This is it, the end of the Share Your Faith challenge series! Time for a little self-evaluation. How did you do? Before you answer that, let’s take time to define what “success” looks like. Is it based on whether you introduced someone to Jesus? Shared Jesus out loud? Saw a friend move closer to Christ? Started a revival in your hometown?
You might be surprised to find out what successful evangelism truly is.
Get Ready
Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:16-17&version=NIV” target="_blank">Acts 17:16-17, and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:32-34&version=NIV” target="_blank">Acts 17:32-34.
Paul experienced three different reactions to the Gospel message in the city of Athens. Have you experienced similar reactions as you spoke with people about spiritual topics over the past weeks?
Not everyone Paul shared with came to Christ. But at the end of his life, he was one hundred percent confident that he had finished well and had remained faithful. What does this tell us about his definition of success as an evangelist?
Picture yourself at the end of your life, saying with peace, joy, and confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” Would that not be an amazing statement to make?
You’ve reached the final stage of this challenge series. Congratulations! But, as you probably expected, that doesn’t mean you’re finished. Your journey is just getting started.
What comes next?
That depends on the people you’ve been reaching out to over the past weeks. You now have tools you need to help them keep moving closer to Jesus. Think about where each of them is at today, and decide what your next step should be:
- You may not have very many non-Christian friends. If that’s the case, focus on connecting with people you know and building trust so they can cross the “Know and Trust a Christian” threshold.
- Your friends might be completely uninterested in God, Jesus, or spirituality. How do you help them become curious? Remember that you need to hang in there. Try to reflect Christ. And keep being intentional about asking questions about the things that matter most — intimacy, destiny, and meaning.
- Your friends might know “about” Jesus, but not feel a need for him. To help them open up to change, pray. Pray a lot, because the Holy Spirit is the only one who can do this. Live authentically in front of them, using every opportunity to share how your relationship with Jesus makes a difference.
- Your friends might be starting to actively seek God. This part is fun! Spend time with them. Answer questions. Explain the Gospel clearly, in as many ways as possible. Read the Scriptures together. Try praying in front of them. Invite them to your church or small group. Offer to take the Alpha Course together if there’s one in your area.
- Your friends might be ready to enter the Kingdom. The best way to find out if they want to make a commitment is to ask. If they say “yes”? Most seekers won’t know how to go about taking that step, so explain that they can simply express that desire to God through a simple prayer of faith and commitment. Celebrate together! Then be sure to walk with your friend through those first weeks as a disciple. Here’s how.
- If your friends say “no,” gently ask what’s holding them back. You might be able to clear up some issues and questions. Keep praying. Be patient. Sometimes redemption takes time.
Congratulations! You’ve come so far. Don’t forget to tell us your stories. We’re excited to hear about your experiences!