Gospel Conversations

Weekly Update – April 17th, 2025 

One of the hardest parts about sharing the gospel is actually getting into a “gospel conversation” with an unbeliever.  Now sure, understanding the points of the gospel are key, but unless you are street preaching or going door to door, you will probably never have to worry about your outline or your evangelistic method.  This week, I want to share four helpful tips for generating these “gospel conversations” that might open up for us more opportunities to share Christ with others.

First – Ask questions.  People like to talk about themselves.  By nature we are more consumed about what is going on in our lives than we are in the lives of others, so asking questions is a very non-threatening way to strike up conversation.  Ask an unbeliever about their life, about their hobbies, about their opinions on certain subjects.  This shows a level of interest in them and a level of humility on your part as you listen.  Through asking questions you are allowed the opportunity to shift a conversation in the direction you want it to go in and usually you are asked questions in return.  Ask questions and look for ways to begin shifting towards a “gospel conversation.” 

Second – Look for transitions.  Since most of us are again more consumed with what is going on in our lives than we are with the lives of others, many times we are simply looking for a break in a conversation so that we might begin talking about ourselves.  Someone shares a story, we wait for it to end and then we begin with our story.  Instead of doing this, listen closely to what the other person is saying and use their own discussion to transition to a spiritual conversation.  For example, let’s say you have a co-worker who is talking about how one of their parents died.  Don’t simply use this as an opportunity to then tell your story about taking care of a parent, but use your transition wisely and follow up with them about how they handled their situation and how it affected them.  This might provide an opportunity for a “gospel conversation.”

Third – Carry a tract.  Being prepared is a great way to begin talking about spiritual things.  If you don’t feel like you have a resource handy for an opportunity to share the gospel, then you probably won’t look to speak the truth about Christ with others.  Of course carrying a Bible around with you is always beneficial, but if this is not possible, a good tract provides a succinct overview of the basic points that need to be shared.  Here is what Charles Spurgeon says about carrying a good tract with you: “When preaching and private talk are not available, you need to have a tract ready.  Some tracts would not convert a beetle; there is not enough in them to interest a fly. Get good striking tracts, or none at all.  But a telling, touching gospel tract may often be the seed of eternal life; therefore, do not go out without your tracts.”  Tracts provide a level of confidence and can be a great catalyst for a “gospel conversation.”

Fourth – be praying.  The apostle Paul in Colossians 4:2 tells his readers to pray that God would open a door of opportunity for him to speak forth the word of God.  We ought to wake up every morning with the mindset that today is a new day in which we will interact with those who don’t know Christ and pray for God to provide opportunities to share the truth of Christ with them.  Even though God uses us to share his message with the world, ultimately we know that God is the only one who changes hearts and grants repentance (2 Tim. 2:25).  So pray that God would be at work in you through your day by opening opportunities for “gospel conversations.”

Sharing the gospel is not always easy, but when we seek to be intentional and wise about the opportunities that are before us, then great growth can come on our part and great fruit for the kingdom can come through our conversations.  Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”  Make the most of your time, look for “gospel conversations” and seek to further the name of Christ through every opportunity. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson