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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Sep 129 min read

How Should Conversation Evangelism Be Understood and Practiced According to the Bible?

What Is Conversation Evangelism?


Conversation evangelism is the method of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through intentional dialogue, listening, and responding in personal conversations. It contrasts with more formal approaches to evangelism such as preaching or public proclamations by focusing on one-on-one or small group interactions. The heart of conversation evangelism is to build relationships with unbelievers and, through those relationships, open the door to share the Gospel.


The biblical basis for conversation evangelism is clear in the way Jesus Himself often engaged with individuals in dialogue. One of the most well-known examples is His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:4-26. Rather than delivering a sermon, Jesus conversed with her, addressing her questions and gently guiding her toward the truth of who He was. Through this conversation, the woman came to understand that He was the promised Messiah, and she, in turn, went to share this good news with her community.


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The apostle Paul also practiced conversation evangelism. In Acts 17, Paul engaged in discussions with people in the marketplace and at the Areopagus in Athens. He tailored his message to his audience, beginning by acknowledging their religious practices and then leading them to the truth of the one true God: "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22-23, UASV).


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In conversation evangelism, the goal is to be sensitive to where the other person is spiritually and to introduce the truth of the Gospel in a way that addresses their specific questions, doubts, or misconceptions. This approach allows for genuine dialogue and creates opportunities to clear up misunderstandings about Christianity while presenting the truth of Scripture.



Why Is Conversation Evangelism Important Today?


In today’s increasingly secular world, formal or confrontational evangelism methods can sometimes alienate people rather than draw them toward Christ. Many unbelievers are more open to spiritual conversations when they feel heard, respected, and understood. Therefore, conversation evangelism can be a more effective approach in a society where individualism, skepticism, and relativism are prevalent.


As Peter reminds believers in 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are called to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect" (UASV). This verse highlights two critical aspects of conversation evangelism: preparedness and the tone of gentleness and respect. Believers should be ready to share the Gospel at any time, but the way they share it is just as important. Aggressive or argumentative approaches are not reflective of Christ's heart and can cause more harm than good.


Conversation evangelism is particularly important because it allows Christians to engage in spiritual discussions in the normal flow of life—whether at work, in their neighborhoods, or in casual settings. It turns everyday interactions into opportunities for sharing the message of salvation, without needing a formal platform or pulpit. This relational method creates a space for ongoing dialogue, allowing unbelievers to explore faith at their own pace and ask questions that are personally relevant to them.


In the world today, where many are disillusioned with organized religion or have little to no church background, conversation evangelism can be a powerful tool. It brings the Gospel into everyday life in a way that is approachable and conversational, much like the way Jesus engaged with individuals during His ministry.



How Does Conversation Evangelism Reflect the Example of Jesus?


Jesus’ method of evangelism often involved conversation, where He addressed people individually, engaged with their questions, and pointed them toward the truth. His dialogue with the Samaritan woman in John 4 is a key example. Jesus initiated the conversation with a simple request: "Give me a drink" (John 4:7, UASV). From there, the conversation gradually unfolded, with Jesus addressing her curiosity, revealing her sin, and ultimately proclaiming that He was the Messiah.


Jesus’ approach to evangelism was not forceful or impersonal. Instead, He met people where they were, both physically and spiritually. In John 3, we see Jesus having a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who came to Jesus at night with questions about the Kingdom of God. Jesus responded by explaining the necessity of being "born again" and revealing deep spiritual truths in a way that Nicodemus could understand (John 3:3, UASV). Through this conversation, Jesus gently challenged Nicodemus’ preconceived notions and led him toward the truth.


Another example of Jesus’ use of conversation evangelism is seen in Luke 24, where Jesus spoke with two disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection. Rather than immediately revealing His identity, Jesus walked alongside them and listened to their concerns. He then used Scripture to explain everything concerning Himself, leading them to the realization of who He truly was (Luke 24:13-32, UASV). In this account, Jesus demonstrates the power of using Scripture and conversation to bring about spiritual understanding.


In every case, Jesus’ conversations were marked by compassion, truth, and patience. He took time to listen, respond, and guide people toward a deeper understanding of who He was and the message of salvation. As believers, we are called to follow Jesus’ example in our own evangelistic efforts, sharing the Gospel with love and humility.



How Can Believers Effectively Use Conversation Evangelism?


Effective conversation evangelism requires a combination of active listening, biblical knowledge, and spiritual discernment. As James 1:19 instructs, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (UASV). Listening to the concerns, questions, and perspectives of unbelievers is a crucial part of conversation evangelism. It shows that we care about them as individuals and that we are not just interested in delivering a message but also in understanding where they are spiritually.


Active listening also allows the evangelist to discern the real issues or barriers that may be preventing the person from accepting the Gospel. Some may struggle with intellectual doubts about the existence of God or the truth of the Bible, while others may be dealing with emotional wounds that make it difficult for them to trust in God’s goodness. By listening carefully, believers can address these specific issues and offer biblical truth that speaks directly to the person’s heart.


In addition to listening, believers must also be equipped with biblical knowledge. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (UASV). In conversation evangelism, it is essential to be able to explain the Gospel clearly and answer questions about the Bible and Christian faith. This requires study, preparation, and a willingness to continually grow in one’s understanding of Scripture.


The goal is not to have all the answers but to know the core truths of the Gospel and be able to communicate them effectively. As Paul demonstrated in his conversation with the Athenians in Acts 17, believers should be able to explain the basics of who God is, what sin is, and why we need a Savior. At the same time, humility is key, as we recognize that it is ultimately the Holy Spirit who brings conviction and leads people to faith.


Another important aspect of conversation evangelism is prayer. Before engaging in conversations about the Gospel, believers should pray for wisdom, guidance, and opportunities. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (UASV). By seeking God’s guidance, we can trust that He will open doors for spiritual conversations and provide the words we need to share His truth.


Finally, evangelism should always be done with love. Paul’s well-known passage in 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes that even the most eloquent or knowledgeable evangelism is meaningless without love: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1, UASV). Conversation evangelism is not about winning arguments or proving a point; it is about showing Christ’s love to those who are lost and inviting them into a relationship with Him.



How Should Christians Handle Difficult Questions in Conversation Evangelism?


One of the challenges of conversation evangelism is that it often involves addressing difficult or controversial topics. Unbelievers may have questions about suffering, evil, hypocrisy in the church, or apparent contradictions in the Bible. These questions can sometimes seem overwhelming, but believers should not be afraid to engage with them.


First, it is important to remember that it is okay not to have all the answers. Humility in evangelism means acknowledging when we do not know something and being willing to seek out answers. We can respond to difficult questions by saying, "I don’t know, but I would love to find out and get back to you." This shows that we take the other person’s concerns seriously and are committed to pursuing the truth.


At the same time, we must also rely on Scripture to guide our responses. God’s Word is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12, UASV), and it has the power to address the deepest questions and doubts. While we may not have answers to every philosophical or theological question, we can point people to the truth of Scripture and trust that the Holy Spirit will work through His Word.


In some cases, unbelievers may raise questions that are meant to distract or derail the conversation, rather than seeking genuine understanding. Jesus Himself encountered this type of questioning from the religious leaders who tried to trap Him with questions about the law (Matthew 22:15-22, UASV). In these situations, it is important to stay focused on the central message of the Gospel and not get sidetracked by secondary issues.


The apostle Paul also faced opposition and difficult questions during his ministry. In Acts 24, Paul stood trial before Governor Felix and was accused of stirring up riots among the Jews. Paul used the opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel, even as he responded to the charges against him (Acts 24:10-21, UASV). Paul’s example shows us that, even when faced with difficult or hostile questions, we should remain calm, respectful, and focused on proclaiming the truth of Christ.



How Can Conversation Evangelism Build Bridges for Future Gospel Opportunities?


One of the strengths of conversation evangelism is that it allows for ongoing relationships and dialogue. Unlike a one-time sermon or tract, conversation evangelism often involves repeated interactions over time. This allows unbelievers to continue asking questions, wrestling with doubts, and exploring the claims of Christianity at their own pace.


Building relationships through conversation evangelism creates trust and opens doors for future Gospel opportunities. When unbelievers see that Christians genuinely care about them as individuals, they are more likely to be open to hearing the message of Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (UASV).


Conversation evangelism is not about rushing someone into a decision but about planting seeds of truth that the Holy Spirit can use to bring about spiritual growth. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul emphasizes that different people may play different roles in the process of evangelism: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth" (UASV). Some conversations may simply plant seeds, while others may water those seeds. Ultimately, it is God who brings people to faith, and we must trust in His timing and work in their hearts.


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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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