The importance of sharing our faith
A 2018 study conducted by the Barna Group states that only 64% of Christians believe that “Christians have a responsibility to share their faith.” This is a drastic drop from the results of a 1993 study, in which 89% of Christians acknowledged their personal call to share their faith with others.
Only two-thirds of Christ followers in the United States believe we are commanded to share the Gospel. Let that sink in.
I wonder if in our noble attempts to empower believers to learn their spiritual gifts and lead in them, we have packaged evangelism as a calling reserved for the few. But scripture is clear – the calling to share your faith is a command for every person who has become a new creation in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 3:15 states, “But in your hearts revere 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.”
Charles Spurgeon, one of the most formational preachers of the 19th century, once said, “You are either a missionary, or an imposter.” Heavy words, but the meaning cannot be missed. Evangelism is one of the critical callings of every son and daughter of God, and a healthy understanding of our salvation should naturally lead to us sharing our faith out of the overflow. Unfortunately, large percentages of Christians in the U.S. are simply opting out and staying silent.
According to the study, 64% of Christians agree with our call to share the faith, but how many of those people are actively initiating Gospel conversations? As a matter of fact, I struggle to recall the last time I personally shared the Gospel with someone spontaneously.
I must ask myself, and I implore you to do the same – am I so comfortable that I have become numb to the lost people around me? When those who have yet to meet Christ look at me, do they see a missionary or an imposter?
The results of this study not only show us the current state of evangelism in the American church, but they show us the current state of our own heart. Are we still moved by the fact that Christ loved us and died for us while we were yet sinners? Do we truly believe that He is the ultimate author of peace, joy, and love? If so, why would we be hesitant to share His good news with those who are broken and hurting?
This week, I am praying that God would give me eyes to see His children the way that He does, and that He would give me boldness to initiate an eternal conversation with someone who needs to hear. Would you join me?
Written by Audra Beaty, associate director of digital marketing, Buckner International
