Evangelism simply means to share good news. It's the Greek word gospelize: to spread good news. It means to share, tell, proclaim and make known.

Most of us are already good at it…we just don't realize it. We share good news all the time without even thinking about it. We share stuff that we like, that has worked or something good that we've experienced all the time. We share news about sports, movies we've seen, books we've read or podcasts we've listened to. We just need to apply this to our own stories and share what Jesus has done for us with those around us.

Today's on the podcast, Scott unpacks three stories—three conversations—that have shaped him.

"These conversations have shaped my whole life. You're going to quickly find out this episode is extremely personal to me. I hope it encourages you!"

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Opening Questions

• Where are you winning this week?

• What's some good news you've shared recently? (sports, food, family, etc.)

• Why do you think it's easier to share things like that than to share about Jesus?

Read Romans 10:1-17. What sticks out to you? Do any of Paul's questions in verses 14-15 stick out to you

Scott talks about crucial conversations that have happened in his own life. Are there any gospel conversations that stick out in your own life that have impacted you?

Scott's life changed because a friend never gave up on inviting him to church.

• Who has been a "Chris Johnstone" in your life, someone who kept showing up and loving you well?

• Who might God be asking you to be that kind of friend to?

• What can you learn from Chris' faithfulness over 3 years of invitations?

Scott said, "Everybody deserves an opportunity to know how much Jesus loves them."

• Who comes to mind when you hear that statement?

• What might it look like to push past the awkward and start a gospel conversation with them?

Scott told his dad, "Your shame is not an obstacle for Jesus."

• How have you seen shame keep people from believing that Jesus could love or forgive them?

• What truths from Scripture could help someone see that God's grace is bigger than their past?

• How can you bring both grace and truth into hard conversations like this?

Who is one person that the Holy Spirit may be putting on your mind as you listen to this podcast? How can you reach that person.

John 3:16-17 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world (insert your loved ones names, the people that you care about) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Key verses

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

Romans 10:9-13 (ESV) 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Wrap Up:

• If this podcast has encouraged you—I'd love to hear from you.

• If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at [email protected].

• As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend. You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.

• Thanks for listening. Get after it! We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.