Sharing the story of Jesus is an important part of being an ambassador of Christ, but Easter gets a lot of bandwidth—for good reason. We celebrate Easter because what started in a manger culminates in a crucifixion and glorious resurrection, and it was done by Jesus, following God’s will, all out of love for us.
Jesus lived an incredible life and offered himself as an incredible sacrifice all for us, despite our sins. Someone paying your debt and any other debt you’ll ever owe in your lifetime is pretty miraculous. It’s something worth talking about to everyone you meet and sharing on your social media.
But when Easter is over, you may feel like you’ve lost a good opening line to invite someone to church or talk to them about Christ. You may feel like it’s more awkward to break the ice about God. However, the story of Jesus is something that needs to be shared any time of the year, not just at Christmas and Easter, and this post discusses how to break down barriers and share the gospel story as an ambassador for Christ.
The Barriers to Sharing the Story of Christ with Others
Sharing Christ with others can be scary. No matter how solid your relationship is with Jesus, you may be nervous to speak out about it. Plus there can be many reasons why some people may not understand or want to listen to anything having to do with the gospel. Here are some possible explanations:
- Lack of knowledge: Especially if they did not grow up in a Christian or religious environment, some people may not be familiar with the story of Jesus.
- Different beliefs: Because they may hold different religious beliefs or spiritual practices, some may not recognize or emphasize that Jesus is the Son of God.
- Personal biases: Some people may have personal biases or preconceived notions about Christianity or religion in general, which can influence their perception of Christians.
- Negative experiences: Some people may have had negative experiences with religion or Christianity in the past, which can make it difficult for them to understand or appreciate who God is.
It's important to remember that everyone's spiritual journey is different, and as an ambassador of Christ, you simply need to share Jesus with others, not convince them that it's right. You can educate and inform others about who God is and what Jesus did through your words and actions and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and minds.
How Can I Connect Others to the Gospel?
Once you understand the barriers some people may have to hearing the gospel, you can use several methods to share Jesus with others and talk about God’s love with confidence that the Holy Spirit will guide you. Consider using various ways to connect with others and share your faith:
- Start with prayer. Before you engage with others, begin by praying for guidance and the Holy Spirit to help you communicate effectively and with love.
- Live out your faith. Be a living example of Christ's love and kindness in all your interactions with others. People are more likely to be drawn to Jesus when they see the positive impact He has on your life.
- Serve others. Look for opportunities to serve others in your church and community. Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter or helping with a church or community event, serving others is a practical way to demonstrate Christ's love.
- Listen attentively to the person you're speaking with and seek to understand their perspective and concerns. This will help you connect with them on a deeper level and show them that you care.
- Invite questions. Encourage the listener to ask questions and engage in a dialogue. This can help clarify misunderstandings and help the listener better understand the gospel message.
- Respectfully address objections. Be respectful and compassionate when addressing objections or questions the listener may have. Don't dismiss their concerns or belittle their perspective.
- Offer to pray. Offer to pray with the listener, whether it's for their needs or for their salvation. This can be a powerful way to connect with them on a spiritual level and show them the love of Christ.
When you engage with others on a deeper level about God, remember to do the following:
- Use real-life examples. Use real-life examples to illustrate your points and help the listener relate to the message. This can make the message more tangible and relatable.
- Be genuine, authentic, and humble. Be honest and genuine in your conversations with others. Share your personal experiences and struggles and how you found hope and salvation through faith in Christ.
- Share your testimony. Share your personal story of how you came to faith and how Christ has transformed your life. This can be a powerful way to connect with others and show them the power of Christ's love.
- Engage in conversations. Initiate conversations with others and look for opportunities to share the hope and joy you have found in Christ. Be sensitive to their needs and listen attentively to their concerns.
- Use clear and simple language. Avoid using religious jargon or complicated theological terms that may confuse the listener. Use clear and simple language that is easy to understand.
- Invite others to church. Invite others to join you for worship and fellowship at your church. This can be a great way to introduce them to Christ and connect them with other believers.
Regardless of the time of year, you can find ways to share Christ with others. So pray each day that the Holy Spirit will reveal opportunities to you. Your purpose may only be to introduce someone to Christ, but use every opportunity revealed to you to share the gospel with others through word and deed.
Remember, connecting with others as an ambassador for Christ requires following God’s will and having patience, humility, and a genuine love for people. By following these steps and relying on the Holy Spirit, you can be an effective witness for Christ and help others find the hope and salvation that comes through faith in Him.