By Thaddeus Williams, Missions & Community Engagement Pastor
A popular phrase among the kids today is, “shoot your shot.” It basically means to put it out there, to do something even though it might fail, not missing an opportunity. While this phrase is usually used in the context of pursuing someone you are attracted to or interested in, I think the sentiment also applies to evangelism.
Evangelism is both an art and a science. It is a science in that we use various tools or methodologies to share the gospel. It is an art in the way we relate to people. It is this relational component that often presents the greatest obstacle to being faithful and obedient to what Christ has commanded us to do.
Studies show that 80% of evangelical Christians do not share their faith on a regular basis (at least once per year, which is a pretty low bar). It makes you wonder why they call us evangelicals... The reasons as to why we do not share the gospel more often vary, but it usually has something to do with a fear of rejection. Although evangelism is simple (science), it is by no means easy (art). But we must not allow fear to get in the way of our calling. And make no mistake, as followers of Christ, we are all called to share the gospel!
We have all been there at some point. We have built a relationship with a person who is far from God, the Holy Spirit begins to move, we finally get an opportunity to share the good news, and then... What will they say? What will they think? Am I being too pushy? I don’t want to force my faith on anyone. The enemy fills our heads with attacks, causing us to question, hesitate, and often change the conversation. But if we truly care for someone who is lost, why would we not share the life-changing message of the gospel? The stakes are high, eternal life literally hangs in the balance, and we would allow fear to win out?
Again, evangelism is simple but not easy. You never know how the person will respond. Nobody likes to be shot down or rejected. But here’s the truth of the matter, if someone rejects the gospel, they are not rejecting you; they are rejecting God. Furthermore, we must understand that we are not going to save anyone. The work of salvation was completed by Christ on the cross, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit who brings conviction and opens hearts and minds to receive the message of the gospel. I can testify to this fact as I have seen people come to Christ after I stumbled my way through a gospel presentation. I am reminded of Peter in Acts 2. He gets up and gives a short, simple gospel presentation to people who didn’t even speak the same language, and yet the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost, and thousands were saved. Or how about Jonah, who reluctantly preached repentance to the people of Nineveh? He didn’t even want them to hear or repent, but they still turned from their wicked ways, and God spared the city.
One of the most convicting verses in the Bible is found in Ezekiel 3:18, which says: “If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths.” Wow! If that doesn’t light a fire in you, I don’t know what will! God has called us to share the gospel, He has entrusted people to us who are far from Him, and if we do warn them of their sin (out of compassion rather than condemnation), their blood is on our hands.
Now, I don’t want to conclude on such a somber note. Instead, I will leave you with some encouragement. With the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands us to go and make disciples (that involves evangelism btw). But I think the most important part of this passage is the last verse when He reminds us that He is always with us, even to the end. We must remember that Christ goes before us, and He is right there with us, even during those sometimes awkward and uncomfortable gospel conversations.
So go ahead...shoot your shot, and trust God with the outcome!
