Movement of Evangelism: What to Avoid When Sharing the Gospel
By Rev Kairos Kim, Hallelujah International Church Singapore
How do we stay friendly yet effective when sharing the gospel? Ps Kairos Kim shares these pointers with us.
As believers of Christ, our mandate is to commence the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ going to the world, making disciples of all the nations, and baptizing them in the name of God the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. If we don’t preach the gospel, how people will hear and believe in Jesus?
Jesus sent us out like sheep among wolves, therefore we ought to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). We must be careful with the way we approach people, open dialogues, and build up relationships. It is delightful to say the right things at the right time (Proverbs 15:23).
We must be careful with the way we approach people, open dialogues, and build up relationships.
In this article, we will discuss a few things to avoid when sharing the gospel to do it effectively.
1. Ignoring Consent: Do not forget to ask for their consent before you share the gospel. Respect people’s right to decline your message or engage in a conversation. Be gracious and move on if someone is uninterested or asks you to leave. It’s important to honor their decision and not to impose your beliefs on them against their will.
2. Pushiness: Avoid being pushy or forceful in your approach. This is connected to the point#1. Respect people’s personal space and boundaries. Be open to engaging in a conversation if they show interest, but don’t pressure or coerce anyone into listening to you. Respect the boundaries of the person you are sharing the gospel with.
3. Judgmental Attitude: Avoid coming across as judgmental or self-righteous. Remember to approach others with love, humility, and respect because everyone has their own beliefs and experiences. Especially, do not condemn their faith or beliefs.
While it’s important to communicate the core message of Jesus’ love and salvation, be prepared to engage in deeper discussions if the opportunity arises.
4. Religious words: Avoid using religious or theological terms which might confuse them otherwise. Avoid using too much bible verses reference or scriptures, instead, try to use simple words to deliver your message to them.
5. Oversimplification: Avoid oversimplifying complex theological concepts. While it’s important to communicate the core message of Jesus’ love and salvation, be prepared to engage in deeper discussions if the opportunity arises. Respect people’s intellect and be willing to explore their questions and doubts.
6. Stay away from arguments: Avoid arguments or conversations potentially leading to arguments over beliefs and religion. Share what you believe in and the love of Jesus without comparing it with other religions. Do not compare religions, for example, the Christian Heaven and the Buddhist Nirvana are different.
7. Neglecting Relationship Building: Building relationships takes time and effort. Avoid solely focusing on sharing your message without taking the time to genuinely connect with others. Building trust and showing genuine care for people’s lives and struggles can create a stronger foundation for sharing about Jesus.
8. Neglecting to Listen: Effective communication involves active listening. Avoid dominating the conversation or only focusing on getting your point across. Take the time to listen to the other person’s thoughts, questions, and concerns.
Above all these, do not neglect to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the fields that are already ripe for harvest.
9. Taking time with God: Do not forget to take a quality time with God before you make any mission trip or evangelism outreach. If you have intimacy relationship with God, people from all nations will grasp our garment saying that they will go with him for they have heard that God with us (Zechariah 8:23).
10. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Above all these, do not neglect to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the fields that are already ripe for harvest. He will give you wisdom, knowledge and discerning spirit. Only with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be the witness of Christ in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Please remember, sharing the gospel is about spreading the message of God’s love and grace. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can create a more open and welcoming environment for meaningful conversations. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Rev Kairos Kim was born to Rev Cin Khan Thang and Rev Hau Khen Cing in Myanmar. In 2006, he came to Singapore and worked as a Technical Engineer. In 2008, the Lord asked him to start Hallelujah International Church Singapore which has been growing to a thousand strong congregation today. Rev Kairos Kim has been recognized for his service in the ministry. He received ordination from Myanmar Assemblies of God and recognized by Assemblies of God, Singapore. He obtained his Master of Engineering from University of South Australia, and Master of Practical Theology from Oral Roberts University U.S.A. His journey is inspiring, showcasing his dedication to both his faith and his vocation. From humble beginnings in Myanmar to establishing a thriving church in Singapore, his story reflects God’s calling and his commitment to service. It is God’s anointing upon him as he balances his roles as a pastor, a businessman and a family man.
