The Do's and Don'ts of Evangelizing Christians

BY: ELAINE MUNIAK

So often when Ryan and I are out witnessing we come across people professing to be children of God. However, we have learned that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” has a relationship with Jesus Christ. So how does one witness to someone claiming to be born again and yet there are possible signs of a false conversion present? It is my prayer that this post will help provide some basic tools for evangelizing to professing Christians.

Greg witnessing to some teens

DO: Pray before you go out witnessing.

Everything we do as believers in Christ should be saturated in prayer. Praying before an evangelism outreach has many benefits. It allows you to be spiritually renewed and strengthened. It is also a time to ask God for His wisdom and guidance especially in regards to situations like this one.

When someone says something questionable, DO NOT: start telling them that they are an unbeliever on their way to hell.

For example, if someone says “I got baptized when I was seven”, it is best in my opinion to be gentle in correcting someone on this point. You should speak to them in love while also speaking in truth, which leads me to my next point --

DO: Encourage them to look into the Scriptures.

Many people develop belief systems by merely the word of another person, such as a family member or pastor. This can lead to a false understanding of God and His Word. If someone is sharing an unbiblical viewpoint, try and guide them biblically to the right way of thinking on that subject. Point them to verses on false conversion and encourage them to examine themselves. Ultimately its God’s Word that matters and not their opinions or even your opinions.

DO NOT: debate the secondary issues.

Not every born again Christian believes exactly how we do on end times theology or predestination and it is NOT a sign for one being a “false convert”. Remember that it is what they believe about Jesus and where that information comes from that is vital, not whether they believe in speaking in tongues.

Lastly, remember that not every single Christian who is not where you are spiritually is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With so many professing Christians out there, evangelists can immediately go to the conclusion that each “Christian” they encounter is not truly saved. They may very well be saved, but a babe in Christ. Use the few minutes you have with them to encourage them to go deeper in their walk with Christ. Suggest a book for them to read like “Hell’s Best Kept Secret” by Ray Comfort and encourage them to pray.