24 terms · plain language
Plain-language definitions of the words Christians use about sharing their faith and following Jesus: gospel, evangelism, Great Commission, oikos, Romans Road, born again, discipleship, follow-up and more.
The care a new contact or new believer receives in the first days after a conversation, especially the first 48 hours: keeping promises, checking in and helping them toward a next step.
Giving reasons for the Christian faith and answering honest questions about it. 1 Peter 3:15 asks believers to be ready to give a reason for their hope, with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 · How to answer common objections
A public step of following Jesus, commanded in Matthew 28:19. Going under the water pictures the old life buried with Jesus; coming up pictures new life (Romans 6:4). Churches differ on some details.
Romans 6:4 · How to explain baptism
Jesus' description of the new spiritual life God gives a person who trusts him (John 3:3). It is a fresh start from God, not a self-improvement project.
John 3:3 · What does it mean to be born again?
A follower of Jesus who is learning to obey him and helping others do the same. Jesus' command is to make disciples, not just converts.
Matthew 28:19-20 · What is discipleship?
The lifelong process of following Jesus, and of walking with someone else as they learn to follow him: time together, Scripture, prayer and obedience.
Telling people the good news about Jesus and inviting them to trust and follow him. The word comes from the Greek for good news.
A simple system for remembering the people you share your faith with, what they told you, what you promised and the next step, so a conversation does not become a forgotten name.
Someone who brings the good news about Jesus. Some are especially gifted for it, but every follower of Jesus is sent to tell others.
Reaching back out after a gospel conversation: sending what you promised, checking in within 48 hours, and helping the person take a next step toward Jesus and a church.
The good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and that anyone who trusts him receives forgiveness and new life as a gift.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 · Bible verses for sharing the gospel
God's undeserved kindness. Salvation is by grace through faith, a gift rather than something earned (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Ephesians 2:8-9 · Verses on how to respond
Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything he commanded.
Matthew 28:18-20 · What is the Great Commission?
Someone who has recently trusted Jesus. The first week matters: assurance, a Gospel to read, a person to walk with and a church to belong to.
A Greek word for household. In evangelism it means the 8 to 15 people God has already placed around you: family, friends, coworkers and neighbours.
From Luke 10, where Jesus told his disciples to stay with the household that welcomed them: someone who is open to you and your message, and often opens a door to others.
Luke 10:6 · How to start a gospel conversation
Walking through a place, such as your street, a school or a city centre, and praying for it as you go, with your eyes open.
Jeremiah 29:7 · How to prayer walk
Turning around: turning from going your own way and toward God. Jesus' first message was 'Repent and believe the good news!' (Mark 1:15).
Mark 1:15 · Verses on how to respond
A way of explaining the gospel with verses from Romans: 3:23 (all have sinned), 6:23 (the wages of sin and the gift of God), 5:8 (Christ died for us), 10:9 and 10:13 (how to respond).
Being rescued by God from sin and its consequences, and brought into a restored relationship with him through Jesus. It is received by faith as a gift.
Romans 10:9 · How to lead someone to Christ
A short prayer someone may pray to express turning to Jesus and trusting him. There are no magic words; what matters is a heart that trusts him (Romans 10:9).
Romans 10:9 · How to lead someone to Christ
Sharing the gospel with people in public places, usually in pairs or teams, with permission and respect, and with follow-up afterward.
A paper form outreach teams use to count conversations as red (no interest), yellow (prayed for or heard the gospel, nothing further) or green (wants follow-up), with names written at the bottom for follow-up.
Your story of what Jesus has done in your life, usually in three parts: before, how you met Jesus, and since.
Mark 5:19 · Write yours in 60 seconds
For the whole path, read the complete guide.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.