Busting 5 Common Myths about Evangelism

God commissions all believers to deliver messages about what he has done for our salvation. It can sometimes appear like a foolish errand. Why would God use fragile jars of clay to help save the world?

A lack of confidence can cause redeemed Christian to quickly disqualify themselves from participating in the great commission. From my experience in evangelism training, here are five common myths about proclaiming the gospel that causes people to remain silent.

Myth #1: Trained pastors are the only ones eligible to proclaim the gospel.
Myth #2:  I need to know every answer to every possible question.
Myth #3:  There are other members in my church who are much better at evangelism.
Myth #4:  Evangelism is just not me.
Myth #5:  Most unchurched people are going to respond poorly.

Let’s bust these myths.

Myth #1: Trained pastors are the only ones eligible to proclaim the gospel.

A theological degree is not a prerequisite to proclaim the gospel. The role of a pastor is to preach, teach, and shepherd their congregation. This includes equipping members to proclaim the gospel. Though they are called to be servants, this doesn’t mean they do all the work in spreading the Good News on behalf of the members.

Myth #2:  I need to know every answer to every possible question.

It is true that if you want to debate an enthusiastic atheist or an avowed skeptic, it’s helpful to be prepared to counter arguments. However, in most witnessing opportunities, people don’t inquire about the existence of God. If they ask tough questions, it’s okay to tell people that you don’t know. A mission-minded approach to evangelism is not about winning a debate but winning a soul through the power of God’s Word. Therefore, it’s helpful to keep conversations centered upon Jesus and what he has done for the world.

Myth #3:  There are other members in my church who are much better at evangelism.

It is true that some are better at evangelism than others. And that’s okay. The power to convert solely rests upon God’s Word and not in our ability to proclaim the Word. Honestly, it may be more helpful to appear nervous rather than polished. People today are looking for sincere answers from a real faith from ordinary people who believe in an extraordinary God.  

Myth #4:  Evangelism is just not me.

I agree. Evangelism is not about us, but all about Christ in us. Proclaiming the gospel is far more about trusting God’s promises and assurances. Evangelism is one of the greatest exercises of our faith. It requires us to fix our eyes on Jesus to do something way outside of our comfort zone.

Myth #5:  Most unchurched people are going to respond poorly.

When you treat people with love and respect, a large majority of them will be polite in return. Judging by the number of outreach initiatives we have launched this year, I sense a greater receptivity to hear messages of true hope. People are really struggling, but they feel uncomfortable to walk through the doors of a church. Therefore, it’s becoming even more important to bring the message to hurting people in our community. I believe that people are not necessarily rejecting the Truth, they just never heard it before.

Evangelism may feel like God’s foolish errand for any believer who feels inadequate or unworthy to be his messenger. Together, as mighty warriors in Christ, we can encourage one another to step outside of our comfort zones and into his grace to spread his Word to our communities.