Evangelism that Matters
Evangelism that Matters
In today’s world, many people feel lonely, uncertain, and overwhelmed. There is a deep hunger for meaning, connection, and peace. Surprisingly, research shows that Christianity still has something very attractive to offer—things that people are genuinely searching for.
Recent research from McCrindle shows that what most draws non-Christians to the faith isn’t flashy events or persuasive arguments—it’s a sense of community, genuine care for others, and a message of peace and hope. These are the very things so many are longing for in a fast-moving, often disconnected world.
This shapes how we think about evangelism. Evangelism isn’t about trying to win arguments or impress people with how much we know. It’s about being fully present in the lives of another. And when the Holy Spirit moves in that person’s life, it is about being ready, with humility and kindness, to share the hope that shapes our lives.
The Bible says it this way:
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” — 1 Peter 3:15
That hope isn’t rooted in ourselves. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about knowing we are loved by God, that we’re not alone, and that there’s a bigger story we’ve been invited into—a story of grace, healing, and belonging.
Evangelism happens when we create spaces where people feel safe, seen, and welcomed. It happens when we listen deeply, care genuinely, and share our faith not as a script but as a lived experience. When someone sees how we carry peace in difficult times, or how we show kindness when it’s not expected, they may begin to wonder: What’s different about you?
And that’s our moment. Not to preach, but to gently offer what’s been given to us—the good news that God is near, that love is real, and that hope is not just wishful thinking, but something solid we can build our lives on.
In a society hungry for meaning and connection, perhaps the most powerful form of evangelism is simply this: to live lives that reflect the hope we have, and to be ready—when asked—to share where it comes from.
Five Key Questions for Reflection and Conversation
- What does it look like for us to “give an answer for the hope we have” in everyday conversations—with friends, family, or coworkers?
- In what ways can our church community become a place where people experience belonging, peace, and care—even before they believe?
- How has your own experience of God’s peace or hope helped you through difficult times—and could that be a story worth sharing?
- What are the barriers—internal or external—that keep us from sharing our faith with gentleness and respect?
- If someone walked into your life or your church this week, would they see signs of the hope you carry? What might that look like?
Evangelism Courses
Below is a list of some of the evangelism courses that Lutheran congregations around Australia have been using. Each course will have a different emphasis or focus, and will engage with people differently. (Click on the title for a link to the resource)
Alpha
An internationally renowned course that introduces the basics of the Christian faith in a relaxed, open environment. Alpha is structured around food, video talks, and small group discussions, making it ideal for those exploring life’s big questions in a community setting.
Introducing God
This Australian-developed course presents the Christian message through a conversational format using video content and discussions. It is designed to help people explore who God is and what life is about, making it suitable for those new to faith or seeking clarity on spiritual matters.
Starting Point
Created by North Point Ministries, Starting Point is a small group experience tailored for seekers, returners, and new believers. It offers a safe space to explore faith, ask honest questions, and engage with the foundational truths of Christianity through storytelling and discussion.
Christianity Explored
This course takes participants through the Gospel of Mark to investigate who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to follow Him. With a mix of video, discussion, and personal reflection, it is well-suited to those curious about Jesus’ identity and mission.
Practicing the Way
A discipleship-oriented course inspired by John Mark Comer, focused on helping both new and mature believers follow Jesus through ancient spiritual practices like prayer, Sabbath, and Scripture reading. The course blends teaching with practical action to foster deep spiritual formation.
XP Film Series
Targeted at younger Australians, xp. offers short, creative YouTube-style videos that explore life’s big questions—faith, identity, purpose, and God—through storytelling and visual engagement. It’s an ideal tool for youth-focused evangelism and discussion starters.
Questioning Christianity
Founded by Dan Paterson, this site offers thoughtful responses to common objections and questions about Christianity. Through articles, videos, and podcasts, it equips individuals to engage with the intellectual, emotional, and cultural challenges of faith.
Olive Tree Media
Led by Karl Faase, this Australian media organisation produces high-quality video series like Jesus the Game Changer that explore the relevance of Christianity in today’s world. The content is particularly useful for group studies and public evangelism within a cultural context.
Simply Christianity
Created by Matthias Media, this course presents the life and message of Jesus through the Gospel of Luke. It is designed for people with little or no prior knowledge of Christianity and provides a simple, clear introduction to who Jesus is and why He matters.
Mission and Ministry Resources
If you are looking for tools to enhance the mission and ministry of your congregation, head to the Congregational Life Hub (https://www.lca.org.au/clh/).
These resources are thoughtfully organized under key headings, including:
- Worship and Faith
- Mission
- Ministry
- Pastoral Care
- Safe Church
- Churchworkers
- Governance and Administration
- Training
- Grants and Scholarships
We’d love your input! If you know of other helpful resources or links that would benefit this collection, please share them by emailing david.schmidt@qld.lca.org.au. Together, we can build a library that equips and empowers every congregation in their mission and ministry.
Rev. David Schmidt
Assistant Bishop for Mission
Commission for Mission
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