How to Give Away Your Faith on Your Short-Term Mission Trip

Assuming that you have been able to explain the gospel using a simple method as suggested above, you are now at the point of determining the prospect’s readiness to trust Christ. Probably the most profound and helpful diagnostic question for use in situations like this was penned by the Presbyterian minister James Kennedy. He came up with the question, “Does that make sense to you?” At this point in your discussion with your friend, use this question. Can you imagine how you will feel if he responds, “Yes it does.” It means that he has understood and it gives you a good idea that, as the truth has been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, he has exercised the faith to trust Christ. Evangelicals rightly like to invite the person to insure this relationship with a prayer where the seeker confesses his sin and acknowledges his acceptance of Christ as payment for his sin. It is a relational act and the Christian life is a relationship with God. You can explain this to the prospect. To be sure of his commitment, you can say something like this, “You know, when I heard this, it made sense to me, too, and I decided that was what I wanted. I wonder, would you like to receive this free gift of eternal life right now?” Assuming that the person responds, “Yes,” you can go on to explain that this is the beginning of his relationship with God and that he can begin that relationship with a simple prayer (conversation) with God in which he acknowledges that he is a sinner, that he understands that Christ came and died as an atonement for his sins, that he accepts that payment for his sins, and now has faith that his eternal life is secure. The prospect can either do this in the privacy of his own heart or verbalize it in your presence. The important thing is that the relationship has begun and this person is now your brother or sister in Christ.

As stated at the beginning of this article, space would only permit some basics. If you understand the concepts of Col. 4:5-6 and would like to build on the techniques associated with “salting” your conversation as a means of drawing out God’s prospects, it is recommended that you read How to Give Away Your Faith, by Paul Little. Also, there are seminars and classes in personal evangelism offered by a number of organizations such as Evangelism Explosion, EvanTell and Campus Crusade for Christ.

In conclusion, pray for and expect special opportunities to share with others because of your mission trip. Peter said, “Be prepared to give an account for the hope that is in you.” It is my firm belief that, if you will prepare, God’s prospects will ask you to give that account. Godspeed you on your trip.