Witnessing in the 21st Century

Witnessing in the 21st Century

Does Evangelism Still Work Today?

Do you think evangelism still works?

You know, it’s really sad, but many people don’t think it does. I’ll tell you from experience, though, it absolutely works.

Do you know why it works?

Because the power has never been in us.

The Gospel is the power of God to save. It doesn’t depend on cultural trends, our status, or political beliefs. While the world constantly shifts, God does not, and neither does His message. We can be encouraged that our God never changes and neither does the Gospel.

There is no expiration date on the Great Commission.

In Matthew 28, Jesus calls us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” That command was given to the early church, but it is still calling us today. We are commissioned to be His witnesses right here and right now.

So how do we begin?

Pray for Conversations

We start with prayer.

Every effort to reach others should be grounded in prayer. From the first step to the final conversation, prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and reminds us that He is the One at work.

Prayer is more than simply asking God to save people. It is the foundation that sustains everything we do. As we pray, we begin to see people through God’s eyes. Our perspective shifts from viewing conversations as tasks to seeing them as opportunities to love and serve.

Prayer softens our hearts, deepens our compassion, and gives us a genuine burden for those who do not yet know Christ.

Engage People with the Gospel

Next, get out and engage people in conversation.

We cannot share the Gospel if we do not first open our mouths and speak. As followers of Jesus, we are called to build relationships and have meaningful conversations with others.

A simple question can be enough to start. Ask someone how they are doing. Show genuine interest in their life. Listen well. When people feel heard and valued, walls often come down and opportunities for spiritual conversations begin to emerge.

The Gospel is meant to be shared, regardless of changing times. It’s the same message that transformed lives centuries ago, and it remains the power of God for salvation today.

The Gospel Still Changes Lives

So yes, evangelism still works.

Not because of us.

But because of Him.

May God richly bless you this week as you pray for opportunities, engage people with love, and faithfully share the hope of Jesus Christ.

For further encouragement, check out my previous blog, “Next First Step,” here: https://www.sharelife.today/2026/04/13/the-next-first-step/

Looking for more resources to help you share your faith? Visit:
http://www.evangelismexplosion.org/resources/

John Sorensen (Doctorate of Divinity, Knox Theological Seminary & Doctor of Humane Letters, Montreat College) is the president of Evangelism Explosion International (www.evangelismexplosion.org) and host of Share Life Today (www.sharelife.today). Sorensen has authored the books Well Done, Your Story Counts, and The Christ of Christmas and travels the globe for Evangelism Explosion. In 2025, Evangelism Explosion International Evangelism Explosion International equipped just over 1.5 million Christians worldwide to be witnesses for Christ, and saw, by the grace of God, over 23 million people make a profession of faith in Jesus. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife, Ann, and he has four adult children and seven grandchildren.