Finding Your Point of Translation: How to Share Faith Through Shared Experiences

Have you ever recommended a great movie, book, or restaurant to someone? If so, you’re already practicing a form of evangelism. At its core, “evangelism is simply inviting someone to a shared experience’ – and it’s far less intimidating than many Christians believe.

What Does It Mean to Be an Evangelist?

When we think of evangelism, we often picture street preachers or door-to-door missionaries. But evangelism is much simpler than that. If you’ve ever told someone “you should see that movie” or “you have to try that restaurant,” you understand the heart of evangelism.

Evangelism is inviting someone to a shared experience. It’s about connecting with others over something meaningful and extending that invitation to join you in discovering something good.

The Power of Finding Common Ground

To effectively share our faith, we need what’s called a “point of translation” – something that both you and the other person can relate to that brings you together. This shared connection becomes the bridge for deeper conversation. This concept was first introduced in a book written by Duuncan McIntosh called The Everyday Evangelist.

Paul at the Areopagus: An Intellectual Conversation

The apostle Paul demonstrated this beautifully when he visited Athens. He found himself in a city full of intellectuals who loved discussing new ideas. Rather than condemning their many idols, Paul found his point of translation.

Paul noticed an altar dedicated “to an unknown God.” The Athenians had built this altar to ensure they didn’t accidentally offend any deity they might have overlooked. Paul used this as his starting point, saying, “I’m here to tell you about this unknown God you worship.”

This wasn’t manipulation – it was meeting people where they were. Paul connected with their existing understanding before introducing them to the truth about Jesus.

Jesus and Nicodemus: A Theological Discussion

Jesus used a similar approach with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to him at night. When their conversation about being “born again” wasn’t connecting, Jesus shifted to something Nicodemus would understand from his religious background.

“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,” Jesus said, referencing a story from Numbers 21 that Nicodemus knew well. In that Old Testament account, God provided healing for snake-bitten Israelites who looked upon a bronze serpent on a pole.

Jesus was saying that just as looking at that serpent brought physical healing, looking to Him when He’s “lifted up” on the cross would bring eternal life. The point of translation helped Nicodemus grasp this profound truth.

Why Shared Experiences Matter

When we invite someone to share an experience with us, we’re opening the door for relationship. Consider what happened after Jesus connected with Nicodemus through that shared reference:

• Later, Nicodemus defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin
• He helped care for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion
• A relationship had developed from that initial shared experience

Similarly, Paul’s approach in Athens led to real results. While some mocked and others postponed their decision, several people became believers, including Dionysius (a court member) and Damaris.

The Simple Act of Invitation

Here’s an encouraging statistic: 80% of people who don’t attend church say they would go if someone simply asked them. That’s it – just an invitation to a shared experience of worship.

Most people aren’t waiting for a theological debate or a perfect presentation of the gospel. They’re waiting for someone to care enough to invite them into community.

What Happens When We Invite Others?

Not everyone will say yes, and that’s okay. When Paul shared in Athens:

• Some mocked the message
• Others said they’d listen another time
• Some became believers

The same pattern holds true today. Some people will politely decline, others might be curious enough to visit again, and some will find their spiritual home. But none of these outcomes can happen without the initial invitation.

Overcoming the Fear of Evangelism

Many Christians avoid evangelism because they feel unprepared or fear rejection. But remember – you’re not being asked to have all the answers or to convert anyone. You’re simply extending an invitation to experience something meaningful alongside you.

Your role is to invite; God’s role is to work in hearts. When you invite someone to worship, you’re creating space for the Holy Spirit to move in ways you might never expect.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to identify your “point of translation” with someone in your life. What shared interests, experiences, or concerns do you have with a friend, coworker, or neighbor who doesn’t attend church?

Start there. Build on that common ground. Then, when the opportunity feels natural, extend a simple invitation: “Would you like to come to church with me this Sunday?”

Remember, you’re not responsible for their response – only for the invitation. Trust that God can use your willingness to invite someone into a shared experience of worship and community.

Questions for Reflection:

• Who in your life might be waiting for someone to simply invite them to church?
• What “points of translation” do you share with non-churchgoing friends or family members?
• What fears about evangelism might be holding you back from extending simple invitations?
• How might God use your willingness to invite others to create unexpected relationships and spiritual growth?

Sermon video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB3cwGL2TSg

[Blog post created by Sermon Shots from original sermon content preached by Rev. Kent F. Jackson on October 12, 2025.]