Pastor Aaron Olinski and Emmanuel Lofton

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be purposeful and direct in sharing the good news. This isn’t just about knowing the story of Jesus, but about understanding the power and presence we carry through the Holy Spirit. There are no limitations on people or location when it comes to sharing the gospel.

Whether we're at home with our families, talking with neighbors, or spending time with coworkers, God can use any of these moments as a divine opportunity. These aren’t coincidences. This is what it looks like to live a Spirit-led life.

Recognizing Divine Opportunities

Too often, we walk through life unaware of the spiritual significance in our everyday interactions. But God is constantly placing people in our paths, people who are hurting, struggling, or simply searching for hope. We need to shift our perspective and recognize these moments when they occur.

God isn’t asking us to be perfect. He’s asking us to be available.

Need-Oriented Evangelism: Serving First

One of the most practical ways to share the gospel is through need-oriented evangelism. This means simply recognizing a need and meeting it, serving others in a tangible way.

A personal example of this came when my neighbor’s grass started growing unusually tall. They usually had someone to mow it regularly, but something seemed off. So after mowing my own yard, I just kept going, mowing theirs too. Later that week, my neighbor stopped me and said, “Did you mow our grass?” I told her I did, and she thanked me, explaining that their lawn guy had retired and they hadn’t found a replacement yet. She was so genuinely grateful.

That simple act of service opened a door. She knows where I work, she knows who I represent, and now there's a deeper connection. That’s the heart of need-oriented evangelism. It’s not flashy, but it’s real, and people notice when you care.

Speaking the Gospel: Letting It Come Out of Your Mouth

While serving is important, we also need to speak. We can’t stop at actions alone, people need to hear about Jesus, too.

Not long ago, I had a conversation with someone at the gym who shared that her husband had been in an accident. Struggles like that often make people more open to spiritual conversations. I simply asked, “Is this causing you to turn toward God or away from Him?” She shared that it was drawing them closer. I encouraged her, offered to pray, and invited her to church.

It was a natural and genuine conversation. I wasn’t pushy. I was just being real. When people are hurting, they’re looking for hope, and we know the source of that hope.

God is placing people in our paths on purpose. These encounters are not random. When we rely on God and open our mouths, we can become part of someone else's spiritual journey.

It’s Not About You: It’s About Them

At the core of evangelism is a heart that cares. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This can’t be transactional. We’re not sharing Jesus so we can feel better about ourselves or check a box. We do it because they matter.

And if you’re waiting for someone to fall to their knees in the grocery store and accept Christ on the spot, it might not happen. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you planted a seed.

Jesus spoke to this in John 4:35: “You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”

There is urgency. There is readiness. But we must be willing to step into the moment.

No More Excuses

So what’s holding you back? Maybe you feel like you don’t know enough. Maybe you’re afraid of offending someone. But think about how much effort we put into other areas of life, getting certified for a job, taking classes to grow in our careers.

Why don’t we approach our spiritual growth the same way?

We have access to Bible studies and groups that help us learn how to pray and understand Scripture. But too often, we choose to remain spiritually unprepared. We let fear of rejection or discomfort keep us silent.

At the root of that fear is often this truth: we care more about what people think of us than what they know about Jesus.

If that person is far from God, and we choose silence so they’ll like us, what does that say about where our priorities lie?

We have to stop letting fear dictate our faith. Instead, we need a little more boldness, a little more courage, and a lot more trust in the Holy Spirit.

Heaven on Earth Starts with Us

Yes, Jesus came so we could go to heaven. But He also came to bring heaven to earth, through us. That means every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of courage is part of a bigger plan.

God’s strength is already on full display. The question is: will we join in?

We get to offer hope to the hopeless, healing to the hurting, and truth to those searching for meaning. So let’s stop making excuses and start living boldly.