Overcoming Fear of Evangelism: It’s Not About You
Key Scriptures
Exodus 4:10–12; Acts 4:13–20; 2 Timothy 1:7
Introduction
Fear is one of the biggest barriers to sharing our faith. For some, it’s the fear of rejection — “What if they laugh or walk away?” For others, it’s the fear of not knowing what to say — “What if they ask a question I can’t answer?” And for many, it’s the fear of awkwardness — “What if it gets uncomfortable?”
The truth is, every believer has felt these fears — even some of the greatest in Scripture. But here’s the key: evangelism isn’t about your ability; it’s about God’s availability through you.
Biblical Foundation
- Exodus 4:10–12 – Moses felt unqualified, but God reminded him that He would be the one speaking through him.
- Acts 4:13–20 – Ordinary men, Peter and John, amazed leaders because they had “been with Jesus.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Kingdom Principles
- Shift the focus from yourself to God.
- Evangelism is not about your eloquence; it’s about your obedience. God does the saving, you just sow the seed.
- Remember: your story is enough.
- You don’t have to answer every theological question — your personal encounter with Jesus is a powerful witness.
- The Holy Spirit is your helper.
- Jesus promised the Spirit would give you the words when you need them (Luke 12:12).
Practical Ways to Overcome Fear
- Pray before you speak – Invite the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation.
- Start small – Share with someone you know well before moving to strangers.
- Ask questions – Let the other person talk; your role is to listen as much as speak.
- Use Scripture wisely – Share one relevant verse rather than trying to quote the whole Bible.
- Go in pairs – Jesus sent disciples out two by two for mutual support.
Common Misunderstandings
- “I need to have all the answers first.” – No one does; it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I can find out.”
- “If I mess up, they’ll never believe.” – Salvation is God’s work; your role is to plant and water the seed.
- “They’ll think I’m judging them.” – Approach with humility, compassion, and genuine care.
John, a shy accountant, avoided talking about his faith at work. After praying for courage, he began asking colleagues simple questions like, “How’s your week been?” One coworker shared about a personal crisis, and John offered to pray for them. That moment opened a door for a gospel conversation — without a sermon, just sincere care.
Growth Challenge: “This Week’s Mission”
- Identify one fear that has held you back from sharing your faith.
- Find a Bible verse that speaks directly against that fear (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:7 for fear of rejection).
- Pray that verse over yourself daily and intentionally start one conversation this week.
Interactive Discussion Prompts
- What’s one fear you’ve had about sharing your faith, and what’s a biblical truth that can counter it?
- Think of a time you felt too nervous to speak up — what might you do differently now after learning this principle?
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