This Transformed My Evangelism
Discipleship and evangelism are inseparable. As believers, we are called not only to follow Jesus but also to help others discover and grow in Him. For me, this mission is deeply personal because Jesus saved me from a violent past and transformed my life. But the story didn’t stop there. Just as he transformed me he also empowered me to go out and share that others could be transformed!
Over the years, I’ve discovered that one practice has made all the difference in my ability to share the Gospel effectively: prayer. I know it sounds cliche, and we hear a lot about prayer, but hear me out below as I talk specifically how and what prayers have helped me as I share my faith.
Inspired by Paul’s charge in 2 Timothy 4:5 to “do the work of an evangelist,” I’ve found that praying for the lost has been crucial in my evangelism efforts. Here are three key lessons I’ve learned:
1. Walking in Christ’s Power, Not My Own
Galatians 2:20 is a verse that has shaped how I approach evangelism: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This scripture reminds me that I don’t rely on my own strength when I share the Gospel; I depend on the power of Christ living in me. And how does one begin to rely on Christ and not oneself? You guess it, prayer.
Whenever I’ve tried to do things on my own, I’ve quickly run into fear, discouragement, or burnout. But when I cry out to God and ask that Christ be the one to work through me, everything changes.
Suddenly, evangelism isn’t about having the perfect words or being flawless—thankfully, it’s about letting Jesus use me as His vessel. When I surrender to the Holy Spirit in prayer, I find boldness, compassion, and wisdom that I couldn’t muster on my own. It’s all about walking in His power.
2. Love God First, Let That Love Flow to Others
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. I’ve found that my love for God is the driving force behind my desire to reach others. When I prioritize my relationship with God, that love naturally overflows into my interactions with people.
Evangelism isn’t just about presenting a message—it’s about showing people that you genuinely care for them. I’ve seen how a simple act of kindness or a listening ear can open the door to meaningful conversations about faith. When others sense that my concern for them is real, they are more willing to hear about Jesus, the One who loves them perfectly. It all begins with loving God first and allowing that love to impact those around me.
3. Desperately Praying for Others
Even Jesus, the Son of God, needed to pray to stay connected to the Father and carry out His mission. Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus depended on prayer, how much more do I need it?
Prayer is the foundation of my evangelism. I pray for the lost, for God to open doors, and for the Holy Spirit to guide my words and actions. Prayer not only prepares the hearts of those I hope to reach, but it also aligns my heart with God’s will. When I depend on Him through prayer, I am filled with His strength and wisdom to boldly share the Gospel. Not only that, but I find I actually start to really love the people I go and share with. As I pray for them, my heart softens toward them even more. I’m not out there trying to argue and win, I’m there to love and share. Without prayer, my efforts fall flat. With prayer, I become part of a divine mission.
In my journey of evangelism, I’ve learned to walk in Christ’s power, love God and others, and depend on prayer. These three principles have made all the difference in how I share my faith. As I continue to pray for those who need Jesus, I trust that God will keep using me to bring others to Him. If you’re looking to grow in evangelism, start by praying for the lost and relying on God’s power to lead the way.