The Beginner’s Guide to Witnessing

Matthew 9:35-38   And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Romans 1:16-17   For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The guide to witnessing, or teaching people how to evangelize, is not something that is common in many Churches today. I have attended a Church for over 12 years and not once did anyone teach this topic. In fact, I did not hear anybody preach the true gospel for all those years. In some local Churches, they think only a few people are responsible to witness or share the gospel. But we know this is the call of Christ to all believers. My intent with this article is to show you the reasons why you need to share the gospel, how to share the gospel, and to provide you some additional help that will get you started in sharing your faith.

I have developed a great interest in sharing the gospel ever since I came across the true gospel and experienced its effects in my life. I realized that the most important news you can share with anyone is the gospel. I was inspired to write this article one day when I was in a Bible Study class. The teacher spoke about the ‘Go’ in the Gospel. He pointed out the burden of Jesus Christ and His prayer request concerning the lost in our text: Matthew 9:35-38. He was the one who shared the common excuses that I will discuss below.

The Free Brochure

At the end of the lesson, I will provide you The Guide to Witnessing, which you can download for free today. This guide is a pamphlet that summarizes the gospel in a presentable way. It basically shows you how you can present the gospel in clear and simple way. It is my recommendation, but you can modify or improve it as you see fit. I also encourage you to share it with others who might be blessed with it. What I will warn you about is that this pamphlet is not a tract or a flyer that can handed out to unbelievers, or someone who isn’t interested in the gospel. It is designed to be used as a guide for those who want to share the gospel. Please keep that in mind.

If you would love to give out tracts, please download The Most Important Question.

It will be unfair for me to teach and encourage you to share the gospel without telling you what the gospel is. Majority of Christians have problems sharing their faith. To some, sharing the gospel could be intimidating. This should not be the case since the gospel is very simple. So, my goal in this section is the give you the gospel in a short and simple way. Witnessing is all about telling people about their sin problem, and the available solution for that problem.

We read about the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

The gospel is God’s solution to our sin problem. We have sinned against the Holy God. Our sins have a price, and Christ has paid the price in full. All that we need to do is put our faith in the completed work of Christ. If you desire to learn more, please refer to my post: The Gospel is Simple, or a more detailed explanation of the gospel in The Gospel of Salvation. Keep your presentation of the gospel very simple. There is no need to complicate what Christ has already simplified.

Anyone who is saved and cares about the souls of the lost.

Romans 10:14-15  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

1. The Passion for the Lost

The Gospel Rescues the lost from Hell – Many people are still lost and will be condemned and perish if they die without trusting in Christ. The gospel is the only means for them to believe. But someone has to preach or witness to them (“…how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14). Without believing, a sinner is lost forever and will eventually face the wrath of God.

John 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Think about all the people you know, that may not be saved. Your family members, relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even some Church members. Many of them will not hear the truth until someone tells them. That someone can be you.

The Gospel Provides the Way to Heaven – The Bible says faith cometh by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). It also says that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). When you hear the gospel, and believe with all your heart, your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of eternal life and a place in heaven for you.

John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

But according to the Bible, you have to hear something (the gospel) and believe it in order to be saved. See Ephesians 1:13. The journey to heaven begins by someone sharing the gospel to the unsaved. You can be that someone.

Apostle Paul demonstrated this passion toward his Jewish brethren:

Romans 9:1-3  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

2. Gratitude for the Works of Christ

When we know how to count our blessings, we will quickly find out how much Christ has given for our sake. As believers, we received new life by grace when we believed. This new life was a result of Christ sacrificing Himself for our sins. Our response to the grace of God should be that we wholeheartedly serve Him.

The most important task assigned to us by Christ is to share the gospel with all people and all nations. If you understand what you’re saved from, you will be passionate to see others saved.

3. The Reward of Going

All the services and good works of the believers, done for the right motives, will be rewarded in heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This rewards will determine the believer’s place in heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Revelation 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

We will all give account one day about how we spent our time, talents, and treasures. It is not too lake to get in the services to Christ now. He bought you with His precious blood.

4. We Are Commanded To Go

The believers don’t really have a choice. It is commandment to witness to this lost world. Failure to obey this commandment is simply a sin.

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-5   I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

James 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

1. Be Prayerful

Prayer is one of most powerful tools and weapons that the believers have. Praying for the salvation of the people you have in mind will go a long way. If you intend to meet with someone, pray prior to the meeting. Pray for yourself and also for the person(s). For yourself that God will speak through you, for them that God will prepared their hearts to be receptive to the gospel.

2. Do Not Endeavor to Win an Argument

Witnessing is not about trying to win an argument. I can guarantee you that you will come across those who will want to debate you on everything. Also, you will meet others who are believing things they obviously unbiblical. You will want to do all you can to convince such people of their false beliefs.

But if care is not taken, you may end up just arguing without being able to make your point. Remember also that your job is not to make people believe or force them to agree with you. You can only speak the Word and encourage them to believe in it. They have the choice whether to believe or not. But you have done your part.

3. Be Prepared for the Challenges of Witnessing

Be ready to face some discouraging situations. There will be times when it will seem like your efforts aren’t making any difference. People aren’t responding. Some don’t even want to listen, and others make fun of you. For the few who choose to listen, none responds well. At times you would think maybe it’s due to your presentation or something about you. Although that may be sometimes true, it is not always the case. Keep in mind the role which the devil plays in unbelief:

2 Corinthians 4:3-4  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

My encouragement for you in order to prepare you for this time is to remember that it is the Words you speak that change lives, not you the speaker, your eloquence, your Bible knowledge (though useful), or anything about you. Also remember that every time you share the Word with someone, whether they believe or not, you have sown the seed. The seed will be watered, either by you or other people. But eventually when the person finally believes, you will be part of the efforts.

1 Corinthians 3:6-8  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

So encourage yourself along the way.

4. You Don’t Get People Saved

Finally, beware! Witnessing is not about pressuring people into making the profession of faith, or pushing them to repeat a prayer. It is also not about counting how many people you got saved. Nobody gets anyone saved; that is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. You do your part, speak the Word, and leave the rest of the work for the Holy Spirit to complete.

5. Follow-up is Important

Whether a person believes or not, you should continue to follow up with them, especially if they are still reluctant. Continue to bring up the subject as long as they continue to give you attention. For those who believe, explain to them what just happen to them. I have an article intended to help new believers understand what it means to be saved. Please refer to What it Means to be Saved. Also encourage them on things they can continue to do in order to begin to learn more about God, such as joining a local Church. For further tips on this, please see Now That You Are Saved, What’s Next? Finally, whether they believe or not, keep on praying for them.

1. They May Ask Me a Question That I Cannot Answer

That is good for you if they ask. It shows that they are interested and are paying attention. You will always be confronted by question which you are not prepared to answer. So if you want to wait until you have all the answers, you will never be able to share the gospel. That’s because you will never have all the answers. Whenever you’re confronted with a question for which you do not have an answer at the moment, be honest about how you respond. You don’t need to have all the answers, as a matter of fact, nobody does. Note the question, research it, seek help if needed, and get back to the person.

At times, many people would like to ask you a question that is completely unrelated to the gospel. They do this in an effort to cause diversion or change the subject. Be discerning, if you notice that, your response should be something like: “That’s a great question, let me finish and we will get back to that” You can go along with other questions that are gospel-related. This will enable you to finish giving them the gospel in order to give them a chance to make a decision.

2. I’m Scared

There is no need to be sacred. The early Church prayed for the boldness to speak.

Acts 4:29-32  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Even the greatest evangelist among men encouraged the Church to pray for him to speak the Word boldly:

Ephesians 6:18-20  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Rely solely on the power of the Holy Spirit. He gives the boldness to speak.

Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Guess what? If you’re truly saved, you already have the Holy Spirit who gives the power and the boldness to speak. Simply rely on His strength, and you will overcome your fear. Finally let your love for the lost be stronger than your fear.

3. It is Not My Responsibility

Only if you’re unsaved. But as a saved person, you cannot say that. The Bible commands us to go!

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-5   I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

No believer is exempted from the above. There is no such thing as “my calling is not preaching”. Every believer is called to preach the gospel. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but the Grace Tidings outreach is driven by passages like the ones above.

4. I Do Not Know How to Witness

Make some efforts. Learn how to do it. But remember that sharing the gospel is not about your skills, eloquence, or level of education. You do not have to put people in a classroom with a giant Bible in front of you. You’re also not required to stand up in public transportation, or use a megaphone on the street. But start from somewhere. At times, witnessing could be as simple as just sharing your own testimonies. Any ordinary conversation (we all have them) can be used to share the gospel. Also with the resources that I have provided in addition to this article, I’m certain this will cease to be part of your excuses.

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Peter 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

5. I Do Not Speak Well

It’s all about the Words you speak, not how you speak. Moses had the same excuse, but God showed him how He can make something out of nothing. You could be the most eloquent speaker in the world, the greatest orator, and still not make a difference. But if you realize that God has a tradition of choosing the unlearned to do great things you will draw strength from Him. Please encourage yourself with the following passage:

 1 Corinthians 1:22-29  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Personally, I’m not a person who is good at speaking. I do not even like facing the crowd, so public speaking isn’t my thing. But when I think about the lost, I’m emboldened. I have learned to put my self-consciousness aside in order to help people understand the truth that will lead them to freedom.

6. I Don’t Know How to Start a Conversation About the Lord

Starting is as simple as asking someone a simple question. Question such as “Are you a Christian? Are you saved? Bear in mind that the presentation of the gospel will not be the same for everyone you talk to. Beginning with questions will help you determine where to begin with the person.

Also, you will do well by simply inviting someone to Church where they can hear the gospel preached. Maybe you do not know how to speak, or how to begin the gospel conversation, but I can guarantee you that your Pastor does. So start by simply inviting people to Church.

Let me share a tip that I learned not long ago about how to turn every conversation into gospel conversation. Towards the end of the week, people will often ask about how you plan to spend your weekend. This is a very good opportunity for you to bring up Church, especially if you’re dealing with someone who does not go to Church. I’ve used this opportunity to give people invitation to Church multiple times. Henceforth, don’t ever answer questions about your weekend plan without mentioning your plan to go to Church on Sunday.

7. I’m Afraid My Friend Will Remember the Bad Things I’ve Done

You couldn’t have been the worst person. Your past couldn’t have been as bad as Paul’s. Yet he put all of it behind him and did the work of God faithfully. It is now your future that matters, not your past. Christ died while you were still in sin. He suffered your reproach so you don’t have to be shameful of Him.

Romans 1:16-17   For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

8. I Don’t Have a Good Testimony

Pray that God will help you to change. Many Christians have destroyed their testimonies due to their worldly and ungodly lifestyles. They have mingled with the world rather than practicing the biblical separation that the Bible talks about (See Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17). The gospel is meant to change the world. But a believer who have made him/herself a part of the world can no longer change the world. If this is your case, there is still hope for you. Simply repent and return to the cross, approach the throne of grace. You will be restored. This is a promise for the believers.

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 John 1:6-2:2 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The gospel is meant to change the world. But a believer who have made him/herself a part of the world can no longer change the world.

9. I Do Not Have Time

Simply put, you do! No one alive today gets less than 24 hours in a day. We all have the same amount of time. Priority is what makes a difference between those who have time to witness and those who do not. You have time, you just choose to spend it on things that are more important to you. If witnessing is important to you, you will make time for it.

I understand that some people have make some poor choices in the past that are making life difficult for them today. But believers have to remember the need to surrender their lives to God. Therefore let all your future plans and schedules make room for the work of the kingdom.

All believers are called to share the gospel, witness to the unsaved, and edify the believers. We can do it if we depend on God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you have any follow-up question, please send me a quick email, or simply leave a comment below. I will do my best to assist you in answering some of your questions regarding the preaching of the gospel. I hope this is a blessing to you. Grace be with you in Jesus name. Amen!

Free Brochure Download

As promised earlier, below is the free brochure that will enhance your witnessing skill.

The Guide to Witnessing: Download Now!