3 Questions Deep
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” — Luke 10: When was the last time you shared the gospel?
For many Christians, the honest answer is, “Not in a long time,” or maybe, “I never really have.” I do not believe that is always because Christians do not care. Many do care. Many want to be faithful. But most people feel awkward, untrained, or afraid of saying the wrong thing. Not everyone is an extrovert, and not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but every believer is called to be a witness.
Barna research found that only 52% of practicing Christians strongly agree that they personally have a responsibility to tell others about their faith. That means this is not just a personal struggle; it is a discipleship issue in the Church.
One simple way to grow in this is what Pastor Josh Howerton calls going “3 questions deep.” It is not complicated. It begins with noticing people.
You ask, “How are you doing?” Most people will say, “I’m good.” Instead of stopping there, ask, “Why do you say that?” Now you are two questions deep. You have moved past small talk and closer to the heart. Then, after listening, you can say, “I’m really glad things are going well. I’m a Christian. Is there anything I can be praying for you about?”
That one question can leave a holy impression. You are not forcing anything. You are showing that Christians are not just people with opinions; Christians are people who care.
Sometimes it helps to ask their name. A name reminds someone that they are not a project, a number, or an interruption. They are a person made in the image of God. Using someone’s name can soften a conversation because it communicates dignity.
Other times, someone may say, “I am doing alright” You can gently ask, “Do you mind sharing what’s bothering you?” If they open up, you can say, “Man, I’m sorry to hear that. I’m a Christian, and do you mind if I just pray with you?” Or you might say after that prayer or conversation, “If the Lord answers this prayer, I want you to know it was Jesus who answered it.”
You may be surprised how often people become emotional. That is not because your words are perfect. It is because the Holy Spirit is already working in places you cannot see.
From there, the door may open. You might ask, “Do you know who Jesus is?” Or, “Did you know God loves you and wants you to know Him?” You do not need to preach a full sermon. You can simply share what Jesus has done in your life. If He changed you, He can change them.
The goal is not always to take someone from a negative six to a positive ten in one conversation. Sometimes the goal is to help them move from a negative six to a negative three and trust that God will keep working.
Evangelism is not about being impressive. It is about being interested. It is not about winning an argument. It is about showing someone that they are cared for by God and by His people.
And remember this: you do not bring people to Jesus. Jesus brings people to Jesus. Your job is to know the message, pray for opportunities, step out in faith, and watch God work.
You may be rejected. Jesus told us that would happen. He said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Rejection does not mean you failed. Sometimes rejection is simply proof that you were faithful enough to step out.
So this week, do not overcomplicate it. Ask a question. Listen well. Learn a name. Offer prayer. Share Jesus when the door opens.
Go three questions deep. Someone’s heart may be closer than you think.
Pastor Chance Elmer
Youth Ministry