Written by Gail Ficken
Too often evangelism is associated with words like:
Pushy! Forced! Manipulative!
Get your foot in the evangelistic door.
Sadly, for many Christians, that’s exactly how evangelism feels – even though we’re talking about sharing the most precious gift we’ve ever received through Jesus.
And that ought not to be!
And that’s what most people are rejecting too! The approach!
What’s Missing?
Usually it’s about:
- Relationship
- Trust
- It’s developing a lifestyle where people experience Jesus through us AND we can give verbal witness to the Jesus we follow.
“Evangelism is the natural outcome of being deep enough in a relationship with people that they see the effect Jesus has on your life.”
Peter, Genesis Leader
Bellevue, WA
Recently, we took a 10-day trip where — with the exception of two longtime friends — we were surrounded by people we had never met before.
Early in the trip, while getting acquainted, one woman shared with me: “My brother is having a kidney transplant today.”
I told her I was sorry to hear that and asked his name. “Jay,” she said.
Then I asked, “Would it be OK if I prayed for him today?”
She looked surprised.
“Yes. Thank you.”
Simple enough.
And the evangelism door opened… without a foot in it.
Most Christians Have Only Seen Bad Examples
So let’s paint a different picture!: We can…
Extend Hospitality to People Other Christians Don’t
MT 9:9-13
Jesus eats with Matthew and his friends. He shares life with them. He even defends them.
Participate in God’s Miraculous Work
MT 14:13-21
The disciples trust and obey Jesus directing them in feeding 5000!
Walk Alongside People and Share What We’ve Experienced About Jesus
Acts 6:1-7; 8:26-40
Phillip is redirected to an Ethiopian Eunuch who’s curious. Shares what he’s learned about Jesus–And baptizes him.
Share the Gospel through our life and home.
Acts 16:11-15, 40
Lydia becomes a hub of Gospel-centered hospitality and community.
Affirm the Good and Godly that People are Looking for through Sinful Choices while Sharing the Gospel with Them
Acts 17:16, 19, 22-25
Paul recognizes the Athenians’ desire to worship and uses their altar “To An Unknown God” as a bridge to share the Gospel
The Bible is full of relational, Spirit-led examples like these.
What If This Summer Was Different?
What if this summer you intentionally practiced one of these relational approaches?
What if you shared these five biblical examples with a few hesitant friends who say:
“I’ve only seen bad evangelistic examples.”
What if — like the disciples standing before 5,000 hungry people — you stepped forward in obedience and asked God to work through you this summer?
Ready for a Next Step?
- Check out the Awaken Weekend and help get your whole church focused on living “out” relationally. Talk with Nate about Fall 2026 dates and your questions.
- Join hundreds of others like Peter from Bellevue, WA through Genesis Leader and learn to couple Jesus’ words with the natural overflow of Jesus in your life. Erin can help.
- Want to start with a smaller step? Awaken Online meets Mondays for four weeks, with new groups beginning every month.
Remember! Most People Aren’t Rejecting Jesus – They’re Rejecting the Approach!
You can email me here if you’d like to talk further about how Multipli can help you or your group.
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