Effective Evangelism
Equipping Christians to make disciples of all nations.
Are you a Christian leader longing to put Christ first in every area of your life and leadership? Welcome to Effective Evangelism, the podcast that empowers Christian leaders to deepen their faith, trust God wholeheartedly, and boldly share the gospel in today’s world.
Each episode, host Catherine Van Der Laan and occasional co-hosts and guests guide you through practical, biblical strategies for living as a true disciple of Jesus.
Discover how to be a more effective witness, integrate faith into your daily decisions, and lead with integrity and compassion: at work, at home, and in your community.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for personal spiritual growth, looking to develop your leadership skills, or want to learn how to evangelize with authenticity, you’ll find encouragement, accountability, and actionable tips here.
We also explore how Christian coaching (financial coaching, career coaching, executive coaching, leadership coaching, and spiritual direction) can help you thrive and stay aligned with God’s calling.
Join a community of passionate Christian leaders who are serious about living out the Great Commission, loving others like Jesus, and making a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.
Subscribe now to Effective Evangelism and start transforming your faith, leadership, and witness one episode at a time.
Effective Evangelism
Effective Evangelism: Why Share the Gospel?
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In this inaugural episode of "Effective Evangelism," host Catherine Van Der Laan and guest co-host Gil Banton explore the foundational question: "Why do we share the gospel?" Gil, a campus minister with over 20 years of experience, shares his personal journey of encountering Jesus as a college student and how that transformation fuels his desire to share his faith. Catherine recounts her experience of being raised in a Christian home and initially sharing the gospel out of duty, evolving into a motivation rooted in love for Jesus.
The episode delves into the meaning of "gospel" as "good news" and challenges listeners to consider why Jesus is indeed good news and why it's imperative to share it. They discuss how Jesus redeems individuals and circumstances, helping people move from cynicism and depression to becoming more authentic and loving versions of themselves. The hosts also draw an interesting parallel between the Roman emperors' use of "gospel" to announce military conquests and Jesus's message of conquering sin and evil through love and humility.
For those questioning their own reasons for sharing the gospel, Gil advises reading the Gospel of Matthew (or Mark for a shorter introduction) and praying about individuals in their lives who don't yet know Jesus. The episode concludes by emphasizing that Christians don't need to be theological experts to share their faith; rather, people are often drawn to "encounter the God in you" and witness the transformative work of God in believers' lives.