RELATIONAL EVANGELISM

It Doesn’t Have to be Hard

This weekend, I was at my family reunion on my maternal grandmother’s side. When asked several times, with wide eyes, how did I look so good, I responded, “Jesus.” I paused briefly before blurting out an oversimplified but weighty answer to all who dared to ask. They had a right to do so. I was a sick puppy for a good while. And I looked like it too. 

To one new acquaintance/cousin in the family (hence the reasons we need reunions), when I shared that I once had a mylar mask across my lovely brown face, which made me look terrifying, and the doctor said it would never go away, she asked, “How did it go away?” I didn’t pause this time. I answered, “Jesus,” and tagged that I was also using the Mary Kay skincare that my esthetician-trained mother is selling. (I used to show pictures of me and that horrible mask, but then I remembered my little cousin telling me not to share those pictures anymore. I probably frightened the poor child. Instead, I below is a blurred family photo that I hope doesn’t scare you.)

I share all of this because I recently heard a pastor say that only 5 percent of Christians have ever led someone else to Christ,  and I thought, well, no wonder the world is such a mess. And then I thought of how a person might get to the point where they can share their faith without turning someone off, and it hit me–relational evangelism. People should begin telling the people they already know about the God they serve. And if that person’s heart is ready to receive, then presto, change-o!     Seriously, we socialize about everything else: Did you see that new movie, hear about the new restaurant, or try that new product? Conversations around everyday questions could lead to, “Have you considered a new way to handle that problem or heal your disease—Did you try Jesus?” 

Cultivating relationships with people makes it possible and has to be the most obvious first step in leading people to Christ. Every saint (Christ-follower) ought to be able to share how you prayed about a difficult moment in your life and then express how God turned it around for good. 

The people around you the most can already notice the difference and may have read your testimony on a Facebook post, but there is nothing like you verbalizing it loud and clear when they are near. “Jesus! He is the answer.” Then ask, “Do you know, Him?”

I challenge you to add God to your everyday conversations with the people around you (like your neighbors) and watch your ability to share the love of Christ become easier, increasing the number of people you lead to a personal relationship with Christ.

Start today. Many of us have been there and done that and “got over,” right? So why not share it? Start with your testimony whenever you hear someone complain or whenever they express curiosity about a blessing you have received. We know our blessings did not come by osmosis or via the generosity of the universe. No, we acknowledge that our good favor always comes from the only true God, who created the universe and sent His Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins and heal our diseases. 

So go forth and seek an opportunity to share your peace that the world did not give and cannot take away, the joy that comes freshly supplied each morning, and the reason why you look so good these days. 

Building relationships with others can provide a way to share Jesus in a way that is not obnoxious but natural and effective. Everyone in your immediate circle should know you love Jesus and what He has done for you. That is your gateway to someone’s transformation. 

Now, let’s start talking.

Really,
Leah

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 )