One word strikes fear into the heart of many people: evangelism. It stresses out people who feel that they’re obliged to do it, and it alienates people to whom it is done: the hard sell of the gospel. In Galatians, Paul talks about the offense of the cross, but does this really mean that Christians are called to be offensive in the name of Jesus?
One of the best books I have read about evangelism is A.K.A. “Lost” by Jim Henderson, also published under the alternative title Evangelism Without Additives. The book talks about simple ways of listening to people, praying for them, and being generous, which can be practised without embarrassment. Jim’s website is also well worth a visit.
Not everyone is given the gift of evangelism, but every follower of Christ is called to make friends with unbelievers, let them know that you follow Jesus, humbly live a lifestyle which is distinctively and transparently Christian, accept invitations to participate in your friends’ lives, and where the opportunity arises invite your unbelieving friends into your life and into your church.