When it comes to sharing our faith, most of us want to do it well. We want to actually connect with people, not come across as pushy or out of touch. That’s where the Engel Scale can be a really handy tool.
If you haven’t heard of it before, the Engel Scale is basically a way of describing the journey someone might take toward faith in Jesus. Picture it as a number line. On one end, you’ve got people who are totally closed off to spiritual things, maybe even hostile toward Christianity. On the other end, you’ve got people who have already committed their lives to Christ and are growing in their faith. In between are all sorts of stages: people who are curious, people who know a Christian but don’t really “get” it yet, people who are searching for meaning, and people who are almost ready to take that step of faith.
Why is this helpful? Because it reminds us that not everyone is in the same place. Too often we treat evangelism like a one-size-fits-all script. But the reality is, what might encourage one person could completely miss the mark with another.
For example, imagine your neighbour has never once thought about God. If you launch straight into a deep Bible study, it might feel overwhelming. But maybe a simple act of kindness, a genuine friendship, or just listening to their story is the right step for where they’re at. On the flip side, your colleague at work might already be asking big questions about meaning and purpose. With them, you might lean in and share how your relationship with Jesus makes a difference in your life.
The Engel Scale helps us slow down and meet people where they are. It’s not about pushing them to “jump to the end” in one conversation. It’s about helping them take the next step, however small. And that’s actually pretty freeing—it takes the pressure off us to “seal the deal” and lets us focus on loving people well.
Here are some practical ways to use the Engel Scale as you think about your own world:
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Pay attention to cues. What are people around you already saying about faith, purpose, or life struggles? That can give you clues about where they might sit on the scale.
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Ask good questions. Instead of rushing to give answers, try asking thoughtful questions that help people reflect. (“What do you think happens after we die?” or “Have you ever had a spiritual experience?”)
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Be patient. Remember, moving even one step along the scale is progress. Don’t underestimate the power of being a steady, kind presence in someone’s life.
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Pray with the scale in mind. Ask God to show you where people are and how you can walk with them to the next step.
A few reflection questions for you:
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Who in your life seems open to talking about faith right now?
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Are there people you’ve been trying to “rush” to the end of the scale instead of helping them take the next small step?
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How can you adjust your approach this week to meet someone right where they’re at?
At the end of the day, the Engel Scale is just a tool, it’s not the gospel itself. But it helps us remember that people are on a journey, and God is at work in every stage. Our role is to join Him in that, with patience, humility, and love.
