Building Gospel Relationships

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

(1 Thessalonians 2:8)

Nothing makes a Christian squirm faster than the word evangelism. We love the Gospel and we love relationships, but never together. Being a christian isn't just about getting the gospel right, but also about getting the gospel out. So how do we begin to do what Paul says to the church at Thessalonica and share the gospel and ourselves? How do we practically build relationships with people that center on the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

Bless (a way to Build Gospel Relationships)

by Pastor David Ferguson, Community Christian Church, Chicago IL

Be in prayer.  

We need God if we are going to have any success in building relationships for the sake of the Gospel. Pray for those you meet often. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to bring fruit from your faithfulness. 

Learn their story.

Get to know the people you are seeking to reach. Learn who they are and what they've been through. This communicates that you really do care.

Eat with them.

Nothing is more welcoming that eating with people, which could be the reason why we see Jesus always eating with so many people throughout the gospels. Try to find a way to eat with the people you are seeking to reach. This is another great way to show people you care. 

Serve them. 

Find out if there is anything you can do to serve them. It could be something small. Jesus came to serve. Serving others is great testimony of his love.  

Share the gospel. 

Find a way to talk to them about the gospel. Tell them the good news of what Jesus has done to save sinners. Answer their questions. Call them to rest in Jesus.