When was the last time you walked up to somebody at the store and started telling them about your faith in Jesus Christ? Never? You’re not alone.

Research shows 37% of Christians feel they’re not equipped or qualified to share the gospel. Thirty-nine percent aren’t engaged in discipleship — or bringing the good news of Jesus’s death on the cross, burial, and resurrection to others.

The great news is that sharing the good news doesn’t have to be hard. Fulfilling Jesus’s Great Commission — to spread the gospel of God’s love around the world — can be exciting, stimulating, and fun. Let’s explore why sharing scripture is hard for so many Christians, why it shouldn’t be, and how to make it enjoyable.

Why People Don’t Share the Gospel

Perhaps you’ve heard the good news of Jesus Christ in conversations, books, and sermons hundreds or even thousands of times. You may still have a hard time explaining the gospel clearly and logically, so you avoid sharing it altogether out of fear. It’s not uncommon for Christians to feel they aren’t knowledgeable enough about the Bible to share the gospel.

Other people don’t share scripture simply because they’re not interested in reaching out to people who don’t have personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Navigating their busy lives, filled with family obligations and work commitments, is their top priority, not disciple-making (the act of evangelizing, baptizing people in Jesus’s name, and teaching them how to follow Jesus).

Maybe your reason for not sharing scripture is fear of being ridiculed or even penalized. Sharing the gospel might cause you to lose a client or even lose out on a work promotion. You might even stop receiving invitations to brunch dates with friends or holiday gatherings with family because you choose to speak up about your faith.

Why Sharing the Gospel Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Telling others about Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection doesn’t require you to create a dissertation or a three-point sermon with a poem at the end. What matters is that you forge a genuine connection with the person you’d like to share scripture with. This may make them open to hearing what you have to say about Christ. Then, talk about Jesus from your heart.

The best places to start sharing Jesus’s message are your social circles. Talk about Jesus with the people you meet during your next play date, on your kids’ upcoming field trip, or during a neighborhood walk. Your workplace and the nonprofit organization you volunteer at are also great places to build bonds with people who share similar goals and interests as you, which will make it easier for you to talk to them about Christ.

Start by sharing a personal story about how Jesus saved you and helped you and ask the person you’re speaking to if they have a personal relationship with Jesus, too. Let them know Jesus loves them and has a purpose for them and ask them to open their heart to him and trust him as their savior and Lord. This is the perfect time to also encourage them to attend church with you.

Fun Ways to Share the Gospel

Sharing the gospel doesn’t always require you to speak with your mouth. Your actions and what you wear can speak for you, too. Let’s explore a couple of fun ways to share the gospel.

Christian Clothing and Accessories

Share the gospel without ever saying a word by wearing a Christian-themed sweatshirt, like a “Retro Jesus Loves You” sweatshirt, or an embroidered jacket with the words “Set Apart.” Other Christian apparel that can help you start conversations with people at the supermarket, festivals, and anywhere else life takes you include t-shirts with messages like “Fear Not” and “Jesus Saves.”

Don’t forget to add the perfect Jesus-themed accessories to the mix to top off your outfit. Baseball caps and tote bags with sentences like “Become New” and “Be Transformed” may instantly spark questions from others, giving you a segue to speak with them about how Jesus can bring people new hope and new life. Religious jewelry can also help here, including cross pendants or studs. 

Providing Assistance

Imagine seeing someone smile when you offer to help them carry their groceries to their car or cover their purchase when they’re a few dollars short. Providing help is an easy way to share the gospel, as it allows you to show someone else what your loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is like. The beneficiary of your act of love may be more willing to hear what you have to say about Jesus since their immediate need has been met, and you’ll feel good about making a difference in their life.

Share Scripture with Confidence

Telling others about Jesus Christ can be intimidating, but wearing Christian apparel is an easy way to spread the gospel everywhere you go. Looking for opportunities to help others may also make it easier for you to fulfill the Great Commission. Consider the above-listed tips for sharing scripture to become a more effective evangelist for Christ today.