How to Evangelise to Those Who Are Old, Sick, or Dying
I was just a month into my role as an older person’s chaplain when a carer stopped me in the corridor to ask if I could go see Joyce, who was dying. When I went to look for Joyce, she immediately hit me with this question: “How can I be right with God?”. I spoke briefly about trust and repentance; we prayed together, and she drifted into sleep. She died 48-hours later.
As Christians we want to see people living life to the fullest, now and into eternity, and we know this is only possible through a relationship with Jesus. So, as we love and care for those in pain, we yearn to share the gospel of Jesus with them.
But Christians face a particular challenge–competing desires.
We know if we want to share Jesus with someone, it mustn't be done in an abusive way because “Bible bashing” turns people from faith. But, we also know people need to hear of Jesus’s love. So how do we share Jesus’s love in a clear, compelling and gentle manner, especially with people who are vulnerable?
When I’m asked this question, I often share with them the three Ps of ministry : prayer, presence and pastoral care.
The 3 Ps of ministry: Prayer, Presence, and Pastoral care
Prayer
This is the normal channel by which God sends His power, so we need to prioritise prayer. Even the Son of God prayed, so how much more prayer is needed in our lives?
Presence
People know we love them when we are present with them. We deepen our relationships with people by spending time with them. Hospitals and care homes are full of people who feel isolated and lonely. We show them they’re loved by visiting and listening to them, and in turn, it shows them God’s love.
Pastoral care
The last P is pastoral care, and this can sound intimidating, but it simply means loving people. For Christians, it’s about loving people who are created by God, in His image and so loved by Him that He died for them. This love seeks to meet people where they are and looks for opportunities to speak of Jesus.
Here are five practical tips to help shape your pastoral care:
- Be Open with Your Faith
People should know about our relationship with God. For example, when you are asked about your weekend, mention church as it highlights the importance of Jesus in your life, and hopefully, leads to more conversations about God.
2. God Can Defend Himself
People who are hurting can be angry with God, and we can be tempted to defend Him. However, instead of engaging in an argument, a stronger strategy is to listen and empathise because it powerfully shows God’s love. Remember God does not need our defence. Anger is actually a sign of faith, as is evidenced in the Lament psalms.
3. Know That Patience is Powerful
You desperately want to share the gospel and see the person come to faith, that’s great! Use that passion to drive your prayers, prayers for an opportunity to share Jesus’s love–it is God who saves. So, be patient, loving, and trust God.
4. Ask Before You Tell
Assumption makes an ass of you and me, so seek to understand before you bray like a donkey.
As a teen I remember visiting an older lady from church who was dying in hospital. Not knowing what to say I asked if she would like me to read her Bible with her. Opps, I realised I had no idea what to read! So, I had to ask her what she wanted. She replied, “NOT the Psalms, my family have been reading the Psalms constantly.” So, we read from one of Paul’s letters.
Asking is also critical regarding what to pray for. I often sit with people who are experiencing tremendous trials. When I ask if I can pray with them and what they want prayers for, often they ask for prayers for a family member.
5. Be Ready to Give An Answer
The moment comes, and you have a chance to share the message of Jesus’s love, what do you say? Can you explain the gospel in under two minutes without jargon? If not, please practice until you can. I recommend practicing on the toilet.
It’s a private, regular, and hopefully short period of time, and toilet practice will not eat into your already full day.
Christians who are used to robust exegetical sermons, like me, can find it hard to present the gospel in an easy way.
We know the riches of doctrine and Scripture, the implications of the incarnation and the power of penal substitutionary atonement. Which are great blessings, but a person seeking Jesus does not need, or is even able to comprehend all this.
We need to practice the KISS principle–Keep it simple, silly!
It’s never too late to share the gospel with your loved ones, and while it can feel scary and daunting, it doesn’t have to be! Remember the three Ps of ministry, and if more encouragement and support is needed, reach out to your pastor and church friends for prayers!
