How to Share Jesus With Non-Believing Friends — With Respect and Boldness

Sharing about Jesus with friends can feel intimidating. You might wonder how people will react — will they think you’re being pushy, silly for believing the Bible, or one of “those” judgmental Christians?

In a culture where spiritual conversations can feel off-limits, it’s surprising that 74% of Americans say they want to grow spiritually — likely including those who don’t identify with any religion.

This shows us that people are searching for meaning and hope. As followers of Christ, we have the privilege of pointing them toward both.

Jesus gave us that mission in Matthew 28:19–20:

“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So the question isn’t whether to share our faith — it’s how. How can we speak truth with conviction while showing respect and love?

Tip #1: Start With Curiosity, Not Conclusions

Many assume that sharing the Gospel means delivering a sermon or asking awkward questions like, “Where will you go when you die?” But some of the best conversations begin with genuine curiosity.

Ask thoughtful questions that invite reflection:

● “You’ve said that truth is relative — but is that statement true?”

● “You believe science rules out God. But doesn’t science also rest on things we can’t prove, like the uniformity of nature?”

● “Where do you think our shared sense of right and wrong comes from?”

The goal isn’t to corner someone into agreement — it’s to spark honest dialogue. Every good question opens a door for the Holy Spirit to work.

Tip #2: Be Honest About Your Own Journey

In John 3:3, Jesus told Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Spiritual understanding comes alive after belief, not before it.

That’s why stories of transformation matter. Share how God met you, changed you, and continues to shape your life. Authenticity disarms defensiveness and helps others see faith as real, not theoretical.

Be the kind of person that makes people stop and go, “Wow. There’s something different about you.” That curiosity opens doors that no argument ever could.

Tip #3: Know the “Why” Behind What You Believe

Confidence grows when you understand the reasons for your faith. Christianity isn’t blind belief; it’s trust grounded in evidence, reason, and experience.

Learn to explain why you believe Jesus rose from the dead, why the Bible’s reliability stands up to historical scrutiny, and why Christianity best answers life’s biggest questions about truth, morality, and meaning.

That’s exactly what Faith Ascent exists to do — to help students think deeply about faith so they can defend it with clarity and compassion.

Tip #4: Remember the End of the Story

You don’t have to “win” every argument or convince everyone. Even if you were the only person on earth who believed in Jesus, your faith would still be true.

As Christian apologist Brett Kunkle reminds us:

“We know how the story ends. Two thousand years ago Jesus walked out of a

grave, and no cultural challenge will ever be able to put Him back in. Of all people,

we should be the ones who exude hope, because we know how this story ends.

Christ our King will come back, conquer sin and death, and make all things new.”

Because Jesus truly rose from the dead, we can face every cultural challenge with humility, courage, and unshakable hope.

An Invitation

If you’d like to grow in confidence as you engage today’s culture, join us for an inspiring two-day experience with Brett and Erin Kunkle!

Tuesday, November 4 – “Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World” (for parents and educators)

Wednesday, November 5 – “If God Is Good, Why Is There Evil and Suffering?” (for students and youth groups)

Come learn with us. Ask the hard questions. Strengthen your faith. And discover how you can

share the hope of Christ with grace and boldness in a world that’s desperate for truth.

👉 Click here to RSVP today.

May the Lord bless you as you go and make disciples!