Step 2: Share the gospel

SHARING THE GOSPEL is the second step of disciple-making for the church. The Spirit uses the announcement of the gospel to transform unbelievers. Paul expressed this conviction: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). Later in Romans, Paul highlighted the necessity of proclamation of gospel for the conversion of unbelievers: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17).

The gospel is the good news that the triune God sent the Lord Jesus Christ to live, die, and rise again to redeem sinful people for his glory. All who respond to the Lord’s gracious calling with repentance and faith are saved.

People typically hear the gospel in two ways: sermons and conversations:

  1. SERMONS: One way unbelievers hear the gospel is through preaching in the church’s Sunday gatherings. Though not exclusively aimed at unbelievers, Crestview’s sermons proclaim the gospel and hearers are urged to turn and trust Jesus Christ by faith. Every church member has a role to play by inviting unbelieving friends, family, and neighbors to Gathered Worship on Sundays as a strategy for sharing the gospel.

  2. CONVERSATIONS: Another way unbelievers hear the gospel is through discussions with friends, family, and neighbors. Some unbelievers will not enter a church building to listen to a sermon but will happily engage with you about the gospel over a cup of coffee. Every disciple must look to speak of Jesus in such situations.

 

short-term Tool: Three circles

3 CIRCLES: In initial conversations about the gospel, we often need to share the gospel quickly, succinctly, and accurately. The 3 CIRCLES gospel presentation is a simple, memorable conversation tool that will enable anyone to share the gospel and assess whether or not another person identifies with Christ.



short-term Tool: the story

THE STORY is a is a multi-platform gospel presentation tool that includes the following:

  • BOOKLET: Sets forth the gospel in booklet form that can be read in 5-10 minutes. Crestview provides these booklets for members to utilize in our resource room.

  • APP: Presents the same info as the booklet, but in digital format to download to any device. Find the App.

  • FILM: A 6-minute film presenting the gospel. Available in multiple languages. Watch The Story Film.



Long-term Tool: 1-to-1 Bible Reading

1-TO-1 BIBLE READING: Often evangelism is more than a short conversation. People need time to learn the gospel and consider its claims and costs. When unbelieving family, friends, and neighbors are open and available to meet for ongoing discussions about the gospel, we encourage 1-to-1 BIBLE READING in the Gospel of Mark.

We love this strategy because it exposes unbelievers to Scripture personally and directly. Paul reminded Timothy that Scripture is a powerful tool for evangelism: “Remember how from from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus “ 2 Tim 3:15.

How to begin 1-TO-1 BIBLE READING:

  • Schedule a time to meet, around an hour.

  • Locations that work well: coffee shops, office break rooms, restaurants, a kitchen table, or even the bleachers while kids practice.

  • Starting with Mark 1, read a chapter aloud together.

  • Discuss: What does this chapter teach us about God? Humanity? Sin? Jesus? What God expects of us?

  • Continue meeting regularly, working through Mark chapter-by-chapter.

  • When questions arise you may not be able to answer, reach out to a pastor for assistance.




For those who prefer a more structured plan for reading the Gospel of Mark together, we also recommend: Christianity Explained