The Quieter Side of Evangelism

I’ve often felt guilty that I haven’t sold all my possessions and focused my whole life on evangelism. However, I’ve recently had new insight into our roles in spreading the gospel. I’ve come to think of it in terms of spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 12:4-7 says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons” (NASB). We are all commanded to spread the word, but we are not all given the same gifts. Some are given what I would call the true gift of evangelism. They always seem to “be on fire” for God; they can’t stop talking about the ways He’s blessed them. Many people have come to know God through the influence of an evangelist.

On the other hand, I’ve often heard from my non-Christian friends that true evangelism can be off-putting. Instead, seeing a Christian person living a life of faith is often the way they find God. After years of feeling guilty about not being a true evangelist, I’ve realized this quieter evangelism is more my style. I don’t think God has given me the gift of true evangelism, but He has given me a heart for service and a teaching spirit. I can use these two gifts to influence those around me, spreading the word through my actions.