**Want to Be More Effective in Your Evangelism? Ask the Right Questions**

Before we dive in, let me encourage you: When sharing the Gospel, we leave the results up to God. Speak in the power of the Holy Spirit, not depending on your own strength. Our focus is to be faithful in sharing, knowing it’s God’s job alone to draw people unto Himself (John 6:44).

### What Kind of Questions Do You Ask When Sharing the Gospel?

There are many good ones! But I believe far too often we forget to ask a question that clearly calls for a response. If you want to be a Christian who embodies curiosity, care, and courage, don’t forget to ask this question after sharing the Gospel message:

> “Is there anything that would keep you from trusting in Jesus today?”

I learned this powerful question from Dr. Jerry Root, professor emeritus at Wheaton College and author of *The Sacrament of Evangelism*. His faithful example of personal evangelism in everyday life has inspired countless believers.

### Why Do We Shy Away from Asking This Question?

Let’s be honest—why do we tend to hesitate? Maybe it’s because we get nervous, concerned if it’s “the right time,” or worried we’ll come across a certain way. Whatever it is for you, I hope you are strengthened in your conviction to not only share the Gospel but to unashamedly invite people to trust in Jesus.

This question helps us understand if someone is ready to trust Jesus or what barriers, doubts, or thoughts might be holding them back. No matter the person’s response, this question propels fruitful conversation and actually gives the invitation for response.

Let us not fall short in our Gospel proclamation with a strong message but a weak invitation. It’s like giving someone the best gift ever, wrapped beautifully with a bow, but failing to tell them how to open it.

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### Why This Question Strengthens Gospel Conversations

#### 1. The Bible Says Today Is the Day of Salvation

When in a Gospel conversation, who am I to assume God’s kindness isn’t leading someone to repentance in that very moment? (Romans 2:4) Who am I to assume today isn’t their day of salvation?

A person’s heart could be hardened, extremely ready, or somewhere in between. We are not God. We don’t know what God is doing in their heart, but we do know one thing: The Bible says today is the day of salvation.

This truth should deeply inform how we share the Gospel. After sharing, Paul gives an unashamed and urgent invitation to respond:

> “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.”
> (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:2)

Did you hear that? Paul communicates urgency to turn to Christ. He doesn’t shy away from asking for a response. One can choose to be reconciled with God—or choose to reject Christ. It is a choice.

Paul’s words are a clear exhortation not to wait. Decide to follow Jesus. Don’t delay. Don’t put it off another day—truly consider the Gospel message.

I can’t ignore how Paul uses the word *implore*—to beg, plead earnestly or desperately. That’s how important this is to Paul. He desperately wants people to be reconciled to God and not live without Christ.

When was the last time you pleaded earnestly for someone to trust in Jesus? How would your Gospel sharing look different if you communicated with the same urgency as Paul?

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### A Real-Life Example: When a Stranger Became a Brother in the Lord

I was in downtown Denver with teenagers and adults from our Decision Point Student Leader Conference. I will never forget meeting one man as we waited to cross the street. We told him we were talking with people about God and began going page by page through a Gospel booklet, occasionally asking him to read a verse.

His comment after reading about sin was unforgettable—he was genuinely curious about what to do about the problem of sin.

I explained, “God didn’t leave us in our sin. Because God loves us, He sent Jesus who died to pay the penalty for our sin and rose from the dead.”

He was amazed—absolutely floored that God would do that for him.

Later, I asked the question: “Is there anything that would keep you from trusting in Jesus today?”

He looked at me genuinely and said, “No. Nothing.”

His whole demeanor changed. He received Christ that very day.

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#### 2. Remember, There Are Only Two Responses to the Gospel

It’s important to communicate that there are only two ways to respond to the Gospel. People either choose life with Christ or life without Christ (1 John 5:11-13). They either believe, repent, and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, or they reject Jesus.

There is no third option.

Many people may feel that a “neutral stance” is a third option, but any neutral position towards Christ is ultimately a rejection of Him. We need to be crystal clear on this.

Why? Because it’s the truth.

Though it’s unpopular in today’s “your truth” and “my truth” culture, don’t let the world’s “you do you” mentality weaken your call to response.

Sharing truth is loving. In 1 Corinthians 13:6, God describes love this way:

> “Love rejoices in the truth.”

Therefore, it is loving to be truthful.

Yes, we can be encouraged by any step someone takes toward seeking Jesus. At the same time, let’s be very clear about the decision before them: accept Christ or reject Christ.

Remember Romans 1:16:

> “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

May we live unashamed of the Gospel.

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What a time to be alive! Many more are open to God than we can imagine. Bible sales are rising, and people are going back to church.

Let us be the ones who carry **courage**, **curiosity**, and **care**, wherever we go—unashamedly inviting people to respond to the Gospel.

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*Heather Barnes is Decision Point’s Special Projects Director, focused on recruiting and training staff, while furthering the mission by leading strategic projects across the organization. Heather is married to her husband Drew, and together they have three kids: Sadie, Lawson, and Mia.*
https://www.christianpost.com/voices/the-number-1-question-we-forget-to-ask-when-sharing-the-gospel.html