The Essential Evangelism Q&A

At Evangelize 2024, the speakers tackled some of the biggest challenges in church evangelism during a panel discussion. Below are some of the thought-provoking questions (you can listen to the entire session here) and responses that can shape how we think about sharing the gospel.

The real challenge, for the Christian, is putting these into practice. 

1. Is Evangelism Dependent on Personality?

One of the first challenges raised: "What if I’m not a naturally charismatic leader? Can evangelism succeed without a dynamic personality?"

The response is clear—evangelism is not about one person’s charisma. Success comes from equipping the church as a whole, not just a single leader. A vibrant evangelistic culture does not rely on an individual but on a committed church family. The goal is not just conversions; it is mobilizing believers to take part in the mission.

2. How Can Church Leaders Balance Evangelism with Other Responsibilities?

Many pastors feel stretched thin, balancing discipleship, administration, and pastoral care. So how does evangelism fit in?

The answer: Leaders must be willing to make hard decisions. Churches often need to reassess priorities, possibly setting aside certain ministries to create space for evangelism. Evangelism cannot be an afterthought—it must be woven into the very fabric of church life.

3. Do Short-Term Mission Trips Actually Work?

Short-term mission trips spark excitement, but do they lead to lasting evangelistic impact?

The response: It depends. Short-term trips must be intentionally designed to focus on gospel proclamation, not just service projects. If participants are not prepared to share the gospel, the trip can miss the point entirely. The most effective short-term missions align with a long-term vision, ensuring that any momentum gained translates into ongoing evangelistic efforts at home.

4. What About Caring for Existing Church Members?

The common misconception: "If we focus too much on evangelism, aren’t we neglecting the people already in our church?"

The response is a strong “no”. Evangelism is not an add-on to church life; it is at the very heart of it. A church that prioritizes evangelism does not neglect its members—it calls them into their God-given mission. The local church exists not just for itself but to reach the lost.

5. Should Churches Use Large Events for Evangelism?

Many churches rely on big events—Christmas programs, outreach nights, community festivals—to bring in non-believers. But do these actually lead to conversions?

There is a clear warning to this. Large events can be helpful, but they often distract from direct gospel proclamation. If an event does not lead people to hear and respond to the gospel, it might be consuming time and energy better spent elsewhere. Churches should evaluate whether their outreach efforts are truly effective or simply a comfortable tradition.

6. How Do We Shift Church Culture to Emphasize Evangelism?

Perhaps the biggest challenge: "How do we get people to see evangelism as essential? How do we move from theory to action?"

The answer: Change doesn't happen overnight. Evangelism must be reinforced in sermons, small groups, and personal discipleship. Churches should create structured opportunities—like evangelism training and courses—where members can grow in confidence. More importantly, evangelism must be modeled by leaders. When people see their pastors and mentors actively sharing the gospel, they begin to take ownership of the mission themselves.

What now?

This Q&A makes one thing abundantly clear—evangelism is not a side project. It is the lifeblood of the church. Leaders must be willing to make hard choices, prioritize growth and maturity of Christians, make space for non-Christians to ask questions, and actively disciple believers into evangelists.

So, what’s your next step? Will you reassess how your church approaches evangelism? Will you personally take a risk this week in sharing your faith?

Watch the entire conference!

Listen to the entire season on the Everyday Ministry podcast!