The holidays are almost here. Soon you’ll be with family and friends, off from work, and (probably) well-rested. Tis the season for pumpkin spice, presents, eggnog — and hopefully conversions. Don’t know what I mean?
Consider these stats:
- 82% of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited.
- Most people come to church because of a personal invitation.
- 7 out of 10 unchurched people have never been invited to church in their whole lives.
- 63% of Americas think church-going during Christmas is a good idea.
Why not invite some non-believers to church this Holiday season? You never know, they might say yes.
Learning Evangelism from Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon preached a famous sermon on evangelism on December 21st, 1856. Spurgeon’s sermon text was taken from the dramatic account of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:1–20. Spurgeon focused his attention on Jesus’s commission to the man after he was healed: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (v. 19)
The point is simple: Jesus wants people who are changed by him to tell others.
Not everyone can go overseas. But every Christian should be a missionary where he or she lives. And as you gather with family and friends during the Holidays, now’s the perfect time to share your faith, and invite some unbelievers to church.
You prepared?
Don’t worry. Spurgeon’s here to help. From his fantastic sermon, Spurgeon outlines 13 practical reminders and pointers on sharing your faith during the Holidays:
- Aim to share the story of God’s grace in your life.
- By sharing your faith, you’ll edify other believers.
- By sharing you’ll reach lost friends and family.
- Be alert for one-on-one opportunities to share your story.
- Don’t expect this sharing to be easy.
- Overcome your fear of sharing to honor your Savior.
- Share your story with gratitude to God.
- Share your story with humility.
- Share your story truthfully—don’t embellish it.
- Tell your story seriously—don’t share it flippantly.
- Don’t neglect your personal devotions during the Holidays.
- Rest upon the Holy Spirit’s help to share.
- Remember that this story you share over the holidays is the story that will be on your lips eternally.
I hope you enjoy your Holidays. Have fun with family and friends. Sleep-in and relax. Make some memories. But while you’re at it, be on the lookout to tell some folks about how much the Lord has done for you. A missionary mind-set is the mind-set of the Christian all-year round, even during the Holidays. As Spurgeon says, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”
You might also like:
