Having a Hard Time Getting Started?

Getting started is one of the most complex parts of beginning something new in life. As we start to consider a new task, questions flood our minds, and if we aren’t careful, those questions can lead to fear, which in turn can result in inaction. We all, at some point, have experienced this. However, we cannot afford to let this happen when the new venture we contemplate is evangelism. If this has happened to you, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Reviewing the following common questions and their answers on when and where to get started in evangelism will help you grow.

When you started to witness, did you take baby steps like first getting comfortable handing out tracts then on to a bit more confrontational witnessing, or did you take a giant “big boy” step and just start open-air preaching? What was the process you went through? Did you have someone there to mentor you?

Yes, I did take baby steps, and I did fall over and get bruised. However, right from the moment of my conversion I was giving out tracts. If that’s considered baby steps, I’m still taking them. Rather than using the baby analogy, I would rather liken evangelism to swimming. My flesh still hates diving into a swimming pool. The moment I do so it is very uncomfortable, but my flesh adjusts in seconds. It’s the same with witnessing and open-air preaching—you have to will yourself to do it. Just do it. Dive in. It will make you grow like nothing else. No, I didn’t have any mentor. My conscience was my coach. It drove me to do it. The first time I open-air preached in the US was off a trash bin at Waikiki in Hawaii. Shortly after that I wandered among the sunbathers and said, “Hello, folks. My name is Ray. It must be a dream to lie on this famous beach and enjoy the warmth of the Hawaiian sun… and it would probably be a nightmare for a preacher to suddenly stand up and preach to you. But I have something extremely important to tell you, and I will be as quick as I can.” I preached for about twenty minutes before a police officer approached me and said, “I have had eight complaints. You had better wind down.” He was a Christian, so he patiently waited as long as he could, to give me more time to share the gospel.

“I would…liken evangelism to swimming. My flesh still hates diving into a swimming pool. The moment I do so it is very uncomfortable, but my flesh adjusts in seconds. It’s the same with witnessing and open-air preaching—you have to will yourself to do it. Just do it.”

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Is it best to go out as Jesus sent the apostles, by twos?

You can, but it’s not a rule. It seems that Paul preached by himself (such as on Mars Hill). There is no mention of Stephen having a team or a partner. I’ve preached by myself for many years. If you’re open-air preaching, sometimes it’s easier to go by yourself, so if you have a hard time at least you don’t embarrass yourself in front of your friends. But if you’re just getting your feet wet in witnessing, it’s often helpful to go with a friend so you can encourage one another.

My friend and I go to the local mall to witness for a few hours every week. Is it better to give out tracts to a lot of people, or to talk to only a few people but in more depth?

Both are good. However, if I was to choose only one approach I would lean toward one-to-one. Jesus went out of His way to talk one-to-one with the woman at the well (John chapter 4). He could have spent His valuable time preaching to multitudes, but He used it to speak to her personally, and alone. The problem is that we have a lack of laborers. I know of some people who find one-to-one difficult, but they can pass out tracts like a machine. These are the type of laborers you and your friend should take with you so your nets can be cast further.

At public events, how do you witness to people individually? I’ve been to fairs, concerts, and downtown celebrations to witness and everybody there is with friends. I have witnessed to groups, but I think it’s more effective one-to-one. What do you say when you approach a couple or a group of adults?

As you approach a group of two or more people and begin talking, often one person will be more friendly and responsive to you. To talk one-to-one, I simply address that person directly. It takes boldness to do this, but it seems to work, without offense. I say, “Let him speak. I want to know what he has to say.” Often the rest of the group will get the hint and leave me to it. Speaking with a cooperative, interested person will allow you to share the gospel more effectively, while his companions can listen in.

Adapted From The Blue Book on Evangelism