If you are like me, you hate doing things alone—especially if it’s something difficult or intimidating. Whether it’s starting at a new job or school, learning a hobby, joining a church, or moving to an unfamiliar place, we often desire the familiarity of people we love and trust when placed in uncertain circumstances. So, why do so many of our efforts and models for evangelism send us out into the world alone?
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GOING ALONE

Trying to do evangelism alone is like that time I tried out a new class at my local gym. I went to the class alone and I quickly felt like everyone knew what to do except me. I was using the wrong equipment, doing things out of order, and—as if it was a sin—I didn’t know the proper lingo. Don’t tell anyone, but I am pretty sure I literally fell on my face attempting to do some kind of handstand. To top things off, I looked around and it seemed like I was the only one in the group who needed to be in a gym. Afterward, I told myself I would never do that class again.

A few days later, one of my best friends found out that I tried the class and encouraged me to give it a go with him. So, I gave it another try. He was far more experienced than I was, and when we went to the class I felt untouchable because my muscular friend was with me. He coached me through the entire lesson. He taught me the lingo, showed me where to go and what to do, and gave me encouragement when I needed it most. I left the gym that day feeling exhilarated and wanting to go back.

When I go alone, many of my efforts of sharing my faith with others have looked much more like my first experience at the gym, an uphill and heart-pounding situation. Yet, that is not the way Jesus intended us to fulfill his mission of proclaiming the good news to the world. His vision was that his people would go on mission together.

BETTER TOGETHER

When Jesus sent out his disciples to minister to all the cities in the region of Galilee, he sent them two by two (Luke 10.1-23). They went out to do the work of evangelism together. When the early church shared the gospel with others, it was most often done within the context of community. Paul’s missionary journeys were almost always done with companions and the support of a church.

One of the main reasons people have for not sharing their faith is fear—fear of rejection, fear of not knowing what to say, fear of failure. This is a massive load to bear on our own. That is why we need to find others in the church who can come along with us, coach us, and encourage us as we work to fulfill this weighty calling God has placed on our lives. The church and many of our friends are equipped to help us in this endeavor. We don’t have to do it alone, and we weren’t meant to! So, grab a trusted friend and start the adventure together.

If you are interested in learning more about how to share your faith and meet people who are on that same mission, join us for a one-time, 3D1 Evangelism Training. Check out the various dates and times here.