For me, the most challenging part of evangelism isn’t conducting Bible studies or knocking on doors—it’s finding the courage to ask someone to study. That moment carries the greatest tension, where all the effort either bears fruit or falls flat. It’s when a person chooses to accept or reject your invitation.
In many ways, asking feels hard because we’ve made it so. We create invisible barriers in our minds that may not actually exist. Yes, not everyone will respond positively, and some studies might not go as hoped. But much of the difficulty comes from the fears and assumptions we build within ourselves. Often, people are far more open and receptive than we give them credit for.
Maybe the issue lies in our approach and mindset. Instead of starting with, “Did you know you might not be saved?” try saying, “Would you like to study together to learn more about the church or your relationship with God?” This sounds less confrontational and sets a positive tone for the study. Many people don’t realize they are lost until they encounter the Scriptures themselves. It’s better for them to come to that realization than for us to tell them.
Sometimes, we hesitate because we think we’re not “eloquent” or knowledgeable enough to study with someone. Moses felt this way when he spoke to God (Exodus 4:10). Yet God used even an ineloquent speaker to accomplish great things among His people. Paul understood that his mission was to proclaim the Gospel—not with eloquence, but with its power (1 Corinthians 1:17). As Christians, we have the basic skills and knowledge to lead someone to the Gospel. It’s just a matter of putting it all together clearly and confidently.
We might also worry about hurting our relationship by asking someone to study. That’s a real possibility, but we must weigh the cost. If we fear losing a friend or causing tension more than losing a soul, then we have deeper issues to address. Paul’s words remind us: “I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 18:26–27). Not acknowledging Christ before our friends carries serious consequences—Jesus warned that He will deny those who deny Him before others (Luke 12:8–9).
What makes asking easier is learning to trust the Lord, casting our fears on Him, and caring more about souls than what people think of us (Luke 12:4–5). When we do this, the hardest part isn’t as hard as we might think.