All Christians have a responsibility to have spiritual children.
Did you know that a survey by the Barna Group found that nearly half of practicing Christians hesitate to share their faith because they worry about causing offense?
While this may seem understandable in our culture of heightened sensitivities, it highlights a critical challenge for believers who genuinely desire to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20 is clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Sharing our faith is not just a task for pastors or missionaries—it’s the calling of every believer. Yet, it’s natural to feel nervous or uncertain about where to start, especially when reaching out to our own communities.
So, how do we move from intention to action? And how do we overcome fear and awkwardness to share Christ with our neighbors effectively and lovingly? Let’s take a closer look.
The Call to Reproduce Spiritually
In nature, maturity is marked by reproduction. Adults have the capacity to bring forth new life, while children do not. It’s no different in our spiritual journey. As we grow and mature in our relationship with Jesus, we naturally desire to share this new life with others.
Maturity Means Moving Beyond Self-Focus
When we first come to faith, we are like newborns who need nourishment. As 1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” Initially, we are primarily concerned with our own growth, and that’s okay.
But just as a child eventually grows up, so should our spiritual focus. Mature Christians start looking outward, eager to share the love they’ve experienced with others who still live in spiritual darkness.
Spiritual Adolescence is a Time of Awkward Growth
Many believers go through an awkward “spiritual adolescence.” They sense the desire to share their faith, but they aren’t quite sure how to do it. Maybe they’ve seen others preach on street corners or hand out tracts and feel that isn’t their style.
It’s like a teenager fumbling through their first attempts at dating—they want to express their feelings, but it often comes out awkwardly. This is where simple training and practice can help us grow.
I remember this awkward state in my own life. I was going to school in Phoenix, Arizona. One evening I was with a group sharing Christ with tracts and conversation among the teen car culture that cruised Central Ave. The next night, I was speaking at the intercity mission, which required homeless men to hear a sermon before getting their meal and bed. I even planned a Billy Graham-like crusade for the cities’ high schoolers.
I was zealous at the time and grateful for what I learned, yet, as I look back, it was very Don Quixote-like. I was an adolescent tilting at windmills, trying awkwardly to reproduce spiritually.
Maturity Brings a Desire for Spiritual Offspring
The desire to reproduce spiritually is a sign of maturity, just as it is in the biological world. When we fall deeply in love with Jesus, we naturally want to introduce others to him.
Unfortunately, many believers who have been Christians for years still haven’t taken this step. They assume that evangelism is the job of the church staff or a designated committee. But in reality, when a regular Christian matures in their faith, sharing the gospel becomes a joyful, natural outcome of that growth.
Yes, sharing your faith can be awkward at first. But it becomes less so when you pray for souls around you and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We must speak of what we know from the Bible, even when we feel we don’t know much. We must share our testimony of how we came to Christ. Beyond that, we must leave the results to God,
Practical Ways to Share Your Faith
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for sharing the gospel. It doesn’t have to involve public preaching or overseas missions—although those are valid ways to spread the message. Instead, we can all find simple, accessible ways to share Christ that fit our personalities and contexts.
Build Genuine Relationships
As I have written elsewhere, the most effective evangelism often happens through genuine relationships. One of the easiest ways to start is by being a good listener. In a world of noise, people crave someone who genuinely listens to their concerns and stories.
James 1:19 says, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak,” and this principle can open doors to deeper conversations about faith. When we take time to listen without rushing to give advice, we build trust and show Christ’s love in a tangible way.
Practical acts of kindness also go a long way in building relationships. Whether helping a neighbor with a chore, bringing a meal to
someone in need, or simply offering a word of encouragement, small actions can create big opportunities for deeper conversations about spiritual matters.
Pray for Divine Appointments
We don’t share the gospel alone—the Holy Spirit is our guiding partner. Jesus explained in John 3:5-8 that the Holy Spirit is like the wind, guiding and empowering the process of spiritual birth. That’s why prayer is essential. We should regularly pray for two things:
- Opportunities to share our faith and
- The sensitivity to recognize those moments when they arise
Many believers miss golden opportunities because they aren’t spiritually attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
It can also be helpful to pray for boldness. Even the early apostles, who faced intense opposition, prayed for the courage to speak God’s word (Acts 4:29). The Lord honors such prayers and will provide what we need when the moment comes.
Focus on the Other Person, Not Yourself
It’s easy to feel pressured when sharing our faith, especially if we make it about our own ability or success. But evangelism isn’t about scoring points—it’s about lovingly pointing people to Jesus.
Instead of launching into a pre-rehearsed monologue, start by understanding where the other person is coming from. Listen to their questions, fears, and objections.
When someone opens up about their doubts or struggles, don’t be quick to judge or argue. Instead, gently apply the gospel like a soothing balm. Remember what Peter wrote: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The gospel is powerful, but it is best delivered with humility and grace.
Embracing the Courage to Share
Fear often holds us back from sharing our faith. We worry about rejection, awkwardness, or offending someone.
We are in good company—Jesus’ disciples faced the same fears. In Acts 23:11, the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Jesus himself knew that sharing the truth requires bravery, and he is with us every step of the way.
Acknowledge Your Fear, But Don’t Let It Stop You
It’s okay to admit that sharing your faith feels intimidating. The first step to overcoming fear is recognizing it and bringing it to God.
Pray honestly about your fears, and ask God for the courage to step into action despite them.
Perhaps the only thing worse than fear when sharing your faith is fearlessness. Humility is important. We must remember it is not a matter-of-fact encounter. We are treading on holy ground as we point the way to Christ and his forgiveness of sins. What we say has eternal consequences.
Remember That God Goes Before You
You are never alone when you share the gospel. Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This promise gives us confidence that we are not acting in our own strength but in his. He is the one who prepares the hearts of those we speak to, and he is the one who will give us the words to say.
We may not always see immediate results when we share our faith. That’s okay. Our job is to plant and water seeds; God makes them grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). Each conversation is a step in the process. We can rejoice in our obedience even when the outcome isn’t clear.
Share Your Faith Today
Sharing our faith isn’t just a command—it’s a privilege. As mature believers, we are called to reproduce spiritually by building relationships, praying for guidance, and courageously sharing the good news of Jesus.
Start small: Listen well, act in love, and pray for boldness. Look for opportunities in everyday moments and trust the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Imagine the joy of knowing that because you stepped out in faith, someone found a new life in Christ. Spiritual reproduction isn’t just for a select few—it’s for every mature believer. And when we embrace this calling, we can look forward to spiritual children and grandchildren who will one day stand beside us, part of God’s eternal family.
Sources cited: Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
