I remember hearing something in seminary that has stuck with me ever since: “The North American church is suffering from missional amnesia.” We’ve forgotten why we exist. Somewhere along the way, we got comfortable, content to gather rather than go. But the call of Christ has never changed—He has sent us into the world to be His witnesses.
So, what does it look like to live as a missional person? What does it mean to remember who we are and why we’re here?
Marks of a Missional Person
1. Incarnational
We are the hands and feet of Jesus. Peter reminds us, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15–17).
To live incarnationally means we don’t just talk about Jesus—we live in such a way that others see Him through us.
2. Indigenous
There must be something distinct about the way we live. Our lives should look different from the culture around us. Holiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about reflection—reflecting the character of Christ wherever we go.
3. Intentional
Missional living doesn’t happen by accident. We must be intentional about how we speak, how we act, and how we use our time. Every relationship, every conversation, and every moment can become an opportunity for gospel impact.
Who Needs the Gospel?
Matthew 9:35–38 gives us the answer—everyone. Jesus looked upon the crowds and saw that they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
The gospel is for:
- The broken who feel unworthy.
- The legalist who thinks they can earn God’s favor.
- The everyone in between—because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
How Do I Share the Gospel?
Sharing the gospel doesn’t have to be complicated. Paul lays it out simply in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 and Acts 17:1–4—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. That’s the message that saves.
When I share the gospel, I like to focus on four key movements:
Creation, Fall, Rescue, and Restoration.
- Creation – Where did we come from?
- Fall – What’s wrong with the world?
- Rescue – What can save us?
- Restoration – How can we be made new?
These four questions point us to the heart of the gospel story.
There are also great tools to help guide conversations:
- The Three Circles App (from the SBC) is an easy way to visualize the gospel story.
- The Way of the Master method uses the Ten Commandments to awaken the conscience before showing the grace of Christ.
- The Romans Road provides a simple biblical roadmap:
- Acknowledge God as Creator. (Romans 1:20–21)
- Realize we are sinners in need of forgiveness. (Romans 3:23)
- Recognize God’s love in sending Jesus. (Romans 5:8)
- Understand the consequences of sin and the gift of life. (Romans 6:23)
- Confess and believe. (Romans 10:9–10)
- Call upon the Lord. (Romans 10:13)
- Make Jesus Lord of your life. (Romans 11:36)
Calling for a Decision
Once we’ve shared the gospel clearly, we must lovingly call for a response.
Ask:
- “Does what we’ve discussed make sense to you?”
- “Is there any good reason why you wouldn’t receive God’s gift of eternal life?”
- “Would you like to turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus right now?”
And then—follow up.
One of my professors once said, “We’re not making decisions; we’re making disciples.” That truth changed the way I see evangelism. It’s not about a moment—it’s about walking with people toward maturity in Christ.
Help new believers find assurance and give them resources to start their faith journey strong.
Jesus’ Approach to Evangelism
If anyone modeled missional living, it was Jesus. He sought others. He was approachable. And He seized every opportunity.
In John 4, we see this clearly in His encounter with the Samaritan woman:
- He was intentional (v.4 – “He had to go through Samaria.”)
- He was conversational (v.7 – “Give me a drink.”)
- He was respectful yet directional (vv.10–15, 19–24).
- He was convictional and confrontational when necessary (vv.16–18, 26).
- And ultimately, He was missional—He cared about her soul.
Even after His resurrection, Jesus’ focus didn’t change. He sent His followers on mission:
- Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
- John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
- Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.”
- Luke 24:47–48 – “Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed…”
- Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses…”
That’s our calling—to go and make disciples.
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism: Finding the Balance
Honesty
We must tell people the truth. Salvation is free, but following Jesus will cost you your life. Repentance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Clarity
Sin and guilt aren’t side notes; they’re at the core of the gospel. People need to understand their need before they’ll ever value the cure.
Repentance
True repentance is turning from the sins you love to the God who loves you. It’s admitting you’re not God and surrendering to the One who is.
Urgency
It’s not manipulative to speak about eternity. It’s loving. Time is short, and the gospel is urgent.
So, pray before you share.
Use the Bible as your foundation.
And always be clear about sin and grace.
The Results of Evangelism
Evangelism isn’t about getting someone to pray a prayer or winning an argument. It’s declaring what God has done to save sinners and calling people to respond.
As J.I. Packer once said, “We do not fail in our evangelism if we faithfully tell the gospel to someone who is not subsequently converted; we fail only if we do not faithfully tell the gospel at all.”
Final Thoughts
The North American church doesn’t need another program—it needs a people on mission. We must remember why we exist: to glorify God by making disciples of all nations.
Let’s live incarnationally, distinctively, and intentionally.
Let’s be a people who not only know the gospel but share it boldly and compassionately.
Because when the Church remembers her mission, the world sees her Savior.