God's Altar and You

A Biblical and Practical Guide to Sharing the Gospel with Confidence

Evangelizing to strangers can feel intimidating. Fear of rejection, awkwardness, or “not knowing what to say” often silences believers. Yet Jesus’ call is clear:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” — Mark 16:15

Evangelism is not reserved for pastors or evangelists—it is the natural overflow of a life touched by Christ. When led by the Holy Spirit, even a brief encounter can become a divine appointment.

1. Prepare Your Heart Before You Go

Evangelism begins long before the conversation—it begins in prayer.

Jesus never ministered without first being aligned with the Father. Spiritual preparation builds boldness and sensitivity.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…” — Acts 1:8

Pray for:

• Boldness without fear (Acts 4:29)
• Discernment for divine appointments
• Compassion for people, not performance
• Words of wisdom and knowledge
• A heart free from judgment

Key mindset:

You are not interrupting people’s lives—you are offering them life.

2. Understand the Role of the Holy Spirit

Evangelism is a partnership, not a solo effort.

The Holy Spirit:

• Prepares hearts before you arrive
• Opens conversations naturally
• Convicts of sin and reveals truth
• Confirms the Word with peace or conviction

“When He comes, He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.” — John 16:8

Your responsibility is obedience. His responsibility is outcome.

3. How to Approach Strangers Naturally

Evangelism does not need to be awkward or confrontational.

Jesus often began with simple human interaction—a question, a need, or a shared moment.

“Give Me a drink.” — John 4:7

(Jesus to the Samaritan woman)

Simple Ways to Start a Conversation:

• A genuine compliment
• Asking how their day is going
• Offering help
• Commenting on the environment
• Asking permission to pray for them

Example Openers:

• “Hi, this might sound random, but can I ask you a question?”
• “I’m a Christian and I believe in prayer—can I pray for anything in your life?”
• “I feel like God wanted me to encourage you today—would that be okay?”

Always respect boundaries.

Love is never forceful.

4. What to Say: Keep the Gospel Simple

You don’t need a sermon. You need clarity and sincerity.

The gospel in its simplest form is:

• God loves humanity
• Sin separated us from Him
• Jesus died and rose again to restore relationship
• Salvation is received by faith

“For God so loved the world…” — John 3:16

A Simple Gospel Flow:

1. God’s Love:
   “God loves you deeply and wants relationship with you.”
2. Human Condition:
   “We’ve all fallen short and need forgiveness.”
3. Jesus’ Work:
   “Jesus died and rose again to make a way.”
4. Response:
   “Have you ever invited Him into your life?”

Avoid religious jargon. Speak like a human, not a textbook.

5. Share Your Testimony When Appropriate

Your story is powerful because it is real.

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” — Revelation 12:11

Keep it:

• Short
• Honest
• Christ-centered
• Relatable

Focus on what Jesus changed, not how “bad” you were.

6. Ask a Clear, Gentle Question

Evangelism often stalls because believers never invite response.

Jesus invited people to follow Him. You can too.

Simple Questions:

• “Do you have a relationship with Jesus?”
• “What do you believe about God?”
• “If you were to stand before God today, do you know where you’d spend eternity?”
• “Would you like to receive prayer or invite Jesus into your life?”

Let the Holy Spirit lead the pace.

7. How to Handle Rejection Gracefully

Rejection is not personal—it is spiritual.

“If they do not receive you… shake off the dust.” — Matthew 10:14

Remember:

• Jesus was rejected
• You are sowing seeds
• Love never fails
• Your obedience still counts

Respond with kindness and dignity.

8. Pray with Them If They Are Open

If they are willing, prayer seals the moment.

Simple Salvation Prayer:

“Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God.

I believe You died for my sins and rose again.

I ask You to forgive me and come into my life.

I choose to follow You.

Amen.”

Let prayer be sincere—not scripted.

9. Leave Them Encouraged, Not Pressured

Not every encounter ends in salvation—and that’s okay.

Encouragement leaves a lasting imprint.

“One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6

Offer:

• A word of encouragement
• A scripture
• A blessing
• An invitation to church (if appropriate)

10. Trust God with the Results

Evangelism is about faithfulness, not numbers.

Your obedience may answer someone’s lifelong prayer.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace.” — Romans 10:15

A Prayer Before Evangelizing

Lord, lead my steps today.

Open my eyes to divine appointments.

Fill my mouth with truth and my heart with love.

Let fear fall away and boldness rise.

May every word point to Jesus.

Amen.

Final Encouragement

Evangelizing to strangers is not about perfection—it is about availability.

If you are willing, God will do the rest.

One conversation can change an eternity.