A simple guide to building relationships, sharing your story and the gospel, and helping others find and follow Jesus.

What is the Gospel? 

The gospel is the good news that our sin separates us from God, but Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died in our place for our sins, and rose again. We receive forgiveness, new life, and a relationship with God by turning from our sin and trusting our entire lives to Jesus.

B.L.E.S.S. Strategy

B.L.E.S.S. is a relational approach to evangelism modeled after Jesus. Sometimes God opens the door to share the gospel right away. Other times, these five rhythms help us build relationships and create natural opportunities to talk about Jesus.

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

Ask God, “How do you want me to bless the
people where you have sent me?”

LISTEN

Listen carefully to people’s stories, struggles,
needs, and hopes.

EAT

Share a meal or coffee together. Relationships
often deepen around a table.

SERVE

As you listen and build relationships, look for
practical ways to serve.

SHARE THE GOSPEL

When the time is right, share how Jesus has changed your life and explain the good news of what He has done.
(Adapted from the B.L.E.S.S. strategy developed by Dave and Jon Ferguson)

Start the Gospel Conversation

Keep gospel conversations natural. Ask questions, listen well, and look for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus. 
You Could Begin By Asking These Diagnostic Questions
1. “If you died today and God asked, ‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ what would you say?”

2. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how certain are you that you would go to heaven?”
Potential Follow Up Questions
Give them time to answer. Instead of correcting them, ask another question:

• “What makes you say that?”

• “Is that something you have always believed?”

• “Could I share how I came to understand this?”

• “Could I share what the Bible says about forgiveness and assurance through Jesus?"

Share Your Story
and the Gospel

1. My Life Before Jesus
Briefly share what your life was like before you trusted Jesus. Be honest, but keep the focus on how sin separates every person from God.

Memorize and share Romans 3:23.
2. How I Met Jesus
Share how you came to understand the gospel and place your faith in Jesus. Explain that Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died in our place for our sins, and rose again.

Memorize and share Romans 5:8 and Romans 10:9.

3. My Life With Jesus Now
Share the difference Jesus has made in your life. Be honest. You are not perfect, but because of Jesus you have forgiveness, peace, purpose, and a relationship with God.

Memorize and share Romans 5:1.
4. Invite Them to Trust and Follow Jesus
Ask: “Is there anything keeping you from trusting and following Jesus today?”

Explain that we respond to Jesus through repentance and faith. They may express their faith through prayer, but Jesus is the one who saves. It is not the particular words they pray that save them.

Memorize and share Romans 10:13.
5. Help Them Take Their Next Steps
If they trust Jesus, continue walking with them and help them:

• Be baptized.
• Read Scripture and pray.
• Learn to obey Jesus.
• Connect with a Bible believing church and other Christians.
• Begin helping others find and follow Jesus.

Additional Tips
and Resources

Keep these things in mind when sharing the Gospel. 
Pray and depend on the Holy Spirit.
You cannot change someone’s heart. Ask God to guide the conversation and help them understand the truth.
Listen before you speak.
Ask questions and show genuine interest. Do not treat someone like a project or rush through the conversation.

Ask permission.
Simple questions can open the door:

• “Could I share what I believe?”
• “Could I tell you how Jesus changed my life?”
• “Would you like to look at what the Bible says?"
Keep Jesus at the center.
The gospel is not advice about becoming a better person. It is the good news of what Jesus has done through His perfect life, death, and resurrection.

It is okay to say, “I don’t know.”
You do not need to have every answer. Offer to explore their question together or connect them with someone who can help.
Continue the relationship.
Whether they respond right away or not, keep praying, listening, serving, and spending time with them.

Key Gospel Passages

Every gospel-sharing conversation is different. These passages help explain our need for salvation, Jesus’ work, our response through faith and repentance, and growth as His disciples. Use them as helpful references in gospel conversations.
Our need for salvation
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 6:23
• Ephesians 2:1–3
What Jesus has done
• John 3:16
• Romans 5:8
• 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• 1 Peter 3:18
Salvation through faith
• John 1:12
• Acts 16:31
• Romans 10:9–13
• Ephesians 2:8–9
• Titus 3:4–7
Repentance and following Jesus
• Mark 1:15
• Luke 9:23
• Acts 2:38
• 2 Corinthians 5:15
Assurance of salvation
• John 5:24
• John 10:27–29
• Romans 5:1
• Romans 8:1
• 1 John 5:11–13

Growing as a disciple
• Matthew 28:19–20
• Acts 2:41–42
• Colossians 2:6–7
• 1 Peter 2:2–3
Need Help?

If you need help starting a gospel conversation or walking alongside someone who has trusted Jesus, connect with one of Stonehill’s pastors or ministry leaders. We would love to encourage you and help you take the next step.