Evangelism: Preparing for Rejection

by David Rollert

One of the unpleasant facts about evangelism is that sometimes people will reject the gospel. That is not the outcome we want, nor the outcome we expect, but it is a possibility. For many people, that fact will send them into a spiral of negativity. They might think “why even try if the effort will be worthless?” However, if we don’t try, then the gospel will never be spread. So, with that in mind, let’s look at some ways to prepare for the possibility of an evangelism contact rejecting the gospel.

Preparing our presentation. It is the worst feeling when you KNOW you didn’t present the gospel clearly, and the prospect rejects it. I don’t mean a low-self-esteem reaction where you habitually think you fail at everything - that is a different topic altogether. I am referring to an honest evaluation of your performance in which you understand that you did not do well. The best way to avoid this is preparing your presentation. Seek training on how to evangelize well. Practice having evangelistic conversations by role playing with other Christians. Use a well-organized evangelism tool such as “Back to the Bible.” Consider what questions are likely to be asked and prepare Biblical answers for them. Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Preparing our reactions. This is a topic that is often overlooked. Don’t leave your emotional reactions up to chance and the heat of the moment! This isn’t just about what you will say, but also about HOW you will deliver your words. Your tone, your volume, your posture, your facial expressions, your use of silence - each of these convey non-verbal communication! The goal of this is to do everything in your power to make sure that the door to future studies stays open. If they reject your invitation to study, don’t act insulted and start to ignore them. Instead, continue to be warm, kind, and a good friend. If they studied with you, but reject the gospel, don’t act like they wasted your time. Instead, thank them for being involved in the study and let them know that you are always available if they have questions. If they bring up some outlandish idea, don’t get angry or defensive. Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Preparing our emotions. This one is honestly the hardest. Many people have a hard time regulating their emotions, especially when something negative happens. One way to prepare yourself is by repeating a few facts leading up to the study, then just before the study, and after the study. Here are the facts regarding rejection:

• They are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Christ. Read Romans 10:15-17

• Even Jesus and Paul did not succeed in converting everyone. Read Acts 17:32-34

• If you never try, then you will never succeed. Read Matthew 13:18-23

Remember: Proper preparation prevents poor performance.