—it’s about trust. Trust God to use your words, your love, and your story.
9. Evangelism in the Local Church
A church that doesn’t evangelize will fossilize. Evangelism must be a visible, active part of every local body. Not just from the pulpit, but from the pews.
Some ways churches can encourage evangelism:
• Training and equipping members with tools and confidence.
• Regular outreach events—both local and global.
• Testimony sharing during services.
• Prayer teams focused on the lost.
• Culture of invitation—members inviting friends to church, small group, or a meal.
Evangelism is not a department—it is the mission of the Church.
10. Living the Great Commission
Jesus’ final words to His disciples in Matthew 28 were not a suggestion. They were a command: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
That command is still alive. It echoes in every generation, through every faithful believer who dares to speak of Christ. Whether in a whisper or a microphone, around a dinner table or across a pulpit, the message is the same:
Jesus saves. Come and see.
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be eloquent. You just need to say yes.
Footnotes
1. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, www.billygraham.org/about.
2. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (Zondervan, 2002).
3. Saddleback Church, www.saddleback.com/about/our-purpose.
4. Chuck Smith, Harvest (The Word For Today, 1987); see also calvarychapel.com/history.