Why We Struggle to Share Our Faith

If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’ve probably heard the call to share your faith. But let’s be honest. Most Christians feel unprepared. We believe the gospel is life-changing, yet we hesitate to tell others about it. Why? Fear. Insecurity. Not knowing what to say. The concern is that we’ll get it wrong. Or maybe the worry that someone will reject us entirely. As a former discipleship pastor, I’ve seen this pattern over and over again. We surveyed people in multiple settings, and the results were consistent. Most Christians want to share their faith. Most are just not doing it. Not because they’re apathetic, but because they don’t feel equipped. And yet, the truth is this. Most people who talk about Jesus in ordinary conversations don’t face persecution. They don’t get yelled at. They might get a polite “no thanks.” Or maybe just a quiet listener who walks away. But often, people do listen. And sometimes, they even respond.

The Tool That Changed Everything for Me

That’s why I want to share with you something that has helped me. It’s called How to Know God Personally. It’s a small card we’ve placed in every seat in the auditorium. We’ll always have them in stock at Real Life Church. Why? This tool helps believers express the story of Jesus in a clear, compelling way. It’s built around a simple acronym: GOSPEL. Created by evangelist Greg Stier, this acronym is combined with a classic visual called The Bridge Illustration, popularized by The Navigators ministry. Together, they form a memorable way to explain the gospel that can live in your heart and flow naturally from your life. Here’s what it looks like.

The GOSPEL Acronym and Bridge Illustration

Let’s break it down:

• G – God created us to be with Him.

From the beginning, God’s desire was relationship. We were made to be with Him.

• O – Our sins separate us from God.

Every single one of us has sinned. And that sin creates a divide—a chasm. No amount of good works can bridge the gap.

• S – S Good deeds cannot remove sins

People try. They give to charity, attend church, and help neighbors. All good things, but none can remove sin.

• P – Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.

This is the heart of it. Jesus created the bridge. He did what we could not do.

• E – Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.

No matter your background, sin, or story. Everyone means everyone.

• L – Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.

Faith in Christ brings peace, purpose, and the promise of eternal life.

When I draw this out for someone, I end by asking a simple question. Where do you think you are in this picture? Are you on the edge? Are you ready to cross? Do you want to walk into life with God today?

It’s Not Just a Tool, It’s a Story

This isn’t just a method. It’s your message. It’s the story that you’re now a part of. And when someone is ready, you can walk them through a prayer of faith. A prayer that sounds like: “God, you created me to be with You. I’ve sinned, and my good deeds can’t remove my sins. But Jesus, You paid the price when You died and rose again. I want to trust You today. I want my life to start now and last forever with You.” Simple. Clear. Powerful.

When Faith Meets Real Life

I want to tell you about Chris. My family and I had moved from Michigan to Florida, and I started asking God for a real opportunity to share my faith—not from a stage, but in everyday life. So I prayed a bold prayer: God, bring someone across my path who doesn’t know You. And give me the courage to share. Soon after, we met Chris and his son at the neighborhood pool. He was loud, energetic, and always eager to connect. Our boys played. We talked. He worked on my old Chevy Malibu. We hung out with his family. And eventually, conversations about life turned into questions about faith. One night after softball, Chris called me. He said, “Something happened.” He had felt prompted to share a prayer request, but stayed silent. Then the man leading the prayer unknowingly prayed exactly for that request. Chris said, “I felt electricity. If I hadn’t been holding that bat, I might’ve fallen over.” That moment opened the door. By the time I got to his truck, I shared the gospel with him. We prayed. Chris gave his life to Jesus. His eternal address was changed. And so was mine because being part of someone’s faith story is the most incredible privilege on earth.

Your Next Step: Learn and Share

If you’re a follower of Jesus, here’s what I want you to do.

1. Learn the GOSPEL acronym. Write it down. Practice it. Let it live in your heart.
2. Look for opportunities. Ask God to bring someone into your path who needs hope.
3. Be unashamed of the gospel. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be faithful. Start a conversation. Build a relationship. Let God lead.

And if you’re not yet following Jesus, know this: you can. Right now. You are not too far. God is near. Confess your need. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Believe in Jesus. And walk across the bridge.