The Fear of Evangelism

Sometimes, life can be frightening!

Whether it’s a strange noise at night or a story of violence on the news, there are many things that regularly confront us that can make us afraid.  Our hands sweat and our hearts race.  It’s very uncomfortable!  When I was a kid, there was a common saying that “when you fall off your horse, you need to get right back on;” which means that you need to learn to face your fears.  

Sometimes, it’s not good to intentionally try and face your fears.  No one should intentionally drive recklessly in order to face their fear of having a car accident!  Sadly, because we live in a broken world, we do often experience the horrible things we are afraid of, like violence, death, pain and sickness.  Yet it’s not the way God wanted the world to work, and we can take comfort in the fact that He is doing something about it, but it does happen.

In many situations, it is true that it’s good to face your fears.  Going to the dentist, having vaccinations, or taking tests are not always pleasant, but these things are important for our health and development.

Something many Christians are afraid of is evangelism.  We’ve heard before that it’s important for us to tell our family and friends about Jesus, but when the opportunities arrive, our hands sweat and our hearts race.  Fear of judgement, isolation, or losing our reputation takes over our bodies and brains, and we feel like running away and hiding!   But like a fear of the dentist, this is a fear the Bible says we must face!  

There are 5 ways to overcome your fear of evangelism:  

1) Recognize that fear is natural, although we are seeking to live in the power of the supernatural.    

One of my favorite quotes is, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but doing the very thing that you fear.”  I learned to share my faith in college.  Sometimes with fear and trembling, I had the privilege of sharing Christ and seeing some people radically surrender their lives to Christ. 

2) We can recognize that fear is not from God, but a tool of Satan. 

We do battle against the forces of hell when we share our faith.  When fear comes, acknowledge it and claim victory over it in the power of the Holy Spirit.  

3) Love will disperse fear.  

Paul told young Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7)  And John wrote, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)  Fear is dispersed when we love someone who is lost and headed for a Christ-less eternity.  

4) Fear should drive us to a greater dependence on God.  

Remember, evangelism is about God, who chooses to use us.  Reliance upon the Holy Spirit in prayer is always the position to maintain.  We are never stronger than when we have bowed our spirits in dependence upon God to do what we cannot.  

5) Fear should increase our desire to become more skilled in sharing Christ.  

I tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist.  My drive to get it right helps me, yet at the same time, it creates frustration when I try learning a new skill.  I want to be perfect the first time, but when having difficulty, I tend to want to quit.  Thankfully, God gives me patience when I need it most to perfect the new skill.  Though I’m still somewhat impatient with myself, I have developed the discipline to do my best. 

Fear can be used to drive us to develop sensitivities and skills in sharing the greatest story ever told.

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