As we approach what is likely to be a very different Christmas for many of us, evangelism may be the last thing on our minds. Evangelism sometimes seems like the sort of thing you do when things are going well, when you are gushing with great stories of how Jesus has been at work in your life, when life feels like a musical and you are ready to burst into spontaneous song.
The only problem with that is, if your life is anything like mine, that happens about once a year on the fourth Tuesday of the month when I’ve slept well, it’s sunny (in Scotland), and all the laundry has been done.
Yet if God’s plan was for us to share the good news when all was well, he certainly picked a very odd sort of circumstances for Jesus to be born into! In reality, 2020 is the best year to share the gospel with those around us, because it’s in the darkness we feel the greatest need of the light.
We may feel less inadequate to share, but that’s also a good thing because we share in greater dependence on God! All that said, here are some practical ideas for ways you could share the good news this Christmas. They range from easy to requiring a bit more effort, and from free to requiring resources, but I hope there’s something that inspires you to reach out.
1. Gift a book
There are some great, short evangelical titles which make easy gifts. If you feel instantly queasy about this then remember, don’t assume your friend’s reactions! Wrap it if it feels less intimidating and just be honest. “You know I’m a Christian and my faith is vital to me. I don’t want to push that on you but I wondered if you’d be interested in knowing a little more.” My personal recommendation is Glen Scrivener’s “Four Kinds of Christmas” but there are many more on 10ofthose.
2. A care package
Christmas is a time for gift giving, so what’s not to like! It doesn’t have to be as fancy or be presented in a basket, but a couple of nice packets of biscuits or something baked if you’re into that. Include a short note depending on the relationship you have – if it’s a neighbour you don’t know then something simple like “Thinking of you in this tough year!” or a Bible verse may be appropriate for someone you know better. Remember the aim is not to share the whole gospel in one gesture! It’s about starting or deepening relationships.
3. Make a stall
My friend Rosie inspired me with this in lockdown one. She set up a book stall outside her home with free Bibles and Christian books and a whiteboard to provoke thoughts. Donald Trump’s infamous Bible photoshoot made for great headlines on her board that week! 10ofthose now offer a suitable bookstall bundle which could be yours for just £25.
4. Host a Watch Party
For those who have a similar technological awareness to myself, a watch party has nothing to do with watches… It’s a virtual event to invite friends to come along to and watch something! In this case, a short gospel presentation of 10-15 mins with time for questions afterwards. Unlike Zoom, friends can’t be seen on screen which enables them to dip their toe into faith gently.
Like Zoom, they can text chat live to share their thoughts and questions. This would be a great option for friends you have already had some faith conversations with and think might be interested to go deeper. Remember, don’t say no for them! Why not chat to your minister or a friend with a gift of speaking evangelistically?
5. Go Carolling
This one is absolutely free but may require the ability to hold a tune! If your household resembles the Von Trapps in musical ability why not sing the incredibly gospel rich words of our carols outside neighbours houses! The aforementioned tunefulness may be reasonably important if you don’t want to be seen as a neighbourhood pest though!
6. Make a Light or Nativity Trail
This one was inspired by my friend Nay who ran a light trail at Halloween. It’s a collection of houses who make a display of lights or a nativity scene in their window, and then local families have something to do as they are out walking children whose normal pursuits have all been closed. Children collect a small prize at the end with a pre-evangelism flyer and an invite to know more. This one takes a little more effort, but not that much, and it’s a phenomenal way to serve your community whilst also pointing them to more information about Jesus. If you’re interested, Nay has done all the hard work for you here and feel free to check out the follow up site for my trail here.
Susie lives in NE Fife and works in ministry. She loves being with friends, feeding people and half finished creative projects.
