What if sharing your faith didn’t feel awkward or forced but natural, relational, and even joyful?
In this powerful episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, hosts Craig Etheredge, Ben Borgman, and Glenn Underhill dive into the real-life challenges and opportunities of living out a lifestyle of relational evangelism.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant, ill-equipped, or unsure about how to start spiritual conversations, you’re not alone. Many believers feel the same way. But Jesus gave us a better way, a relational model that invites people into life-changing conversations, not confrontations.
You’ll discover how to take conversations from casual to meaningful to spiritual, all while keeping genuine relationships at the center. Learn how to overcome fear, let go of outdated methods, and follow the example Jesus set: loving people well and leading them toward truth.
Packed with practical insights, real stories, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode will inspire you and equip your church to cultivate a culture of everyday evangelism right where you live, work, and play.
Be sure to check the show notes for a free downloadable resource to help you build intentional relationships and take the next step in making disciples. Whether you’re a pastor, a leader, or someone seeking to follow Jesus more closely, this episode will encourage you to live on mission with clarity and confidence.
Overview:
- 00:00 “Practical Evangelism for All”
- 05:32 Sharing Faith: Privilege and Blessing
- 15:12 “Spiritual Growth through Sharing”
- 20:15 “Effective Conversation Techniques”
- 23:23 From Small Talk to Personal Chat
- 28:19 Meaningful Conversations and Challenges
- 36:20 Navigating Conversations with Strangers
- 41:42 “Pathway to Disciple-Making”
- 45:38 “Inviting a Study of John”
- 49:06 “Study Leads to Knowing Jesus”
- 57:54 “Experiencing ‘Reach Your World'”
- 01:00:08 Discipleship-Driven Evangelism
- 01:03:56 “Living as Genuine Disciple Leaders”
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think evangelism feels so uncomfortable for many believers, and how did the hosts address this discomfort in the episode?
- Glenn Underhill mentioned that “evangelism is a clear command.” What biblical examples or passages were shared to support this claim? Do you agree with this perspective? Why or why not?
- The hosts discussed moving away from confrontational models of evangelism toward a more relational approach. What are the key differences between these models, and why might relational evangelism be more effective today?
- How do casual, personal, meaningful, spiritual, and gospel conversations build upon each other in the journey to sharing your faith? Which stage do you find most challenging, and why?
- What practical tips did the hosts offer for transitioning from a casual or personal conversation to a more meaningful, spiritual, or gospel-oriented discussion?
- How can discomfort or “holy tension” actually benefit someone who is sharing their faith, according to Craig Etheredge and the other hosts?
- The episode emphasized that genuine compassion and love for others should be the motive for evangelism—not obligation or guilt. What are some ways you can cultivate this kind of heart for people who are far from God?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of relational evangelism, based on the hosts’ experiences and advice? How can you become more sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting?
- When discussing responses to the gospel, the hosts used a ‘stoplight’ metaphor (green, yellow, red). How does this analogy shape the way you might continue or pause gospel conversations with people in your life?
- For pastors and ministry leaders: What steps did the hosts recommend for creating a culture of evangelism in your church? How would you begin to implement these ideas in your own ministry context?
