Three Ways to Live Out the Gospel Where You Are

Three Ways to Live Out the Gospel Where You Are

By Melanie Ratcliffe

Evangelism is not an add-on to ministry. It is central to who we are as followers of Jesus. And when women truly embrace this mission, it transforms not only their lives, but the communities around them. God has called us to embrace the mission He has given us to live out.

Here are three ways we can be faithful to do that.

1. Live the Mission Everywhere

The first way we embrace the mission is by living the mission everywhere. Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20 are familiar to us: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What I love about this passage is that the word go can be translated as “as you are going.” That meaning changes how we see evangelism. It reminds us that the mission of making disciples is not limited to special events, programs, or scheduled church activities. It happens in the everyday rhythms of life.

We are already around people who do not have a relationship with Jesus. We encounter them while we’re working, shopping, parenting, serving, and simply living our lives. Making disciples happens while we are going.

When you think about the women in your ministry, invite them to reimagine what “go” looks like in their own context. Encourage them to think creatively and prayerfully about the places God already has them.

Maybe it looks like sitting on the bleachers during their child’s T-ball practice instead of waiting in the car. Maybe it means starting a Bible study in the lunchroom at work instead of eating alone. It could be as simple as leaving an empty seat in a small group as a visible reminder that there is always space to bring a friend.

Women who love Jesus desire to live the mission for Jesus. When they realize that evangelism is woven into their everyday lives, the mission feels less intimidating and far more attainable.

2. Approach Your Day with Intentionality

Intentionality is a mindset of self-direction, a purposeful way of living that looks for opportunities to connect people with the gospel.

Jesus modeled this better than anyone. He went through His days with deep intentionality. He invited Himself into a tax collector’s home. He fed hungry crowds. He sat beside a woman at a well while she completed a daily chore and helped her understand kingdom truths. Everywhere Jesus went, He intentionally moved moments toward the gospel.

When Jesus spent time with people, He did so on purpose.

So how can we do the same?

  • Be curious: Our culture has trained us to mind our own business, but that posture has created a deep chasm of loneliness and disconnection. Asking good questions allows people to feel seen and valued. It gives us insight into their beliefs, experiences, and needs.
  • Listen well: Once you ask a question, pause. Resist the urge to think ahead or formulate your response while the other person is still talking. I can be guilty of this myself. Listening requires us to slow down and truly hear what is being shared.
  • Go the extra mile: We can volunteer. We can step up when help is needed. We can look intentionally for a bridge to a spiritual conversation. Don’t be afraid to move toward deeper conversations. Yes, it requires more courage and investment, and yes, it takes practice, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Intentionality turns ordinary moments into gospel opportunities.

  1. Converse the Gospel

The third way we embrace the mission is by learning to converse the gospel. Think back to the first time you shared the gospel. I was 15 years old, and I treated it like a science fair presentation. It was effective, but it was also intimidating.

What if sharing the gospel looked less like a presentation and more like a conversation?

When we are authentic in our relationships, Jesus should come up naturally because of our relationship with Him. Gospel conversations flow best from genuine connection, not rehearsed scripts.

One helpful way to think about this is through the acronym S.H.A.R.E., which outlines five simple steps for guiding a conversation toward the gospel.

S—Serve
The first step is to serve. Authentic service opens the door to meaningful conversations. People can sense sincerity, and genuine service creates trust and connection. It’s not just about the task—it’s about the heart behind it.

Simple acts of kindness can go a long way. One time, my neighbor’s dog went missing. My husband and I drove around the neighborhood looking for him. We didn’t find the dog that day, but a few days later, our neighbors left a cake on our doorstep just to say thank you.

Whether it’s helping search for a lost pet or cooking a meal for a grieving family, acts of service set the stage for conversations about faith.

H-Hear
As the conversation unfolds, hearing becomes crucial. This means actively listening without planning your response while the other person is speaking. It’s okay to give yourself permission to slow down and wait.

Hearing goes beyond words. It involves understanding the emotions and experiences behind what someone is sharing. Practice empathy. Put yourself in their shoes. Seek to understand their journey.

When people feel heard, they feel valued, and that creates space for trust.

A-Ask
Based on what you’ve heard, ask thoughtful follow-up questions. These questions help move the conversation deeper and demonstrate genuine interest. They invite people to share more of their story and perspective.

Be a safe space. Be understanding. When people sense they won’t be judged or rushed, they are more likely to open up honestly.

R-Relate
Look for common ground and share your own story. Talk about how Christ has transformed your life. Be open and vulnerable. Share not only the good parts, but also the areas of brokenness that God restored.

When we share honestly, we become relatable. People don’t need to see perfection; they need to see redemption. Our stories help others see how the gospel intersects with real life.

E—Extend
Finally, extend an invitation. After establishing connection and sharing your story, ask if they have experienced life transformation through Christ. Invite them to reflect on their own spiritual journey.

If their answer is no, share how they can have a relationship with Jesus. Share Scripture. Invite them to learn more together. Extension is not pressure—it’s an invitation rooted in love and respect.

Creating a Culture That Embraces the Mission

When women embrace the mission by living it everywhere, walking with intentionality, and conversing the gospel naturally, God begins to move. He works in their hearts. He works in their families. He works in their communities.

As leaders, our role is to help women see that evangelism is not something extra they have to do. It is who they already are as followers of Jesus. When they embrace that truth, the mission becomes a joy instead of a burden.

A culture of evangelism grows when women understand that God is already at work in the places they go every day—and He invites them to join Him there.

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This article was adapted from a session of the “Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Women” online training course. To learn more or take the course, click here. Also available in Spanish.


Published January 20, 2026

Melanie Ratcliffe

Melanie Ratcliffe serves as the Director of Relational Evangelism at the South Carolina Baptist Convention. She is passionate about sharing Christ with those far from Him, with a genuine desire to see them come to Christ and connect with others in ways that reflect His love. As a former IMB missionary to Russia and currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership, Melanie is deeply committed to equipping others in their faith journey. She and her husband, Jody, have raised three amazing children, all actively involved in ministry. Her life is a testament to the faithfulness of God.