Three Myths That Keep Christians From Evangelizing

(This is part 3 of a 3-part series on Tools for Evangelism.)

Christians, even well-intentioned ones, can get things wrong. Whether it’s a misquote or a misunderstanding, these popular myths have kept believers from sharing their faith for far too long.

Fortunately, God can reveal His truth as we examine and dismantle these three popular, but mistaken, claims.

1.    You can share the gospel without words. 

This misleading idea most likely comes from the quote, “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words” (it’s often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, but there’s little evidence he actually said it). Good works are important, but the Bible calls us to use both words and works.

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Jas. 2:14–17)

Scripture is full of commands to preach the gospel. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Paul writes to the Romans. But “how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14–17).

Paul and the early church apostles were always speaking the name of Jesus, even as they did good works, such as healing a lame man (Acts 3). We must do the same, helping people and preaching Christ so that He gets the glory. And as we lift Him up, Jesus says, “I will draw all peoples to Myself” (Jn. 12:32).

2.    There’s no need to evangelize since God knows who will and won’t get saved.

If this is true, then why would Jesus send his followers out two-by-two, command us to “go into all nations and preach the gospel,” and urge us to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Mt. 9:38)? Yes, God ultimately knows who will accept Him and who won’t, but we clearly have a role to play.

“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.’” (Lk. 14:23)

Our job is to scatter seed and see where it’s taking root and springing up. We don’t choose who gets to be saved, but we partner with God, preach to as many as possible, and let Him direct hearts into the kingdom.

May we never hear “you wicked and lazy servant” (Mt. 25:26) for burying our gifts instead of using them for the Lord!

3.    Evangelism is only for the evangelists, those with that spiritual gift. 

While specific people have the gift of evangelism, all Christians are called to share their faith.

Evangelists often take the lead, blazing a trail in order to teach us from their experiences, but the goal is “the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12).

The task is great, and every voice and body is needed. An evangelist may speak to thousands, but God has placed people in each of our lives especially for us to reach. It’s said that “none can reach all, but all can reach some.” Let each of us do our part, because “the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Mt. 9:37).

And don’t be intimidated by great testimonies from other evangelists. The Lord loves to work through believers of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Even the smallest step of faith moves His heart and invites His favor.

Here’s the bottom line: Jesus wouldn’t call His body to spread the good news if He wasn’t fully committed to helping us do it. He even declares, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Mt. 24:14).

Each of us has our own unique story of salvation and experience of God to share with the world. Ask the Lord to help you connect with specific people, and start sharing your faith today!

Watch evangelist Hal Linhardt’s message, Your Day of Reckoning with God »

Adam Wittenberg

position

A Detroit native who was raised in Vermont and Connecticut, Adam worked as a newspaper journalist until 2012, when he moved to Kansas City to complete the Intro to IHOPKC internship. Afterwards, he earned a four-year certificate in House of Prayer Leadership from IHOPU and is now on full-time staff in the Marketing department at IHOPKC. He also serves in the NightWatch (overnight prayer hours) and is active in evangelism. He, and his wife Stephany, have a vision to reach people everywhere with the good news of Jesus Christ.