Evangelism and Biblical Counseling: Two Sides of the Same Coin
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Early in my ministry, I viewed evangelism and biblical counseling as two separate disciplines. Evangelism, I thought, was about proclaiming the gospel to nonbelievers, while biblical counseling was about guiding believers through personal struggles with Scripture. However, as I matured in my faith and ministry, I came to realize that both are fundamentally the same.
At their core, evangelism and biblical counseling are about applying the gospel to a person’s unique situation. Whether someone is wrestling with faith for the first time or struggling with deep personal wounds, the answer remains the same: the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Meeting People Where They Are
When a nonbeliever approaches us, they likely have a reason for their unbelief. Perhaps they’ve never heard the gospel clearly, or maybe they’ve been wounded by the church or by life itself. Before we share the message of salvation, we must first listen. What has shaped their worldview? What questions or reservations do they have?
One thing we can safely assume is that they have encountered suffering—either personally or through the brokenness they see in the world. Pain and loss touch every human life. And while the world offers countless ways to distract or numb that pain, it can never truly heal it. Only the gospel provides real hope.
Applying the Gospel to Life’s Deepest Struggles
This is the task we’ve been given: to bring the good news of Jesus into the real struggles people face. Consider the following:
• The addict who feels trapped in an endless cycle of shame and failure—how does the gospel bring freedom and redemption?
• The mother who desperately wants everything to be perfect but constantly faces disappointment—how does the gospel offer peace and rest?
• The college student searching for meaning in a world that seems chaotic and uncertain—how does the gospel provide purpose and identity?
• The successful executive who has achieved everything yet still feels empty—how does the gospel satisfy the deepest longings of the heart?
• The grieving parent who has lost a child—how does the gospel speak into unbearable sorrow?
• The foster child who feels abandoned and unwanted—how does the gospel offer belonging and love?
• The elderly man who feels unseen as life rushes past him—how does the gospel assure him that he is known and valued?
In every case, we know that the world’s answers are insufficient. It may offer temporary relief—entertainment, success, relationships, or even self-help philosophies—but none of these can truly heal a wounded soul. People are searching for lasting hope, and that is exactly what we have to offer.
More Than Just Facts—A Relationship
Evangelism is more than simply presenting the facts of the gospel. It requires engaging with people, understanding their struggles, and walking alongside them. It is not just about telling people what to believe; it is about showing them how the gospel speaks to their hopes, fears, and deepest needs.
If we are to follow the command of 1 Peter 3:15, we must be prepared—not just with answers but with compassion. We must be ready to listen, to empathize, and to share the hope of Christ in a way that meets people where they are.
This is our calling. This is our privilege.
So let us always be ready. Not just with words, but with hearts full of grace, ready to show the world the hope that we have in Jesus.
