Often, before Christians can share their faith with others, some work needs to be done.

This usually includes trying to overcome bad Christian experiences and stereotypes. Those outside of faith frequently have negative views about believers, and many even have stories to share with their thoughts. 

One of my goals whenever I encounter a non-Christian is to give them a positive impression of Christians.

For years, this was my approach to doing weddings. I wanted to give people their very best experience with a pastor and the Church. Our Church does VBS for the same reason. We want children and their families to love their time at the Church. This is part of the plan behind our weekly youth group. This thinking shapes our Easter and Christmas programs as well.

This mindset also flows into my interactions with restaurant wait staff, neighbors, and every casual encounter with people in my community. Those people might not know I am a Christian initially, but if they ever do, I want them to remember me with joy.   

Most of the time, before someone is open to the message of Jesus, there needs to be some work of “pre-evangelism.” We need to open people’s minds to the possibility of faith by letting them see and experience it in action.

If you want people to hear the good news, you often have to work the ground before you can plant the seed.