Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. - 1 Peter 3v15

Hands up if you sometimes find it hard to talk about your faith.

If you could see me, you'd know my hand is up!

It can be a challenge to find the right words to communicate the wonder of the gospel or to answer people's complex questions.

Around the world, our partners are living out these words from 1 Peter, speaking with listeners about their hope in Jesus. In contexts where talking about the Christian faith can lead to persecution and even violence, it's vital that they speak with gentleness, wisdom and respect. Here are some top tips we've learnt from them: 

Start with friendship 

God is a relational Father, so it makes sense that we should start with relationship when sharing about Him! In order for someone to ask questions about our faith, they need to know us well enough to ask.

Whenever our partner, Voice of Egypt, are speaking with their majority Muslim audience they always start by building rapport. This means: 

• Showing a genuine interest in people's lives 
• Asking questions rather than preaching
• Seeking to understand others' beliefs 
• Looking for common ground 

Is there someone in your life who doesn't yet know Jesus that you could simply deepen your friendship with this week? 

Pray before you speak 

Before any meaningful conversation about faith, prayer is foundational. It's a chance to ask God to prepare the other person's heart and to seek courage and wisdom to share in a way that is sensitive and relevant. This is even more vital when working in places where talking openly about faith can be dangerous. 

Choose someone today to pray for by name, asking God to give you an opportunity to reach them with His love. 

Don't avoid the hard questions 

The fear of being asked a question that we can't answer can hold us back from sharing about Jesus. But many people, especially those from Islamic backgrounds, are genuinely curious about whether the Bible can be trusted. Rather than sidestepping these, the verses from 1 Peter say to be prepared — which implies doing the work in advance.

Don't worry, this doesn't mean you have to become an expert on every aspect of theology overnight, but it can be helpful to do some research into common questions and objections people might have.

As you explore these questions it's a great chance to learn and grow in your own faith, prepare for conversations with others and find resources that you can signpost people to. One of my favourite resources is the Bible Project - an organisation that helps people understand scripture through videos, podcasts, classes and more. 

In the coming weeks find a book, podcast or video that could help you feel more prepared to share your faith. 

Remember the cross

When we talk about our faith, however we do it, our words should ultimately point people to the cross. It's Jesus we want to introduce people to, because He is the one that will bring true transformation.

I often find it helpful to remember that my words don't have to be fancy or elegant, they just need to communicate the gospel. 

Telling your own story can be a powerful way to point people to Jesus. Why not practise explaining what the cross means to you in two minutes or less.

Stay with people 

When Jesus gives the disciples The Great Commission, He includes the phrase 'teaching them to obey.' This reminds us that sharing our faith is not a 'tick box exercise' but intrinsically linked with discipleship. In many of the places where our partners work, new believers, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, often face significant isolation or opposition.

Our partners are intentional about walking with their listeners through face-to-face meetings, phone calls and messages as well as airing programmes that support and encourage new believers. Wherever possible they also connect listeners to local churches. 

How could you offer support or mentoring to someone exploring or new to faith in your own community? 

Through your generosity and prayer, you are helping to enable our partners around the world to share their faith in some of the hardest-to-reach places. Thank you!