Search — Theology Explorer

Revelation 2-3 evangelism Revelation 2-3 Crusades

Evangelism strategy for someone hurt by Christian abuse: separate Jesus from his misrepresenters

Question from Kenneth Kelly about reaching a Native American friend whose aunt was beaten to death by a Catholic nun.

lukewarm Revelation 3:15-17 evangelism lukewarm Laodicea

Revelation 3:15-17 -- Jesus's rebuke of Laodicea used as evangelism tool to show Jesus is not like his unfaithful followers

Mike reads Revelation 3:15-17 as a concrete example of Jesus rebuking church representatives who misrepresent him.

Exodus 7 Mark 13:22 discernment evangelism Exodus 7

False signs and wonders: miracles do not authenticate a religion; Satan has real but limited supernatural power

Question from 'spazzy jazzy' about a Japanese friend who believes a false religion because of a miraculous healing her mother received.

youth ministry evangelism apologetics

Advice for online youth pastor: engage real youth in person; use apologetics and comparative theology to reach skeptical students

Final question from Dragon Fist 900, a biblical studies major pursuing online youth ministry.

Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike advises Christians to witness to Jehovah's Witnesses as they would to anyone, noting the advantage that JWs already want to talk about God, and encourages boldness in gospel witness with all people.

Response to viewer question about engaging Jehovah's Witnesses

evangelism Jehovah's Witnesses gospel witness

Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike advises a youth pastor that discipleship of willing students produces more fruit than constant outreach programming, drawing on his own early ministry failure when he focused on students who did not care.

Response to youth pastor viewer about ministry focus

Hebrews youth ministry evangelism spiritual maturity

Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace — evangelism as spiritual protection

Third piece of armor: footwear as readiness to go with the gospel.

Ephesians 6:15 evangelism witness armor of God

Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Advice for a 20-year-old preparing for pastoral ministry: balance seminary education with active local church service, and remove ego.

Question from John Parizzo about preparing for pastoral ministry while in college and seminary.

Pastoral formation Seminary education Humility in ministry

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Sharing the gospel with resistant loved ones: grace, strategy, and the book Tactics

Hannah/Henry Belvall asked for advice on humbly sharing Jesus with struggling loved ones who become defensive.

evangelism Greg Koukl apologetics

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Ministry in strip clubs: evangelism principles and personal holiness

Carmen described joining a ministry that goes into strip clubs to spend time with women there and received family backlash.

evangelism repentance personal holiness

Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

New Christians' obligation to evangelize and defend faith — know your limits

Stephanie, a new Christian and former LDS member, is being actively challenged by LDS family and friends on the Trinity and other doctrines. She asks whether new Christians are obligated to defend and evangelize.

evangelism Trinity apologetics

Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

Matthew 10:23 — 'before the Son of Man comes' refers to Christ's first-coming arrival, not the Second Coming

Kelly Book asks about Matthew 10:23 and why Mark's parallel account does not include the phrase 'before the Son of Man comes.'

Matthew 10:23 Matthew 10 Mark 6 eschatology Matthew 10:23 Son of Man

Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

Luke 16:10-13 reframes the parable: the master is money itself — be a faithful steward so God controls you, not money

Reading Luke 16:10-13 as commentary on the parable

Luke 16:10-13 stewardship Luke 16:10-13 money and wealth

Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Evangelizing family and close friends is uniquely difficult because familiarity breeds dismissal; redirecting to outside sources may be more effective.

Jackson Star asks how to reach atheist friends and family who do not take Christian arguments seriously.

Matthew 13:57 evangelism apologetics atheism

Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Evangelism framed as "Red Rover" — the goal is transferring people from Satan's kingdom to God's kingdom, not destroying people.

Closing summary of Q2 on spiritual warfare and kingdom dynamics.

evangelism spiritual warfare kingdom of darkness

Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Responding to online skeptics who call God evil and Christianity irrational: focus on one argument, watch for dumping tactics

Q9 from Dora Ashby: Skeptics say belief in God is irrational, that Christians must approve of rape and torture, and that God is evil. How to respond?

apologetics atheism debate strategy

Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Alternative to the Sinner's Prayer for leading someone to salvation

Listener Marie asks for a good alternative to the sinner's prayer.

Evangelism Repentance Sinner's Prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Sharing Jesus with children when an atheist spouse objects

Listener Sheila is a new believer; her atheist husband does not want her sharing Jesus with their daughter because the daughter will think he's going to hell.

Acts 5:29 Acts 5:29 Atheism Religious liberty in marriage

Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

The gospel presentation should be adapted to the individual; the content stays constant but the approach changes.

Question 13 from Steph T about how to summarize the gospel with strangers or those from different religions.

Acts 17 Paul Acts 17 evangelism

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

Using the Morality Argument: If using the morality argument, how would you respond to an unbeliever that uses the objection that morality is subjective and there is no real objective right or wrong?

Q&A question: Using the Morality Argument

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing: Could you share your most memorable experience in leading someone to the Lord?

Q&A question: MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

About Evangelism & Guilt/Responsibility: If we don’t share the Gospel with our friends and family, is their blood on our hands?

Q&A question: About Evangelism & Guilt/Responsibility

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness: How do we know when to speak up about the truth of Christ vs. when not to? I am grieved by what I see being claimed as “truth” today, but I don’t want to just sit back and say “I’m not supposed to judge.”

Q&A question: When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle: What is the significance of the Bible saying "2 or 3 witnesses" to establish an accusation, as opposed to saying "2 witnesses" or "3 witnesses"?

Q&A question: About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle

Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

How to Witness to an Angry Person: My friend has left Christianity. His family is a bit extreme and aggressive with their faith, and he says they are what pushed him away from his. If I try to talk with him, he gets angry. What can I do?

Q&A question: How to Witness to an Angry Person

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

About “Boot Camp” Churches: What is your opinion on "Boot Camp" Churches such as Elevation and Newspring that say that their church is for unbelievers and is not a permanent space for believers to remain?

Q&A question: About “Boot Camp” Churches

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Overcoming Fear while Witnessing: I am currently attending a public school, and I’m wondering how I am supposed to speak the Word and truth of God when I fear that I will be shut down if I let my true beliefs be heard. Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Fear while Witnessing

Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Witnessing Well at Work: I've had some really good conversations with friends at work about being a Christian. What are some good tips for me to continue talking to them without it seeming like I'm pushing it on them?

Q&A question: Witnessing Well at Work

Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Is Evangelism Harmful?: If a conscientious person who never heard the Gospel can still be saved, but a skeptic of the Gospel is damned, doesn't evangelism damn more people than it saves? Wouldn't humanism be our best bet?

Q&A question: Is Evangelism Harmful?

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?: “Only by the Spirit can one believe” … Can this be considered gaslighting unbelievers and a way of compensating for a lack of enough evidence? Please help my pain, I'm struggling.

Q&A question: Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?

evangelism apologetics

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Volunteering vs. Getting a Paying Job?: I'm 31, living with my unbelieving parents. They're pushing me to get a real job, but I feel I should continue volunteering to keep a Foundation alive that's barely holding on. Any biblical advice?

Q&A question: Volunteering vs. Getting a Paying Job?

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Witnessing to a Dying Loved One: My grandpa is dying, and doesn't have long. He has dementia/Alzheimer’s now and has never been a Christian. Is it too late to share the Gospel with him? If not, how do I do it effectively?

Q&A question: Witnessing to a Dying Loved One

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Are Illusionists’ Tricks Sinful?: Is there anything wrong with learning sleight of hand magic or using it in evangelism?

Q&A question: Are Illusionists’ Tricks Sinful?

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Does our Evangelism Determine Salvation?: Could our failure to share the Gospel actually determine someone’s salvation? Or will God provide the same opportunity somewhere else? I can’t imagine we have control over each other’s salvation?

Q&A question: Does our Evangelism Determine Salvation?

salvation angels

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Did People Evangelize in the OT?: Why wasn’t evangelism a focus in the Old Covenant? How were Gentiles far away from Israel supposed to learn about Yahweh, and what opportunities for salvation did they have?

Q&A question: Did People Evangelize in the OT?

salvation angels

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

What is the True Mission of the Church?: What is the mission of the Church? I have recently been told that it is worship and not evangelism. Therefore, we cannot worship fully without a diverse local church. I'm a bit confused!

Q&A question: What is the True Mission of the Church?

worship angels

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Overcoming Nervousness in Evangelism: I’m starting high school soon, and I feel very nervous to share the Gospel in person. Is it wrong for me to just stick to sharing it online where I don’t feel nervous at all?

Q&A question: Overcoming Nervousness in Evangelism

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing: I have felt God call me to minister to the JWs, and He has opened doors for me to do so. What should I do to make sure my faith is not endangered when I am doing ministry? I meet with them tonight.

Q&A question: Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Should We Date Unbelievers for Evangelism?: My cousin is dating someone who is not a Christian in the hopes that they will get saved. Is this okay to do?

Q&A question: Should We Date Unbelievers for Evangelism?

Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Will We Remember Unbelievers in Eternity?: After a believer dies, will they remember their loved ones who were unbelievers? I understand "perfect peace," but that doesn’t answer the question.

Q&A question: Will We Remember Unbelievers in Eternity?

Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

What is the “Harvest”?: What does the harvest refer to in Luke 10? I've always heard it talked about relating to evangelism, but a harvest implies that the work has already been done and you're able to get the fruit of your labor.

Q&A question: What is the “Harvest”?

Luke 10 angels Luke 10

Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

Religion = Control? / Where’s God During Abuse?: How do I help my dad (an unbeliever) who thinks religion is used to control us? He also says, “If God exists, where was He when my father was beating my mother and I, and I cried out to Him?”

Q&A question: Religion = Control? / Where’s God During Abuse?

Mike Winger idea 2023-04-21

Should our Main Focus be Evangelism?: John Wesley says, “You have one business on this earth: to save souls.” Is Christlikeness or spiritual maturity chiefly a means to an end – of bringing people to Christ (Romans 8: 29, 2 Corinthians 3: 18, 2 Peter 3: 18)?

Q&A question: Should our Main Focus be Evangelism?

Romans 8 Peter Romans 8 angels

Mike Winger idea 2023-04-21

Witnessing to Strangers: What’s your favorite way to witness to strangers?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Strangers