The command to spread the Gospel is clear in Scripture, but so many church members feel unprepared or unsure about how to effectively engage in evangelism. When we talk about motivating our church members to share the Gospel, we need to move beyond traditional methods and toward a more relational, Christ-centered approach. In fact, successful evangelism training for churches often centers on rediscovering the strategy of Jesus—one that invites people to the table rather than preaching judgment from a distance.
Reimagining Evangelism
What if sharing the Gospel was not about standing on a platform and announcing what we’re against, but rather, standing with people and showing them that we care for their greatest good? What if evangelism training for churches was less about adopting new, innovative strategies, and more about returning to Jesus’ strategy—one that prioritizes relationships over argument?
In Luke 19, Jesus models this approach with Zacchaeus, a tax collector hated by his community. Rather than confronting Zacchaeus from a distance, Jesus chooses a different tactic. He meets him where he is, quite literally, at the foot of a sycamore tree. From there, Jesus extends an invitation—to sit down together, to share a meal, and ultimately, to share life.
This encounter holds key lessons for how to motivate our church members to share the Gospel. By embracing Jesus’ method of relational evangelism, we can equip our congregation to reach their neighbors, coworkers, and friends more effectively. Here are three practical steps to help your church members move from hesitation to action.
1. Embrace the Sycamore Tree
The first lesson from Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus is to look for the “sycamore trees” in our lives. Zacchaeus, an outcast in his community, had to climb a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. And yet, Jesus didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to make the first move. He noticed Zacchaeus’ efforts and met him right where he was.
In our context, this means that evangelism training for churches should focus on encouraging church members to intentionally seek out those who are on the margins—people who might be overlooked or excluded. Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we should detour off our paths and meet them where they are.
Consider asking your congregation, “Who is the Zacchaeus in your life? Who are the people that you’ve been overlooking, those who are isolated or searching for something more?” Evangelism is not about waiting for people to come into the church doors; it’s about going out and engaging with people in their everyday lives.
Jesus didn’t preach at Zacchaeus from afar. He approached him, entered into his life, and shared a meal with him. This approach underscores the importance of proximity in evangelism. It’s about making the first move and meeting people in their context. At Forge, we like to call this the SEE, STOP, and SPEND TIME with method.
2. Open Your Table
One of the central themes in Jesus’ ministry is the table. For Jesus, the table was not merely a place to eat—it was a place to build relationships, foster community, and share the Good News. Evangelism training for churches should encourage members to open the tables in their own lives.
In our culture, meals are often hurried and disconnected. But what if we reclaimed the table as a place of intentional, Christ-centered engagement? Jesus frequently used shared meals to break down barriers and build connections with people, especially those who were marginalized or outcast.
Encourage your church members to do the same. A practical challenge is to dedicate two meals each week to missional engagement. Whether it’s inviting a neighbor over for dinner, sharing lunch with a coworker, or even meeting someone for coffee, these small acts of hospitality can create opportunities for deeper conversations about faith.
As Rosario Butterfield describes in her book, The Gospel Comes with a House Key, “radically ordinary hospitality” is a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel. This kind of hospitality doesn’t require elaborate meals or fancy presentations—it’s about creating space for others and allowing Jesus to work through the simple act of sharing a meal.
By incorporating this into evangelism training for churches, you empower your congregation to see their homes and dining tables as places where the Gospel can be shared in a natural, relational way.
3. Cultivate Kindness and Authenticity
Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus didn’t involve a sermon or theological debate. Instead, it was his kindness and authenticity that led Zacchaeus to repentance. Romans 2:4 tells us that it’s “God’s kindness that leads people to repentance.” Similarly, when we approach evangelism with kindness and authenticity, we create an environment where people feel safe to explore faith.
Zacchaeus’ transformation came not from Jesus preaching at him, but from the simple act of being invited to the table. This same principle applies to how we reach out to others. People are more likely to respond to the Gospel when they experience love, kindness, and genuine interest in their lives, rather than feeling like they are being preached at.
When crafting evangelism training for churches, emphasize the importance of authenticity. Evangelism isn’t about having all the right answers or delivering a perfect presentation. It’s about building relationships, listening well, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through those interactions.
Encourage your church members to approach evangelism with humility, recognizing that it is God who ultimately changes hearts. Our role is simply to be faithful in showing love and sharing the hope we have in Christ.
Evangelism Training for Churches: A Relational Approach
In today’s world, many people are skeptical of the church and organized religion. Traditional methods of evangelism, like street preaching or passing out tracts, may not resonate with modern audiences. Instead, we need to return to Jesus’ relational approach—one that values connection, kindness, and shared life.
Evangelism training for churches should focus on equipping members to engage with people in their everyday lives, whether through shared meals, acts of service, or simple conversations. Rather than focusing solely on techniques or memorized scripts, the goal should be to cultivate authentic relationships where the Gospel can be shared naturally.
Ultimately, the motivation to share the Gospel comes from a deep love for others and a desire to see them experience the life-changing power of Jesus. By encouraging your church members to embrace the sycamore tree, open their tables, and cultivate kindness, you can equip them to engage in evangelism in a way that reflects the heart of Christ.
Incorporating these practices into your church’s evangelism training will not only motivate your members but also transform the way your church reaches the community. As Jesus demonstrated, evangelism is not about grand gestures or dramatic moments; it’s about walking alongside people, inviting them to the table, and sharing life together.
Do you want to train your church on how to best reach out to their friends, neighbors, coworkers with Jesus’ love, Jesus’ way? Do you want to learn more about how to partner with Jesus in your everyday life? Consider attending or hosting a Life On Purpose Conference with Forge.