Most Protestant churchgoers say they are eager to talk to others about Jesus, and are praying for opportunities to share their faith. But most also say they have not had any evangelistic conversations in the past six months.
The 2019 Discipleship Pathway Assessment study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research found excitement and eagerness about the idea of evangelism, but few Protestant churchgoers actually engaged in the practice regularly. More than half (55 percent) of those who attend church at least once a month say they have not shared with someone how to become a Christian in the past six months.
“Sharing the good news that Jesus paid for our sins through His death on the cross and rose again to bring us new life is the mission of the church,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research, “but it does not appear to be the priority of churchgoers.”
Seeking evangelistic opportunities
A majority of churchgoers (56 percent) say they pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus at least once a week, with about one in four (23 percent) praying for such moments every day.