Evangelism for Introverts: the “Blurt It Out” Approach

No two people in the Lord’s kingdom are exactly the same, yet all have the potential of great usefulness in his service. God does some of his best work when we are uncomfortable, clumsy, and deficient. Paul, recognizing his own weaknesses and fears, attributed any successes of his evangelistic work entirely to the power and providence of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 12:9-11).¹ Timothy, despite his comparative youth and timid disposition (1 Cor. 16:10-11; 1 Tim. 4:12; 2 Tim. 1:7-8), consistently stepped out in faith, confronted his fears and inadequacies, and did what he was commissioned to do.²

The “Blurt it Out” Approach

As a shy kid, I grew up to be an introverted adult. But early on in my Christian walk, I realized that I can’t be faithful to the Lord by hiding in my reclusive shell and isolating myself from the rest of the world. I have had to claw my way out of my comfort zone, especially in fulfilling my God-given ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:17-21).³

Over the years I have read a lot of books on evangelistic methods and strategies, taken multiple personal evangelism courses, and experimented with several different evangelistic tools. I’ve tried to learn basic principles of having religious conversations, developing interest, asking open-ended questions, setting up and conducting Bible studies, et al. Most of my learning has come through trial and error.

Somewhere along the line I have come to realize that many of the techniques and “sales pitches” I have learned from others just don’t fit my personality. I’m a socially awkward person. Having meaningful conversations does not come naturally for me. Through the years, in my feeble attempts to evangelize, I have almost always felt nervous, uneasy, and inadequate. I routinely find myself thinking more about what I’m “supposed” to say than listening and interactively conversing. Whenever I don’t say the right thing in the right way, or mistakenly ask a closed-ended question, or can’t think of what to say next, the pressure builds and intensifies an already unpleasant experience. I wonder how many opportunities I have missed by over-thinking, waiting for the perfect moment in the conversation to offer a Bible study and yet the perfect moment never comes.

One day I had the novel idea to just be myself. Instead of mimicking someone else’s evangelistic methodology, or running the risk of botching or missing an opportunity, I decided to just offer a Bible study whenever there was a brief pause in the conversation, whether it was the “perfect” moment or not.

Inaugurating the “Blurt it Out” Approach

After placing an advertisement in the local newspaper, I later arranged to meet with Gordon (who worked for the paper) for coffee. He no doubt wanted to sell another newspaper ad, while I was more interested in sharing the gospel. As we got to know each other and I learned about his religious history, out of blue I just blurted out, “Gordon, I’d really like to study the Bible with you.” I could tell he was caught off guard, understandably so. A moment of awkward silence was followed by him stammering to come up with an excuse. But then he stopped and said, “Okay, I think I’d like that. Can my wife join us?” For the next few months we had weekly Bible studies and developed an even closer friendship. I’m sad to say that Gordon and his wife did not choose to obey the gospel, but at least they had the opportunity, which they probably would not have had if I had remained stuck in my old way of doing things.

From that time onward I have been using this “blurt it out” approach, so much so that it is embedded in my psyche. Whenever I meet someone and discover he or she is not a member of the Lord’s church, without even thinking the words instinctively shoot out of my mouth: “I’d really like to study the Bible with you.”

Advantages of the “Blurt It Out” Approach

1. It doesn’t give me time to over-think, procrastinate, make excuses, or miss an opportunity.

2. Once the offer is thrown out into the open, it has to be dealt with. It can’t be taken back or ignored. We can only move forward in a more direct and practical spiritual conversation.

3. It gives someone the chance to learn the gospel that he or she may not have otherwise.

Disadvantages of the “Blurt It Out” Approach

1. It catches people off guard. This, in itself, is not necessarily a bad thing. But if I sense they are uncomfortable or apprehensive, I’ll say something like, “Well, think about it and let me know.” This immediately relieves the tension. Then I change the subject, continue the conversation, and make sure they have my contact information. I have actually had people contact me later (sometimes days or even weeks later) for Bible study. If not, every time I see them again, I remind them of the offer and keep asking until they say either “yes” or “no.” Sometimes persistence pays off. When I sense that I’m being downright annoying, I’ll eventually stop asking, but not until sufficient opportunities have been afforded.

2. It’s not a smooth or persuasive technique. Granted. But it’s not for everyone, especially for evangelizers who are unreserved, articulate, and socially adept. It is simply a way for those of us who are socially challenged to reach people that we might not reach any other way.

3. It doesn’t work all the time. In fact, most of the people I’ve asked to study the Bible have declined. But enough souls have been reached through this method to justify its continued use. When it doesn’t work, and if there are further interactions with any of these people, I just try a different approach. If not, particularly the ones I never see again, at least they have been given a chance that would have otherwise been missed.

Conclusion

Everyone is different, and nobody in the Lord’s church should be expected to be someone he or she is not. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach for sharing the gospel,⁴ no Christian has a legitimate excuse for doing nothing. Seeing that God, through his word, ultimately saves souls, our immediate goal in evangelism ought to be getting people into the word of God.⁵ But this won’t happen unless we ask.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ See “Paul the Myth Vs. the Real Paul,” Moore Perspective (26 July 2014), <Link>.

     ² See “Instructive Comparison of Timothy and Titus,” Moore Perspective (30 August 2017), <Link>.

     ³ See “Evangelism: What, Where, Whom, How?,” Moore Perspective (30 Dec. 2025), <Link>.

     ⁴ See “Evangelistic Approaches for Everyone,” Moore Perspective (6 Jan. 2026), <Link>.

     ⁵ See “Evangelistic Models, Methods, and Tools,” Moore Perspective (13 Jan. 2026), <Link>.

Related Posts: Timothy: Of Value to God (Part 3), Strategic Flexibility

Related Presentations: Marty Johnson, Overcoming Fear of Rejection, Break Free From Fear 

 

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Evangelistic Models, Methods, and Tools

As there are many different stylistic approaches to reaching people with the gospel (see previous post), there is also a variety of evangelism models, methods, and tools that can be evaluated and adapted to support and improve our efforts at evangelizing.

EVANGELISTIC MODELS¹

1. Information Transmission

This model of sharing the gospel is a one-way act of communicating facts. The relationship approximates a lecturer and a pupil. The aim is to impart correct information and secure mental assent (indoctrination). While truth may very well be presented, the question must be asked: What role does God’s written word have in the learning process? Without an open Bible, there is no sure way to verify whether or not truth is being conveyed. We no longer live in the first-century miraculous age when preaching the gospel was accompanied by confirming signs. There may be occasions when information needs to be orally transmitted, but unlike the period before the biblical canon was complete, this is no longer sufficient as the lone evangelistic model. 

2. Manipulative Monologue

Manipulative monologue relies on leading questions and emotional appeals. The relationship approximates a salesperson and a customer. The goal is to “close the sale” and get visible and immediate results, even if one is coaxed into doing something he or she is not ready to do. But how does this method engender deep and lasting faith? Once again, the question must be asked: What role does God’s written word have in convincing and converting? While emotion should not be totally divorced from communicating and learning about God’s love and expectations, it does not provide a solid foundation upon which saving faith is built.

3. Non-Manipulative Dialogue

Non-manipulative dialogue is a two-way course of interaction. The relationship approximates a friend to a friend. The aim is to share love and faith and influence. While this type of engagement can be positive and beneficial, without a mutually agreed-upon standard of authority it is essentially one opinion versus another opinion that often leads to unhelpful disputes or the dead-end of agreeing to disagree. Beyond friendly conversation and quoting from memory isolated Bible verses, what about approaching the Bible itself as the sole standard for learning and addressing misconceptions and disagreements? Relational communication is important, but without the written word of God, evangelistic attempts are incomplete and ineffective.

 

4. Self-Discovery

The aim of the self-discovery model is to point to the scriptures as the authoritative message of God, while encouraging and directing people to learn for themselves from what they read therein. The relationship approximates a guide and a learner. The purpose is to allow the Bible itself to do the teaching (deductive Bible study). With this methodology, God’s written word is the central focus and basis of instruction. There may be positive aspects of the other models (noted above) that can be incorporated into the self-discovery approach, but none of them is adequate by itself. In order to effectively guide a learner through the scriptures leading to salvation, one must either have a thorough knowledge of the Bible and relevant texts or have access to proficient and trustworthy Bible study tools.

EVANGELISTIC METHODS AND TOOLS²

1. Personal Bible Studies

God, through his word, is the one who ultimately saves souls (John 8:31-32, 51; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; Jas 1:21). Our immediate goal in evangelism should therefore be getting people into the word of God and guiding them through. If someone is not engaged in Bible study, there can be no genuine conversion. A number of Bible study tools are available to the brotherhood, including materials from House-to-House Heart-to-Heart School of Evangelism, Fishers of Men, Ivan Stewart’s Open Bible Study, Stephen Rogers’ Evangelism Made Simple, John Jones and Lance Mosher’s Make Disciples Training Program, to name a few. The more one conducts personal Bible studies and learns from personal experience, one may want to develop one’s own Bible study lessons.³

2. Virtual Bible Studies

When face-to-face study of God’s word is just not possible, technology enables us to personally engage with those from whom we are separated. While not as ideal as in-person interaction, it is the next best thing. Virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, and Vimeo provide real-time connectability that would otherwise be missed.

3. Digital Bible Studies

Although missing out on the personal interaction afforded by the above scenarios, a pre-recorded Bible study is surely better than no Bible study at all, plus there are topics already well presented that the evangelizer might feel inadequate to handle. Helpful resources are available through Apologetics Press, Truth for the World, World Video Bible School, Searching for Truth, Lance Mosher’s Topical Bible Studies, and Gospel Broadcasting Network. The tried-and-true Jule Miller Visualized Bible Study Series is designed to incorporate the pre-recorded materials into personal interaction and discussion.

4. Group Bible Studies

The concept of corporate evangelism is well documented in the NT. However, this method was better suited for the collectivist environments of the ancient Mediterranean world, whereas modern westernized cultures are more individualistic. Trying to study the Bible with a group of people today is therefore less-than ideal unless the group is relatively small and each person is intellectually, socially, and spiritually compatible with everyone else. Otherwise, this could serve as a channel to identify certain ones in the group for follow-up later in a more personal setting.

5. Bible Correspondence Courses

Studying the Bible by way of mailing lessons or online courses has been an effective means of outreach for certain ones who might not be reached otherwise. Helpful materials include the John Hurt 12-Lesson Bible Correspondence Course, World Bible School, Truth for the World courses, both printed and online.

6. Evangelistic Books

As a supplement to our evangelistic endeavors, or as a gift to someone who needs the gospel, a number of good books are available that can help stimulate interest and assist searching souls in finding the truth. Michael Shank’s Muscle and a Shovel <Link> has led to many conversions. Definitely worth reading and sharing are Lance Mosher’s Transformed: A Spiritual Journey and Searching for Brandon Bason <Link>.

7. Tracts and Pamphlets

While this may not be the most successful way to reach the lost, a well-written tract or pamphlet or book on a particular Bible topic can inform and create greater interest in learning more. For evangelistically-minded individuals and churches, these materials are always handy to have in one’s evangelism tool kit. Helpful printed and online materials are available through Newsletter Evangelism (combined with door-knocking), World Evangelism Publications, Truth for the World, and House to House Heart to Heart.

Conclusion

Some in the church may seem better than others at reaching souls with the gospel, but this is no excuse for any Christian to not even try. The only way to fail at evangelism, and the best way to ensure that a lost soul stays lost, is to say and do nothing. But with the Lord’s help, and with so many stylistic approaches, models, methods, and tools at our disposal, may we all be busy doing something!

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ The first three descriptions are adapted from H. Eddie Fox and George E. Morris, Faith-Sharing (Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 1986) 89-90. Flavil R. Yeakley, in his “Views of Evangelism,” assesses these three approaches and evaluates church growth in relation to each, <Link>.

     ² See Aaron Gallagher’s GBN interview with Rob Whitaker of House-to-House Heart-to-Heart School of Evangelism, “7 Effective Evangelism Methods” (2020), <Link>.

     ³ From Ivan Stewart’s Open Bible Study (OBS), to Rod Kyle’s Home Bible Study (HBS), to Kevin Moore’s Personal Bible Study (PBS), to Kent O’Donnell’s The Seed for Truth Seekers (TSFTS), we learn from each other and work together in a collaborative effort to win souls for Christ.

Related Posts: Evangelism: What, Where, Whom, How?, Evangelistic Approaches for Everyone, Evangelism for Introverts

 

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Evangelistic Approaches for Everyone

While there is only one gospel (Gal. 1:6-9), there is not just one way to share it. Everyone is different. Personality-wise, no one should be expected to be someone he or she is not. Even those of us who are burdened by introversion, shyness, timidity, and fear have something to offer in sharing the gospel. The Bible presents a variety of evangelistic approaches that can effectively lead souls to the Lord.¹

Direct Confrontational Approach

On the Day of Pentecost Peter proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ in a very bold and direct manner (Acts 2:22-41). Along with scriptural confirmation he declared the death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus, pronouncing him as Lord and Christ, while openly confronting his listeners with the guilt of their sins. The forthright, unambiguous, confrontational approach with which he presented the gospel led to convicted hearts and the conversion of thousands. Some have the personality and oratory skills to use this approach efficiently with opportunities to speak to large groups, but not everyone does.

Intellectual Approach

Paul customarily “reasoned” with those he sought to reach with the gospel (Acts 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19; 24:25). Addressing sophisticated Greek philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:15-34), he began where they were in their spiritual journey and academic environment. He used logic and instructional techniques with which they were familiar and could relate to and understand, informing them about God, the resurrected Lord, and the coming judgement. Not everyone was convinced on this occasion, but the receptive ones were. Analytical thinkers with good reasoning skills can effectively use this approach, but it is not for everyone.

Testimonial Approach

Few begin their Christian walk with a thorough knowledge of the Bible or with practical experience in evangelism, but every baptized believer knows what he or she has learned, obeyed, and experienced in becoming a child of God. One cannot share what one does not know, but nobody in Christ knows nothing. When Jesus healed the Gergesene demoniac, he told the man, who had no theological training or evangelistic experience, “Go to your home, to your own [people], and announce to them how much the Lord has done for you and has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).² Apparently with great enthusiasm, “he departed and began proclaiming in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and all were amazed” (v. 20). How successful was this simple approach? Although Jesus was initially rejected in the Decapolis region, when he later returned, the people warmly received him “and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt. 15:29-31; Mark 7:31-37). If one has a story worth sharing, it ought to be shared (cf. Acts 26:1-29; 1 Cor. 5:9-10).

Serving Approach

Not everyone in the church has the same talents and resources, but we all have something to offer (Rom. 12:4-8). Tabitha (Dorcas) was “full of good works and charitable deeds,” making clothes for the local widows (Acts 9:36-39). The Bible commends those who raise godly children, have a persistent prayer life, live good moral lives, have a good reputation, are hospitable, serving, and benevolent, and pursue every good work (1 Tim. 5:3-10). “Let your light so shine before men so that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). People are drawn to Christ through humble Christ-like attitudes and behaviors.

Relational Approach

Every Christian has a unique circle of influence and is probably in a better position than anyone else to reach these particular souls. But some in the church are instinctively more social, extroverted, and people-oriented than others, and developing relationships that help connect people to the Lord is a natural gift. Before Matthew Levi set out on his apostolic mission, he made sure his friends and acquaintances had the opportunity to know Jesus (Luke 5:27-29). Andrew does not appear to have been as compelling and influential as his brother Simon Peter, but he is remembered for bringing people to Jesus (John 1:35-42; 6:8-9; 12:20-22).

Invitational Approach

Another soul impacted by the Lord was a Samaritan woman near the city of Sychar in Samaria (John 4:1-43). Although she was infantile in her faith with a sordid reputation in her community, her message was simple: “Come, see a man who told me all things whatever I have done. Can this be the Christ?” (v. 29). “Now many of the Samaritans from the city believed in him through the word of the woman testifying, ‘He told me all things I did.’ When the Samaritans therefore came to him, they were asking him to stay with them, and he remained there two days. And many more believed through his word. And they were saying to the woman, ‘No longer do we believe because of your words, for we ourselves have heard, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world’” (vv. 39-42). We see what can happen from a simple, non-confrontational, non-threatening invitation! You may not be able to lead someone all the way through to gospel obedience, but you can initiate the process with a gracious invitation to church services, Bible studies, and congregational activities.

Conclusion

There is not just one way to evangelize. Considering individual personalities, circumstances, and opportunities, each member of Christ’s body must determine which approach, or combination of approaches, works best. And the beauty of how the Lord’s church is designed, we work in a collaborate effort as co-laborers with God who ultimately gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:5-9).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Lee Strobel, atheistic-journalist turned Christian apologist, was influenced by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg’s book Becoming a Contagious Christian (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008). Drawing from biblical examples, Strobel shares these six evangelistic styles. See “Evangelism Styles and Your Personality,” EvangelismCoach.org (retrieved 14 Dec. 2025), <Link>.

     ² Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are the author’s own translation.

Related Posts: Foundation of Evangelism, An Unlikely Missionary, Evangelism: What, Where, Whom, How?, Evangelistic Models, Methods, Tools, Evangelism for Introverts

 

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