Ten Ways to Cultivate Credibility to Tell Others About Jesus

Impactful leaders cultivate credibility. People will be more willing to trust, follow, and listen to what leaders have to say. It can be displayed in how people behave, speak, and respond when the pressures of life can be overwhelming. And people notice these things.

The light of Christ that shines brightly in the lives of those who trust in him can use this to gain an audience. Credibility grants permission for a Christian to tell a person about what Christ has done to receptive ears.

Here are ten way to do that:

One: Evangelists do not seek approval

When a person is dependent upon the approval of others, they will refrain from saying or doing anything offensive. Believers in Christ are comfortable with who they are, committed to doing that which is most important, and are not afraid to take risks. They prioritize their life to follow through on what matters most – to bring as many people as possible to heaven.

Two: Evangelists smile only when it is genuine

Smiling is not a defense mechanism to cover up discomfort or to try to be influential. A genuine smile typically comes from a person who has learned through difficult circumstances that trusting in God is far more important than trusting in themselves. Their smile exudes peace and profound joy that they are already in perfect in Christ and comfortable in talking about what he has already done for others.

Three: Evangelists welcome silence

Have you ever noticed that the words “listen” and “silent” are made up of the same letters? People today are desperate to be heard, understood, and considered. When those needs are met, they will be drawn to a person. Evangelists understand God’s timing, the power of His Word, and are patient with their tongue by extending their ears to listen. By listening, you will receive a clearer view into the hearts, minds, and character of the person you are speaking with. When evangelists reflect before they speak and use the words from people they are listening to, they will be taken more seriously.

Four: Evangelists take responsibility

Evangelists take responsibility when they have responded poorly. When they make mistakes, it’s usually not the words they proclaimed, but when they have spoken out of anger or frustration instead of love and respect.  We can own up to that by apologizing and asking for forgiveness. By doing so, they build credibility with the listener.

Five: Evangelists refuse to flatter people

The motivation to flatter comes from a desire to be well-liked. Cultivating credibility means being authentic and consistently providing straight, honest communication with others. Evangelists understand that flattery does not build bridges to proclaim the gospel. They take the time to learn about the person and discover their unmet needs, personal challenges, or stresses. Instead of flattery or flippantly using Christian catch-phrases, evangelists are more prone to share the consequences of sin rather than hide it.

Six: Evangelists are sincere

Sincerity is fundamental in the life of an evangelist. They consistently display and provide God’s solutions for life in a world of sin. Evangelists build credibility by processing their thoughts and emotions through God’s Word. This means that they must be who they say they are, never promise more than they can deliver, and never misrepresent God by declaring promises that he doesn’t give in the Bible.

Seven: Evangelists are openly vulnerable

Believers in Christ are willing to be transparent with others. They express humility by their willingness to reveal their weaknesses. They never claim to know it all and ask for help whenever necessary. Evangelists are humble enough to admit being a saint who struggles with sin and confident enough to confess being a sinner who rejoices being a saint – all because of God’s grace.

Eight: Evangelists have a strong sense of self

Credible leaders are made, not born. This often comes through many difficult lessons and hard knocks. They learn the value of persistence and resilience – the ability to hang in there when situations are stormy. Evangelists understand that they don’t have to be somebody that they are not or what others expect them to be. God uses the ordinary to do extraordinary things – even proclaiming the gospel to others. A strong sense of self means acknowledging that self needs to be placed on the shelf if they are to serve God in a meaningful way.

Nine: Evangelists never judge

Evangelists understand that it is impossible to judge human hearts and have learned to discipline their tongue against words that are critical, argumentative, or judgmental. They also understand that God commissions all believers to generously plants gospel seeds, not judge the soil.

Ten: Evangelists accept failure

Credible leaders are unafraid to fail. They understand that risk often comes with failure, but without risk there can be no success. Failure doesn’t define them, but are looked upon as opportunities to learn and grow. Evangelists understand that there are risks associated with sharing the gospel. They know that most people will reject their message yet understand that a soul dead in sin cannot receive eternal life without hearing the Good News. That’s what God has called them to be – his heralds, ambassadors or messengers – to deliver this high priority message.

Credibility is an important characteristic of a faithful evangelists, but that only comes through Christ. The Word that is proclaimed is the only credible source for life and salvation. When evangelists proclaim this message, they are going under Christ’s authority, reputation, and power, and not their own. And that’s enough credibility to enter any home or opportunity God grants them to witness what Christ has already done for the entire world.