By Rod Benson
Many Christians find it hard to share their faith. We want to talk to others about the difference Jesus makes, but struggle to begin. We speak freely about almost everything else, then grow hesitant when conversation turns to God. Recognising what holds us back can help us take a modest first step. These eight barriers are real but need not silence us. Personal evangelism is an opportunity to help others discover the truth about Jesus through ordinary conversation.
1. We have lost confidence in the gospel
Sometimes our hesitation reflects uncertainty about whether Christian faith offers anything our friends need. Faith may have become routine, or eclipsed by the pressures of life, or overshadowed by unresolved questions. Explore those issues honestly, and return to the significance of Jesus. Rediscover the forgiveness he offers, the meaning he brings to your life, the hope his resurrection brings, and his invitation to a life shaped by radical love. Reflect on where following Christ has challenged, sustained or changed you. Renewed confidence in the good news of Jesus gives us a reason to share it.
2. We fear rejection
Talking about faith can feel unusually personal. If someone dismisses what we believe, we may feel that they have dismissed us too. Remember that disagreement need not end a friendship. Make room for an honest response, and continue to show care. Courage and confidence grow when you learn to speak sincerely without requiring agreement on everything we believe.
3. We feel inadequately equipped
We imagine that effective evangelism requires theological expertise or an answer to every objection. Begin with something you can explain, such as how you came to trust in Jesus and rely on his presence in your life. Practise expressing the Christian message in everyday language, including forgiveness, his death and resurrection, and the invitation to follow him. When a question exceeds your knowledge, admit it and offer to investigate together.
4. We worry about being intrusive
Respect for another person’s freedom to form their own worldview is a sound instinct. The difficulty comes when we assume that every mention of faith is unwelcome. Ask permission: “Would you like to hear how I think about that as a Christian?” Accept a refusal warmly. Pay attention where your role gives you authority or influence. An invitation should leave the other person feeling free to decline to engage in conversation about faith, at least for now.
5. We are embarrassed by the church’s failures
Abuse, hypocrisy and exclusion can make Christian witness feel compromised or meaningless. We should acknowledge wrongdoing honestly and listen to those harmed. Defensiveness rarely restores trust. We can also explain how Jesus calls his followers to repentance and accountability. Churches also send mixed messages on major social issues such as climate change and marriage equality. Credible witness includes supporting a church culture that rigorously protects vulnerable people and actively practices inclusion, care and justice.
6. We feel disqualified by our inconsistencies
Those closest to us know when our conduct falls short of our convictions. That can make speaking about faith uncomfortable, but pretending to be faultless makes matters worse. Where we have caused harm, apologise and make amends. Speak as someone who needs grace and is still learning to follow Jesus. Humility gives our words a credibility that spiritual self-importance cannot.
7. We have few opportunities—or fail to notice them
Busy lives and friendships largely confined to church can limit meaningful conversations with people who believe differently. Take a fuller part in neighbourhood life, community activities or shared interests. Enjoy these relationships for their own sake. As trust develops, be attentive when someone raises questions about hope, loss, meaning or belief. A thoughtful question may open a conversation that a prepared speech would close.
8. We become discouraged by apparent failure
An awkward exchange or an unanswered invitation can persuade us never to try again. Yet another person’s response is beyond our control. We can learn from poor timing, listen more carefully and remain available. Paul’s account of planting and watering while God gives growth offers a helpful perspective (1 Cor 3:5–9): our responsibility is faithful service, while faith itself cannot be manufactured.
Start with one person and one small step. Pray for wisdom, listen with interest, and share an honest reason for trusting Jesus. If they welcome further conversation, offer to read one of the four Gospels together, or introduce them to a hospitable Christian community. The good news about Jesus announces how and why God has acted in history to win our redemption and bring peace for all. That gives us reason to speak with hope, and to engage confidently with people in a spirit of gentleness and respect.
Finally, remember that it’s not all up to you. As we share our faith in Jesus, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to give us courage, wisdom, and gracious words. Through prayer, attentive listening, and loving witness, we trust the Spirit to open hearts, guide conversations, and draw people towards the living Christ.
Rod Benson lives in Sydney and writes about a range of topics from books and local history to food, faith, philosophy, ethics, research skills, and everyday life. Away from the keyboard, he enjoys cooking for friends, walking in the Australian bush, exploring a beach, discovering new restaurants, and reading philosophy, fiction and poetry. He is married to Emma and is minister of North Rocks Community Church, a Uniting Church congregation.
Image source: TimeOut Sydney
