Recently on our podcast Ger Jones unpacked some helpful truths about Evangelism after Christendom, here’s some thoughts from what Ger had to say.
For many pastors and church leaders across the Western world, one thing is becoming clear: we’re no longer living in Christendom. The assumptions have shifted. The cultural advantage is gone. And for many people, Christianity isn’t just irrelevant, it’s viewed with suspicion or even hostility.
So how do we share Jesus in a world that thinks it doesn’t need Him or worse, thinks His followers are part of the problem?
The starting point isn’t strategy. It’s empathy.
From Persuasion to Presence
In a post-Christian culture, evangelism cannot feel like a sales pitch. People are weary of agendas. They can sense when they’re being treated as a project rather than a person.
Instead of persuasion, what if we embraced presence?
Empathy asks:
What is it actually like to live without Jesus in this cultural moment?
What pain, confusion, disappointment or disillusionment sits beneath someone’s resistance to faith?
When we begin there, our posture changes. We’re no longer trying to “win” an argument. We’re walking alongside someone as they explore the deeper questions of life.
Creating Safe Spaces to Explore
In deeply secular contexts, many people are spiritually curious but institutionally cautious. They may be open to spirituality, but wary of organised religion. Some carry wounds from past church experiences. Others simply assume Christianity is toxic or outdated.
That means the Church must work harder to create spaces that feel:
- Safe
- Comfortable
- Unpressured
- Loving
- Dignifying
Think of Zacchaeus. Jesus didn’t say, “Come to the synagogue.” He said, “Can I come to your house?” He entered Zacchaeus’ world. That incarnational approach still matters. In practice, this might mean smaller discussion environments, open-ended conversations, or courses where questions are welcomed rather than shut down. It might mean training your congregation not just to invite people to Sunday services, but to build relationships where curiosity can grow naturally.
Playing the Long Game
One of the biggest mindset shifts required today is this: evangelism is not microwave work.
If we accept that discipleship is a lifelong journey, why then do we expect conversion to be instant?
In reality, especially in secular environments, faith often unfolds slowly. There may be years of conversations, multiple invitations which leads to gradual softening and subtle shifts in openness.
Every slight movement towards Jesus is worth celebrating.
A softened heart.
A new question.
A willingness to pray.
A first step into community.
These are not small things. They are signs that the Holy Spirit is at work.
Designing Church with the “One” in Mind
Imagine writing down the names of two or three close friends who don’t know Jesus. Now ask:
- Would our church environment feel safe for them?
- Are we investing as much creative energy into helping them explore faith as we are into growing existing believers?
- What would need to change?
Jesus left the ninety-nine to pursue the one. In post-Christendom, that pursuit may require creativity, patience and deep compassion. This is not discouraging news. It’s an invitation.
An invitation to love well.
To listen deeply.
To trust the Holy Spirit.
And to build churches where people can explore Jesus without fear.
Reflection & Application Questions
- When you think of your closest non-Christian friends, what might life without Jesus actually feel like for them?
- Does your church create safe, unpressured spaces for honest exploration or only spaces for convinced believers?
- Are you prepared to play the long game in evangelism? What would that look like practically?
- What small “movements towards Jesus” could you start celebrating instead of only visible conversions?
- How might empathy reshape the way you personally engage in conversations about faith this month?
🎧 Listen to our episode featuring Ger Jones on Evangelism After Christendom
