Ed Stetzer: Christians must talk about Jesus, not just 'show Him by their lives'

The increasingly becoming popular belief that Christians should talk about the gospel less and instead let people know about Jesus more through their lives is bad theology, according to famous pastor, author and speaker Ed Stetzer.

"Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words," a quote that apparently came from St. Francis of Assisi, is a principle accepted by many Christians today. It sounds good, except that it wasn't actually said by St. Francis, and it does not agree with what the Bible teaches Christians should be, Stetzer wrote in an article.

"You see, using that statement is a bit like saying, 'Feed the hungry at all times; if necessary, use food,'" he said.

Stetzer emphasized that the gospel, or the good news, should be told. Christians are mandated by Jesus to preach the gospel to all nations, and evangelism is a mark of Christianity.

"Christians, evangelicals included, seem to love evangelism, as long as someone else is doing it. It's time for all of us to start preaching our good news again," he said.

The problem with evangelism is not that people are not willing to listen to the gospel, but that there are not enough workers. Stetzer mentioned what Jesus said in Matthew 9:37: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few," adding that people are more accommodating to the gospel than Christians believe them to be.

"They are often more open to listening than we expect," he said.

So how should Christians preach the gospel? Stetzer pointed out two things. First, it should not be in a way that is offensive to people with other beliefs. That said, it should also recognize the differences between Christianity and other faiths.

Second, preaching the gospel can be done in simple ways, like when catching up with friends over coffee or helping people in need. Situations like these open up an opportunity for Christians to share about their faith, the good news.

"What evangelism requires is that when we care for a friend or speak out for a cause, we tell others that our faith is the reason," Stetzer said.