NEW STUDY: Why Aren’t More Christians Witnessing to Others about their Faith?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 10:26AM 
By EEW Magazine Staff
Many Christians love to quote Luke14:23 that says, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” But far fewer actually take steps to apply the scripture to real life scenarios according to a recent study of American Protestants conducted by LifeWay Research.
Christian Post is reporting, based upon the findings of the study, researchers have concluded that 80 percent of those who attend church one or more times a month believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith; but 61 percent have been mum when it comes to telling others how to become a Christian in the previous six months.
Why do so many Christians keep their faith a secret? And why are lots of us bashful about sharing the message of the gospel with non-Christians?
Those surveyed were also asked how many times they have personally "invited an un-churched person to attend a church service or some other program at your church?" Nearly half (48 percent) of church attendees responded "zero." Thirty-three percent of people say they've personally invited someone one or two times, and 19 percent say they've done so on three or more occasions in the last six months.
The number of Christians who are inactive when it comes to witnessing to the lost or unsaved is staggering.
Why do so many shirk their duties to share Jesus Christ?
While no shoe perfectly fits anyone—the reasons are as varied as the personalities of Christians—some may fear rejection. Others feel intimidated about compelling others to try Jesus, especially with the pervasive secularism in America. It is hard to deny that among some groups, Christians are viewed unfavorably, particularly with mainstream media’s depiction of Jesus-lovers and Bible-believers as close-minded, dogmatic, and detached zealots.
It cannot be overlooked, though, that for many non-Believers, the Christian faith is exclusive, elitist, and rigid—none of which is true. Christ welcomes everyone with open arms. That is why it is up to us to market the message appropriately and show forth the true nature of our savior in our everyday lives.
One of the most effective ways to do that is to be a shining example and live out our faith consistently, in a way that attracts others.
The action precedes the conversation. In other words, we must walk it out first and talk it out second.
Some of the best scriptural advice on being a good witness is found in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
What are your thoughts on witnessing? How frequently do you tell others about Christ? If not very often, what do you think is holding you back from being more vocal about your faith?
Reader Comments (2)
yesterday i spoke to an athesit and the more i defended the PROOF that he had no PROOF that God doesnt exists the stronger my faith became. it was strange, i think i will witness more. witness means someone who saw something, and its funny when i speak to the athesit God will tell me their issue and its simply they have not seen Him when i Have i owe it to speak. Funny
I think most Christians are silent because they don't realize that by being silent they are also denying Jesus, ppl are scared to bring up the name around certain ppl because they don't want to offend ppl; I understand Christians saying they let their light shine from within,but proclaiming the name around others brings forth Life by the power of the tongue, when u drop that seed into someone and just let GOD do the rest is truely a blessing!! #the kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force....