Having Gospel-centered conversations can already feel like a daunting task, but it can feel even more intimidating with people from other religions or faiths. In any conversation, our minds are filled with questions and concerns about the best way to approach someone. When someone is raised in or actively practicing another religion, it adds another layer of depth to the conversation. It poses questions like: What do they believe about God? How do their beliefs influence their lives? Am I knowledgeable enough to answer their questions? How can I share the Gospel without being disrespectful? What if they ask something I don’t know how to answer? How can I find common ground while remaining faithful to the truth of Scripture?
These questions can often feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember one key truth: a conversation with someone of another faith is not fundamentally different from any other Gospel-centered conversation. No matter what someone’s background or beliefs are, we should approach them the same way. First, we must understand that everyone has a worldview that impacts the way they view and perceive life and the way it works.
In any Gospel-centered conversation, our goal should be to love the person, or people, well. We should get to know them and show them that we care. Theodore Roosevelt expressed it best when he said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Most people are willing to listen to you when they recognize your kindness and intentionality. By making them feel seen, finding common ground, and communicating our hearts, we will often find an opportunity to openly express the truth of scripture.
While our approach remains the same, there are some tactics we can use when discussing the Gospel with people of other faiths. By discovering their core beliefs, you can open yourself up to having a clarifying conversation. First, what do they believe about God, or their god(s)? You’d be surprised by how many similar beliefs you probably share. Second, what do they believe about Jesus? Jesus’ resurrection is the pinnacle of the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14-22), so it should be our goal to share the truth of His sacrifice and what it means for us. Lastly, what do they believe about salvation? Christianity is the only religion that preaches that we are saved by grace alone! For many, this is both a confusing and wonderful concept to learn. Many people from other religions live their lives believing they have to earn their salvation and never having assurance of where they will spend eternity. The message of Jesus’ grace, forgiveness, and assurance may be something they have never truly encountered before, yet it could be exactly what they need to hear.
In the end, just like with any conversation, we should pray for discernment and wisdom from God. We can do our best to prepare for a conversation, but the most important part is allowing for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you on how to reach a person, knowing and trusting that He will accomplish His will.
Written by Kayleigh Isaacs