Before You Share Your Faith

“When I was a new Christian 50 years ago I read two little booklets by John Stott on personal evangelism that changed my life. Matt Smethurst has written a short book on the same subject that is every bit as good as those older essays but of course far more up to date. Read it—it could change your life!”

“I must confess that sometimes I don’t share my faith when I should. But this little book is not designed to make me ashamed of myself (I don’t need help in that department), but to help me do better. If you are a Christian who never wavers on this front, don’t bother reading this book: you don’t need it. Otherwise read it thoughtfully and gratefully.”

“Few people can write a warm, winsome book on evangelism while still maintaining biblical faithfulness, but Matt Smethurst has pulled it off. Matt is a player-coach who walks alongside us, outlining the foundational components of sharing our faith and never forgetting that evangelism is part of every faithful believer’s life. This book will instruct the fearless and invigorate the fearful.”

“Matt Smethurst has given God’s people a tremendously valuable resource: something to help prepare us for evangelism. He addresses topics that are often skipped over or assumed in evangelism training. And he does so with excellent prose and gospel grace.”

“Packed with pastoral wisdom, theological clarity, and a contagious zeal—both for Christ and for the lost. I can’t think of a better short encouragement toward evangelism. Read it with friends, and get sharing!”

“People tend to overcomplicate things. We can be so busy looking for the Bible study plan that we forget to study our Bibles. We form well-intentioned discipleship pathways that are more of a maze than a map. That’s why I love this book by Matt Smethurst. It doesn’t dodge the challenges we face, but it does something many evangelism books don’t: it shows the simplicity and wonder of the gospel. Matt takes a step back to explain how any believer can be prepared to share this good news with both strangers and friends. Read this—and put what you read into practice. It’s really that simple.”

“Every Christian would love to tell their friends about Jesus. So why don’t we do it more often? It’s certainly not due to lack of opportunities. What if the barriers are not so much what’s outside us but what’s inside? Matt Smethurst’s book will remove barriers and motivate you to share your faith—as the title promises! This book will be life-changing both for you and for the friends you tell about Jesus.”

“This is a delightful book on evangelism! Matt Smethurst focuses on the crucial topic of how to prepare for witness—before the opportunity arrives. His writing is clear, concise, compelling and insightful. This is an important contribution on a very important subject.”

“Jumping to the how in evangelism is the norm. But Matt Smethurst prepares us for the jump by unpacking why we should jump in the first place . . . and it’s fabulously helpful in every way. This book aligns your heart to answer evangelism’s why, and then graciously kicks your behind to get involved for the glory of God.”

“Matt Smethurst has written a helpful book for what seems like the bulk of us—those who want to share our faith, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. He gives us a view of the gospel we proclaim, the obstacles we encounter on the way, and the God who overcomes them. I am happy to commend this handy resource to ministry leaders and anyone looking to get after the work God has given the church.”