Think back to the last time you experienced something truly unforgettable. Maybe it was a meal so incredible you couldn’t stop talking about it, a Netflix show that had you hooked from the first episode, or a trip that left you in awe. Whatever it was, you didn’t just enjoy it—you shared it. You texted friends, posted about it online, or excitedly told everyone who’d listen, “You’ve got to try this!”
That impulse to share something wonderful is natural. When we encounter something good, we want others to experience it too. But here’s the question: if we’re so eager to share tacos, TV shows, and trips, how much more should we want to share the good news of Jesus Christ?
The Gospel is the ultimate “come and see” message. It’s the joy of salvation, the peace of being reconciled to God, and the hope of eternal life. There’s nothing else in this world that even comes close. And yet, sharing our faith can feel intimidating. Maybe we’re not sure how to start, or we fear rejection. But what if evangelism could be as simple and natural as saying, “You’ve got to experience this for yourself”?
Let’s explore two ways we can do just that: personal evangelism and small group evangelism. These approaches are powerful, biblical, and accessible for everyone, no matter your personality or comfort level.
Personal Evangelism: One Life to Another
Personal evangelism is exactly what it sounds like: one person sharing the Gospel with another. It’s simple, relational, and incredibly effective. There’s no need for a stage or a program—just you, your story, and the life-changing message of Jesus.
The Bible is full of examples of personal evangelism. In John 1, we meet Andrew, who was following John the Baptist. When John pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” Andrew immediately followed Jesus. After just one day with Him, Andrew was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. What did he do next? He went straight to his brother, Simon, and said, “We’ve found the Messiah.” Then he brought Simon to Jesus.
The same thing happened with Philip. Jesus called Philip to follow Him, and Philip couldn’t wait to tell his friend Nathanael. Nathanael was skeptical at first—after all, could anything good come from Nazareth? But Philip didn’t argue or try to convince him. He simply said, “Come and see.”
This is the heart of personal evangelism. It’s not about having all the answers or delivering a perfect presentation. It’s about one person telling another, “I’ve met Jesus, and He’s changed everything. Come and see for yourself.”
We see this pattern repeated throughout Scripture. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night with questions, and Jesus patiently answered him, planting seeds that bore fruit later. The Samaritan woman at the well encountered Jesus, and her life was transformed. She couldn’t keep it to herself—she ran back to her village and said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!” In Acts 8, Philip shared the Gospel with an Ethiopian official by simply asking, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” That question opened the door for a life-changing conversation.
Personal evangelism is powerful because it’s personal. It happens in the context of relationships, where trust and authenticity pave the way for meaningful conversations about faith.
Small Group Evangelism: The Power of Community
Now let’s turn to another model: small group evangelism. This approach adds the dynamic of community to the personal connection. Small groups create a space where people can ask questions, wrestle with doubts, and see the Gospel lived out in the lives of others.
Jesus Himself used this model. Before He preached to the masses, He formed a small group of twelve disciples. These men didn’t fully understand who He was at first. They doubted, questioned, and even argued. But Jesus invested in them, teaching and revealing the truth about Himself over time. This wasn’t just discipleship—it was evangelism. Jesus was helping them see and believe so they could carry the Gospel forward.
The Bible gives us other examples too. In Luke 5, Jesus attended a dinner at Matthew’s house. The gathering included tax collectors and sinners—people on the margins who needed the Gospel. Jesus didn’t shy away from spending time with them. Instead, He used the small group setting to engage and invite them into a relationship with Him.
In the early church, small groups were the norm. For the first three centuries, Christians met in homes, often with unbelievers present. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to make their gatherings understandable so seekers could hear and believe. In Acts 19, Paul took a group of people to a lecture hall for discussions, likely a mix of believers and seekers. And let’s not forget Priscilla and Aquila, who pulled Apollos aside in a small group setting to explain the Gospel more accurately.
Small groups are effective because they create a safe environment. People can observe, listen, and participate without feeling pressured. It’s a place where they can explore faith at their own pace while building relationships with others.
How to Get Started
If personal or small group evangelism feels daunting, take heart—it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical steps to help you begin:
Start with prayer. Ask God to show you someone in your life who needs to hear the Gospel. Pray for opportunities to share and for the courage to step out in faith.
Make it natural. Evangelism doesn’t have to feel forced. Look for everyday moments to share your faith, whether it’s over coffee, during a walk, or in a casual conversation.
Leverage your small group. If you’re part of a small group, think about how you can make it more welcoming to seekers. Invite a coworker or neighbor to join, and create an environment where questions and doubts are encouraged.
Use tools and resources. There are plenty of simple tools to help you share the Gospel, like the Romans Road, The Four Spiritual Laws, or the Bridge Illustration. These aren’t scripts—they’re conversation starters.
Trust God with the results. Success in evangelism isn’t about getting a “yes.” It’s about being faithful to share. The Holy Spirit does the work of drawing people to Jesus; your job is to plant the seeds.
The Invitation of a Lifetime
The Gospel is the greatest news the world will ever hear. It’s too good to keep to ourselves. Whether it’s through a personal conversation or a small group setting, we’re called to say, “Come and see.”
Imagine the impact if we all embraced these two models of evangelism. Imagine lives changed, families restored, and communities transformed by the power of the Gospel. It starts with one conversation, one invitation, one small step of faith.
So, who will you invite to “come and see” this week? The good news is waiting to be shared. And God has chosen you to tell it. Let’s step out in faith and watch what He will do.
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