ARTICLE – How to Bring Someone to Christ

In today’s increasingly secular world, the call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet encountered Him has never been more urgent. The “new evangelization” refers to the Church’s efforts to re-propose the Gospel to those who have drifted away from the faith or have never truly heard it proclaimed.

Effectively sharing the Gospel requires more than simply reciting doctrine or dispensing information. It demands a comprehensive approach that embodies the compassion, patience, and accompaniment that Jesus Himself modeled.

As we seek to bring the transformative love of Christ into the lives of others, offering them the same peace, joy, and purpose that we have found in Him, we must be guided by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the example of the early Christians, who spread the faith not through force or coercion, but through the power of their witness and the authenticity of their love. 

The following steps provide a practical framework for how to bring someone to Christ.

  1. Pray:
    • For Guidance: Pray for wisdom and guidance on how to approach the person and for the Holy Spirit to work in their heart.
    • For the Person: Pray for the individual’s openness to the message of Christ and for their needs and concerns.
  2. Show Love:
    • Genuine Care: Demonstrate Christ’s love through your actions. Be genuinely interested in their life and struggles.
    • Acts of Kindness: Perform acts of kindness and service, showing the love of Christ in practical ways.
  3. Build a Relationship:
    • Spend Time Together: Develop a genuine friendship. Trust and openness often come through time and shared experiences.
    • Listen: Listen to their thoughts, doubts, and questions without judgment.
  4. Share Your Testimony:
    • Personal Story: Share your own story of faith and how Jesus has impacted your life.
    • Be Honest: Be open about your struggles and how your faith helps you through them.
  5. Give a New Testament or Bible:
    • A Gift of Scripture: Offer a New Testament as a gift, tell people they are loved by God, highlighting passages that have been meaningful to you. 
    • Explain Its Importance: Explain why the Bible is important in your life and how it can be a source of guidance and comfort.
  6. Discuss the Gospel:
    • Simple Explanation: Share the basic message of the Gospel: God’s love, sin and its consequences, Jesus’ sacrifice, and the gift of salvation through faith.
    • Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer questions they might have about Christianity and the teachings of Jesus.
  7. Invite to Church:
    • Attend Together: Invite them to attend church with you. Offer to pick them up or meet them there to make the experience more comfortable.
    • Introduce to Community: Help them connect with other believers and get involved in church activities.
  8. Be Patient and Persistent:
    • Respect Their Pace: Understand that everyone’s spiritual journey is different. Be patient and give them space to explore faith at their own pace.
    • Consistent Support: Continue to be a supportive and loving presence in their life, regardless of their immediate response.
  9. Encourage Small Group or Bible Study:
    • Community Learning: Suggest joining a small group or Bible study where they can learn more about Christianity in a supportive environment.
    • Safe Space for Questions: These settings can provide a safe space for asking questions and exploring faith more deeply.
  10. Follow Up:
    • Ongoing Support: Check in regularly and offer ongoing support and encouragement.
    • Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate any steps they take towards faith, no matter how small.

In the end, our goal is not merely to impart information or convince others intellectually, but to facilitate a personal encounter with the living Christ, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. We should also remember that bringing someone to Christ is not primarily about techniques or methods, it is certainly not about imposing beliefs, entering into arguments or forcing conversion. It is about genuinely loving people and sharing the best of our lives – Jesus Christ the Savior. May our lives be a continuous invitation to others to experience the love, mercy, and salvation that we have found in Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work

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