Is your church full of disciples who are comfortable sharing their faith and do so frequently?  If so, congratulations! Your church has obviously intentionally invested well in the formation of mature disciples. Unfortunately, prevalent faith sharing is not typical for most mainline churches.

Why is it that sharing our faith is such a barrier for us Jesus followers? There are a variety of cited reasons, but below is what I hear most often. Notice the scripture following each statement that challenges these common reasons for disciples not sharing their faith.

• I don’t feel equipped or knowledgeable enough to share my faith with others.

Here’s the knowledge you need: you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be My witnesses, first here in Jerusalem, then beyond to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the farthest places on earth. Acts 1:8 (VOICE)

• My faith is private to me.

 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

• I’m afraid of offending people.

So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. 2 Timothy 1:8 (CEB)

• Evangelism? Ugh, that’s for people who knock on strangers’ doors or yell at people (proselytize) from street corners.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (MSG)

• That’s the pastor’s job - not mine. The pastor has special training for this purpose.

Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)

Jesus made it clear that as His followers, we are to stand ready to share our faith; the Holy Spirit will provide the words and courage to do so. How is your church working with congregants so they become more confident and comfortable sharing their faith? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Create consistent opportunities for congregants to share their faith inside the congregation so they build up the confidence to do so in their everyday life.

2. Build a culture where faith-sharing becomes common and natural by going first. As a leader, share your faith story with other congregants in a way that is conversational and unintimidating. This will also begin to break the stigma that evangelism often has.

3. Offer immersive equipping opportunities where congregants can gain the confidence and hear different methods of faith-sharing. This will enable congregants to find their unique voice for faith-sharing that is comfortable and natural.

4. Begin early with children and youth. Encourage faith sharing in the youngest generations so it becomes part of their natural discipleship.

5. Ensure your church’s discipleship pathway includes faith-sharing.

6. For those of us who are United Methodist, help those who already are or those about to become members understand that our membership vow includes prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

7. Help your congregation understand that without its congregants sharing their faith and introducing Jesus to new people, the church’s likelihood of survival is close to nil.

Building a positive, natural culture of faith sharing will overcome the fear, trepidation, and lack of confidence many find when it comes to faith-sharing. What tips above might help your congregation be more eager to share their faith? What’s your first step in increasing your congregation’s faith-sharing practices?

If your church is looking for a resource, consider the small group study, Unpacking Your Faith Story.  This four-session series will help those in your small group journey together to learn to capture their faith story and practice sharing it.  Join others in a safe place to discover, practice and gain confidence in sharing and living out your unique faith story as God calls each of us to do.  Great for all-church studies or groups such as existing small groups, Sunday school classes, and evangelism teams.