Sharing Faith Essential, But Many Church-goers Never Do

US research shows Christians know they should, but seldom do it—they know they ought to witness, sharing the gospel with others, but they don’t do so (at least, not very often). We know we should pray for others’ salvation, but seldom petition on their behalf. Probably the evangelical churches of Toronto aren’t significantly different from their US counterparts. But, let’s be encouraged. Believers find it easier to invite others to church, than to personally witness. So, let’s (at least) invite. Plus, let’s pray for others —that’ll change us, as well as them!—Nigel Tomes.

 Alex Murashko , Christian Post (edited) To learn more visit LifeWayResearch.com.

Nearly 3 in 5 Christians feel comfortable sharing the gospel, but the majority don’t do it, according LifeWay’s study of US Protestants. These "distressing results" -- indicate that 61% of evangelical Christians fail to share their faith on a regular basis, even though they believe it’s their responsibility to do so. Plus, nearly half haven’t invited a non-Christian friend to church in the past 6 months. Most believers accept personal responsibility to share their belief in Jesus Christ with non-Christians, but far fewer seek opportunities to do so," LifeWay’s Ed. Stetzer explained. He calls the results "not necessarily surprising," but "alarming."

 The Oct. 2011 study surveyed ~3,000 US adults who attend a Protestant church once a month or more. The vast majority confess they’re Christians. Only 8% are hesitant to share with others that they’re Christians.

Struggle to Share Christ

"Church- goers struggle most with sharing Christ with non-Christians," says LifeWay. 80% of those who attend church monthly believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith, but 61% haven’t told another person how to become a Christian in the previous 6 months.

Three-quarters of church- goers feel comfortable to effectively communicate the Gospel. Yet, despite a vast majority believing it's their duty to share their faith and having the confidence to do so, only 25% have shared their faith just once or twice, and only 1-in-7(14%) have shared 2+ times over the last 6 months.

Follow Us…Come with Us

Christians do better at inviting. Asked if they’d personally "invited an unchurched person to attend a church service," nearly half (48%) of church attendees responded "zero." However, one-third (33%) personally invited someone one or 2 times, and 19% had done so on 2+ times in the last 6 months.

“Praying for others… a great way to start”

Stetzer believes "praying more frequently for people who’re not professing Christians is the best indicator of spiritual maturity.” 21% of church- goers pray every day for people they know who’re not professing Christians. 26% pray a few times a week. But one-fifth (20 %) rarely or never pray for others.

"If you are going to be intentional about sharing your faith, praying for others is a great way to start. Prayer is important for people coming to faith in Christ, but it has an impact on the person praying," he said.