Over the years, I have used many different tools to learn (and teach others) to share the gospel. Recently, I’ve started using a simple framework to understand what it means to live an evangelistic lifestyle—one that’s less about a “moment” and more about a way of life.
I call it The Four Be’s, and it’s built on one simple truth:
The gospel travels through relationships.
Think for a moment about how you heard the good news of Jesus.
Most likely, you can recall the moment, the place, the circumstances, and what was involved when you heard and responded to the gospel. But most certainly, you can remember the person (or people) God used in your life to share and show you the good news. That’s because the good news is an embodied message at its core.
God came to us in relationship (“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” – John 3:16).
He now sends us into relationship (“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” – John 20:21).
So, an evangelistic lifestyle is about building the kinds of relationships where the gospel can travel naturally—where grace can be seen, trust can be built, and truth can be shared.
Here’s how the “Four Be’s” help us do that.
1. Be Curious
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak…” – James 1:19
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” – Proverbs 20:5
Curiosity is the first step toward connection. People can tell when you care about them versus when you’re trying to “get something” from them. True curiosity is a form of love—it reflects the heart of Christ, who saw people, noticed their stories, and asked questions that drew them out.
Practice curiosity:
- Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions: “How did you get into that line of work?” “What’s been the best part of your week?” “How did you end up in this neighborhood?”
- Listen well. Be fully present—don’t just wait to talk.
- Notice what lights people up, what burdens they carry, what they value most.
- Pray silently as you listen: “Lord, help me hear what’s really going on here.”
Who in your everyday routine could you get to know better?
Simple challenge: Initiate one meaningful conversation this week with someone outside your Christian circle.
Evangelism often starts with simple curiosity.
2. Be Hospitable
“Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Matthew 25:35
Hospitality is the soil where gospel seeds grow. It’s not just about opening your home—it’s about opening your life. Jesus didn’t run a program; He shared tables, meals, and moments. When we invite people into our ordinary spaces, we make room for the extraordinary work of the Spirit.
Practice hospitality:
- Share a meal. Grill out. Go for coffee. Invite someone to watch a game or take a walk.
- Create a “third space” habit—a regular rhythm of being somewhere (coffee shop, park, gym) where you can form relationships naturally.
- Be generous. People remember when they feel genuinely welcomed.
- Resist perfectionism. Hospitality isn’t about impressing; it’s about including.
Simple challenge: Extend one invitation this week—into your home, to a meal, or into your life. And here’s the beautiful thing—sometimes your hospitality becomes the soil where spiritual curiosity begins to grow.
So, this week, ask yourself: Who can I invite into my life?
3. Be Intentional
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” – Colossians 4:5-6
“Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Intentionality bridges the gap between friendship and witness. Gospel conversations rarely “just happen”—they are cultivated through prayerful awareness and Spirit-led boldness. Being intentional means looking for and responding to the Spirit’s nudges.
Practice intentionality:
- Pray regularly for specific people by name.
- Look for natural openings in conversation where faith intersects with life (stress, gratitude, meaning, suffering).
- Offer to pray for people—right there in the moment if possible.
- Follow up: “I’ve been praying for what you mentioned last week—how’s that going?”
- Be consistent; evangelism is often slow, relational work.
Simple challenge: Pray daily for one person far from Christ and one opportunity to love or speak truth each day.
Don’t underestimate the power of small, Spirit-led steps of intentionality. You never know how God might use them.
4. Be Honest
“We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:20
“Always be ready… yet do it with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Honesty brings the gospel into focus. People respect authenticity, not perfection. You don’t need to have every answer—you just need to tell the truth about Jesus and what He’s done in your life. Be open about your faith naturally and graciously, without fear or defensiveness.
Practice honesty:
- Share your story: what Jesus has done and is doing in you.
- Be honest about your struggles—and how grace sustains you.
- Don’t hide your identity as a Christian. Let people see faith integrated into your normal life.
- Be ready to speak clearly about the gospel when God opens the door.
Simple challenge: This month, look for one opportunity to speak clearly about Christ with someone you’ve been building a relationship with.
Honesty gives credibility to your witness. It turns everyday relationships into gospel conversations.
Living On Mission
Evangelism isn’t a project—it’s a posture. The “Four Be’s” call us to live open, intentional, relational lives where the gospel can travel freely through us to others.
- Be curious — Listen like Jesus.
- Be hospitable — Welcome like Jesus.
- Be intentional — Pursue like Jesus.
- Be honest — Speak like Jesus.
When we live this way, evangelism stops feeling like an awkward task and starts becoming the natural overflow of a life shaped by the gospel.
God is on the move. The Gospel is going forth. The harvest is plentiful. Allow your life to be a vessel.
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