How Do I Get Started in Evangelism?

by J. Mack Stiles

Small, Convenient Guide Offers Biblical Advice for Communicating the Gospel Message Too often, believers find themselves unprepared to share their faith. They might be afraid of saying the wrong thing or afraid of even starting a conversation. Before they know it, a great opportunity for evangelism has passed. What if Christians never missed another chance to tell others about Jesus? 
 
In this small yet practical guide, Mack Stiles defines proper evangelism and offers advice for communicating God’s truth clearly, biblically, and persuasively. Readers learn how to explain the gospel message, live the gospel, understand conversion, and more. This guide is easy to read and share, making it a great resource for churches and small groups.

Genres: Evangelism, Faith

64 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

J. Mack Stiles is CEO of Gulf Digital Solutions and general secretary for the Fellowship of Christian UAE Students (FOCUS) in the United Arab Emirates. He has worked for many years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the United States.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In my experience, the people who lead most people to Jesus are not those who speak at evangelistic events but are Christian moms who love their kids.”

“C. S. Lewis noted that at one time the word ‘gentleman’ had a specific meaning. It was a man who owned land and had a title. Over time, it came to mean someone who *acted* like those who owned land and had a title. Eventually, it became a designation on bathroom doors. He went on to explain that the same pattern often happens with the word ‘Christian.’ Originally it meant someone who had a personal relationship with Jesus. Over time, it came to mean someone who did Christian things. Nowadays, it designates a political demographic.”

“Take more risks.”

“Awkward is better than silent.”

[Karson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trust God and take more risks"

Mack Stiles gives such helpful guidance here. Whether you're new to evangelism or looking for a kickstart, this book (booklet?) is a great start and will take you less than an hour to read.

[Amber Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Church Question books, they are short booklets that answer common questions that people have about the church.

I was challenged and encouraged by this one! Mack does a great job of simplifying the call to evangelize by giving practical tips and ideas of how to articulate the gospel. I was particularly encouraged on the section where Mack encourages the Christian to really know the gospel message and speak the gospel. We can only show people who Christ is so much but we must speak about him to non-believers. This is a great refresher for those who have been Christians for a while, an encouragement for newer Christians, and everyone in between.

My favorite quote: “The assumed gospel (seeing the gospel as merely a doorway into the Christian life) kills evangelism— slay it by having the gospel on your heart and mind and lips.” (p 37)

[Mason Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brb about to buy a box of these booklets for my church 🙌🏻 so good!

[Elliott Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and actionable. Near perfect evangelism primer, grounded in biblical truth and experience.

Summary - How to get started in evangelism:
1. Know what evangelism is. It is teaching the gospel with the aim to persuade.
2. Know the gospel (God, us, Christ, response).
3. Decide to speak. Ask, “Could I explain the core message of the Christian faith with you?”
4. Apply the gospel to all of life. Live the gospel more -> love Christ more -> evangelize more.
5. Be confident in the power of the gospel. Prioritize sharing it over depending on programs.
6. Talk about the gospel with Christians too. Don’t assume it.
7. Understand conversion. It’s God’s work, so don’t manipulate.
8. Pray for boldness and clarity. Take more risks.
9. Pursue love and unity in your local church. This is your greatest tool for evangelism.
10. Just do it. Pray. Risk. Talk. Follow-up. Read.

[Ryan Pickwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little booklet on evangelism. I read and discussed it with some interns here for short term EV work. We all benefited from the book and related discussion. I’m so thankful for the Church Questions series. Side note: I met Mack and Leeann last fall for the first time, and I’m thankful to know they’re as wonderful and real in person as they are in writing/podcasts.

[Kenneth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful with some practical tips and a few comments about how the whole church comes together for evangelism. I much prefer Stiles's longer work for 9Marks titled Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus

[Michael Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stiles is an excellent evangelist and writer. He's a master storyteller. From the first pages where Stiles shares how he failed to share the gospel with Lance Armstrong, to the very practical application littered throughout, this is worth 30 minutes of your time!

[Danieltituscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just what I was looking for! Mack Stiles lays out the groundwork for gospel-centered evangelism and builds on that foundation simply and biblically. It's the perfect primer for evangelism.

I plan to give a copy to everyone at our upcoming youth camp.

[John Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, clear.

Gospel preached ➡️ Gospel assumed ➡️ Gospel twisted ➡️ Gospel lost

Take more risks!

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It accomplishes much for being a brief book, but you will want to supplement with other books on the topic.

[Eleazar Maduka · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 helpful points to get anyone encouraged to start evangelizing.

[Cole Shiflet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, concise introduction to relational evangelism

[Cory McArtor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you would expect with Mack's books, this one is worth reading and giving to your brothers and sisters in Christ.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another valuable resource from 9Marks.

[Andrew B Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful booklet!

A quick read and to the point about how to share the good news of the Gospel. I recommend reading it highly.