Friendship Evangelism

‘Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others’ Philippians 2:4

St Augustine (354 – 430 AD) moved to Milan as a young man.  There he met the bishop, Ambrose.  He was impressed.  It was a critical moment in his conversion to Christ.  What impressed him?  Was it the force of Ambrose’s arguments, the strength of the case he presented, which moved him?  Not at all.  “I began to like him,” Augustine wrote later, “at first indeed not as a teacher of truth, for I had absolutely no confidence in your Church, but as a human being who was kind to me.” Augustine was touched by the kindness he was shown.  Do we underestimate the worth of human qualities such as courtesy, thoughtfulness, consideration, understanding, and kindness?

‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.’ Ephesians 4:2

‘Let your gentleness be evident to all.’ Philippians 4:5

Few of us find the thought of evangelism easy but as Christians we are called to witness to our faith and this is something we can share quite naturally with our friends. As we talk honestly and gently with friends and relations about what we do, how we feel and how we deal with situations then we can share something of what Christ means to us: how our prayers have been answered, how we have been led in situations, how we have derived comfort from God’s Word. We can tell how we spent a weekend at a church retreat or a CIM event. We can offer to pray about someone’s adverse situation (if you do offer then make sure you do pray) or, if it is appropriate, actually offer to pray with them. As you do share other people’s concerns then ensure the information is treated in the utmost confidence. As you pray with someone you draw them into the presence of Christ and show how simple it is to communicate with Him.

‘But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…’1 Peter 3:15

So as we share Christian things with friends we hope to see them come through to a point of commitment. Naturally, we need to be praying earnestly for our friends at this time, that their minds and wills will be open to the salvation offered by Christ. If you attend a church were the gospel is preached then they may be given an opportunity to make a commitment there. The ‘Alpha’ or ‘Christianity Explained’ evening courses have proved to be effective means of bringing people to the point of commitment or re-commitment. You may give someone a booklet explaining the basics of becoming a Christian or you may help someone pray a prayer of commitment for.

We should not fear speaking to others about our faith as the opportunity arises. It may be rejected at that time but our few words may just be a link in a chain of events to someone finding salvation. We may feel we cannot express things properly – don’t worry, as we speak gently and sincerely God is able to work through our words. But what speaks more loudly are our attitudes and actions. Paul exhorts us to be humble, gentle and loving. It was the kindness of Bishop Ambrose that really touched St Augustine and it may well be your kindness and gentleness that attracts your friends to Christ.

A very helpful Crossfire Article on Personal Evangelism is available in the Resources section of the AFCU. In addition, CIM Communications director (Andy Clark) can supply booklets explaining what it is to become a Christian.  

[Adapted with kind permission from Les Smith’s original article for AFCU]