13 Reliable Ways to Crash and Burn in Evangelism
Why This List Exists (Read This First)
This is not written from theory. It is written from experience. I am probably the worst evangelist out there. I have no gifting whatsoever. I try to do the “work of an evangelist,” and I have been sharpened by many real evangelists over the last two decades. I still get the shakes and terrors before I share — even today.
Most evangelism failures do not come from bad intentions, weak faith, or lack of courage. They come from good motives mixed with poor wisdom.
A few of my shame-honest examples, shared as evidence of growth rather than expertise:
- Not so long ago, I had a great conversation with a group of university-aged young women. They were genuinely interested in the Gospel. Follow-up was tricky — we were both males (I was mid-50s; my partner was their age).
When it came time to wrap up and arrange next steps, my partner later told me I had completely blown it.
My closing line was: “Here is my wife’s number. You are very pretty young girls. I am happily married with four children and I don’t need any more problems.”
I still think it was not that bad. The girls — and my partner — are adamant it was not helpful at all. - I once met a man in a shopping centre who said he already went to church. I jokingly replied, “Well I suppose I had better evangelise you properly then.” He did not find it funny.
- On my very first door knock 20 years ago, my opening line was: “Don’t worry, I’m not a Jehovah’s Witness!”
His immediate response was: “Well I am!” — followed by the door being slammed so hard I thought it might come off its hinges.
These are but a taste of my skills. Yet somehow the Lord still uses me.
If you can, go out with a more experienced evangelist. They can sharpen you. If not, always pray first.
Guess what I forgot to do on all of these occasions.
The 13 Fastest Ways to Crash and Burn
1. Start With a Conclusion Instead of a Conversation
Walking up to someone with your answer already locked in — before you understand their story — almost guarantees resistance.
When people feel analysed instead of heard, they shut down. Evangelism is not a verdict; it is a dialogue.
2. Talk More Than You Listen
If you are doing most of the talking, something is already wrong.
People open up when they feel safe. Safety grows when someone listens without interrupting, correcting, or rehearsing their reply.
3. Correct People Publicly or Too Quickly
Correcting beliefs too early — especially in front of others — feels like humiliation, not help.
Even when you are right, timing matters. Truth delivered without patience often produces pride, not repentance.
4. Argue Instead of Build Bridges
Arguments feel productive, but they usually harden positions.
Winning an argument is easy. Winning a person takes humility, restraint, and time.
5. Reduce the Gospel to a Sales Pitch
When the Gospel is presented as a transaction, people instinctively resist.
The Gospel is not pressure, manipulation, or emotional leverage. It is an invitation to reality.
6. Ignore Culture, Background, or Wounds
People are not blank slates. They carry history, pain, betrayal, and experiences with religion.
Ignoring that context can make even true words land as cruelty.
7. Treat Questions as Threats
When someone asks a hard question, it is often a sign of interest — not rebellion.
Shutting questions down teaches people that Christianity fears scrutiny. Truth is not fragile. If you don’t know an answer, say so — and discover it together. That often creates the next conversation.
8. Push for Decisions Too Early
Rushing people toward a response can produce false conversions or deep resentment — particularly with Australians, who hate being cornered by a sales pitch.
Faith grows best when people are allowed to count the cost honestly.
9. Confuse Boldness with Insensitivity
Boldness without love is not courage — it is noise.
Jesus was both uncompromising and deeply attentive to the person in front of Him.
10. Forget That Evangelism Is a Long Game
Most people do not come to faith in a single conversation.
Some sow, some water, others harvest — and God gives the growth. In Australia, the average Christian hears the Gospel many times before committing.
11. Explain the Gospel Clearly — Then Forget to Ask
Many people courageously explain Jesus’ redeeming work, then freeze in the adrenaline rush and forget to actually ask whether the person wants to receive this free gift.
Clarity without invitation often leaves people unsure how to respond.
12. Assume the Loudest Person Is the Only Audience
In group settings, the most vocal or belligerent person is often not the real audience.
Many times someone else is quietly listening — and later approaches privately to ask questions or accept the gift. This happens often in Muslim contexts.
13. Be Bold — But Forget Situational Awareness
God does protect His people, but that does not mean we must abandon wisdom.
Boldness does not require stupidity. Many of us can testify to moments where God graciously had to rescue us after we walked in unaware.
A Better Way Forward
If evangelism feels fragile, awkward, or risky — that is normal. You are dealing with real people and eternal matters.
The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to be faithful, patient, and present.
Failure, when handled honestly, becomes a teacher — not a dead end. The Lord can use everything to work for his good!
Where to next...
More specific examples of Crash and Burning Evangelism, as well as Discipleship, and how to avoid them:
Comments