Evangelistic gatherings in our churches in Singapore are often attended mainly by believers, as few relatives, friends, and colleagues accept members’ invitations. Door-to-door and street evangelism also face limited opportunities and reluctant hearers. This can discourage those who have prayed and laboured. These challenges should prompt us to examine whether we depend too heavily on such organised activities to fulfil our call to evangelise.
Gospel meetings and outreaches remain valuable means of proclaiming Christ and deserve our prayerful support and participation. Yet Scripture presents evangelism as a daily responsibility. When people decline invitations or public conversations, we should seek opportunities to share Christ through personal relationships and everyday encounters. Limited responses should stir us to greater prayer, initiative, and perseverance in bringing the Gospel to others.
Our Lord commanded His disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). His commission calls the church to carry the message of salvation into the world. We see this exemplified by Jesus, who not only taught in synagogues, but also preached beside the sea, along the road, and in homes. Even at Jacob’s well, Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman about God’s gift of salvation and revealed Himself as the promised Messiah (John 4:7–26). Such an ordinary encounter became a remarkable conversation about the woman’s sin, true worship, and salvation through Him.
Similarly, Paul reasoned “in the market daily with them that met with him” (Acts 17:17). In Philippi, he spoke to women gathered by the riverside (Acts 16:13), then proclaimed the Word of the Lord to the jailer and his household (Acts 16:30–32). In Caesarea, he spoke about faith in Christ before Felix and Drusilla (Acts 24:24–25). While under house arrest in Rome, he received visitors and taught them about the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:30–31). His witness extended from public places and homes to prisons and official audiences. No matter what our circumstances, we should seek opportunities to speak of Christ wherever God providentially places us.
The early Christians spread the Word through varied means, as God opened opportunities. The apostles taught publicly and “in every house” (Acts 5:42), while believers scattered by persecution “went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Philip proclaimed Christ to crowds in Samaria and later explained Scripture to a single Ethiopian traveller (Acts 8:5, 30–35). Some believers spoke to fellow Jews, while others carried the Gospel to Gentiles (Acts 11:19–21). Aquila and Priscilla welcomed Apollos and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). Whether addressing crowds, visiting homes, travelling, or speaking privately with individuals, they faithfully communicated God’s truth. Their example encourages us to make use of different circumstances and opportunities to present the Gospel to others.
It is the responsibility of pastors and evangelists to proclaim the Word. However, personal witness is every believer’s responsibility. When persecution scattered the Jerusalem believers, “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4) while the apostles remained in Jerusalem. A believer might not preach to a congregation, but he can explain the Gospel to a neighbour. A mother may teach her children. A student may respond to a classmate’s questions about faith or the Bible. An employee may converse with a colleague during an appropriate break. We should not make the excuse, “I am not a preacher.” We should ask the Lord to help us speak faithfully according to the opportunities and abilities He gives.
Biblical evangelism is sustained by God, and we depend on Him through prayer. Paul wrote, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1). Paul’s conviction that God has not forsaken His covenant nation strengthened his earnest prayer for sinners, particularly the unbelieving Jews.
We should pray specifically for unbelieving family members, neighbours, colleagues, and friends. Ask God to awaken their consciences, remove their prejudices, and grant them repentance and faith. Pray also for opportunities to speak and for courage to use them.
Paul requested prayer that utterance might be given to him, that he might open his mouth boldly to proclaim the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19). If the apostle sought such help, how much more should we! As we bear witness to Christ, we must be prayerful, because only God can give spiritual life.
Faithful evangelism involves a genuine concern for those who do not know Christ. Paul exhorts believers, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). Such wisdom should govern both our conduct and our conversations with unbelievers. We should show that we care about their lives, listen patiently to their concerns, and respond with compassion. Paul described his loving ministry among the Thessalonians: “we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). He gave himself sacrificially to those whom he taught. Likewise, our concern for others should be expressed by showing hospitality, offering assisting, and attending to their needs.
Such kindness must be sincere and continue even when people decline our invitations or show little interest in the Gospel. Their response should not determine whether we care for them. We must prayerfully look for other opportunities to explain their need of Christ and His saving grace.
Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that for three years he had warned people “night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). His ministry showed persistence, personal concern, and costly affection. One invitation or conversation is seldom enough. There may be questions that remain unanswered, or misunderstandings that require correction. Some people need repeated opportunities to hear and consider the truth.
When someone is willing, explain the Gospel or a passage of Scripture to him, answer his questions, or arrange for another conversation. Share a tract or sermon, then follow up with him. One’s faithful persistence should not become harassment or pressure. Respect a person’s refusal to continue, remain gracious, and be ready to speak when another opportunity arises.
Always be ready to present the Gospel clearly (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). We must also be ready to explain who God is, why sin brings guilt and judgment, and how Christ saves through His death and resurrection. Do not hesitate to call sinners to repentance and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).
