Based on the message “Why We Struggle To Talk About Our Faith…And How To Change” by Pastor David Madden
Sharing your faith can feel intimidating, even for long-time Christians. We worry about how others will react, whether we’ll say the right thing, or if we’ll mess it up altogether. But as Pastor David Madden reminded us in his message, “God didn’t just save us—He sends us.”
If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking up, you’re not alone. Let’s explore how to overcome those struggles and start boldly sharing your story of what Jesus has done in your life.
You’re Not Alone in Feeling Afraid
You might not be behind a locked door, but as David Madden said, “Maybe in the routine of our lives, we find ourselves playing it safe… hiding in our jobs, our schools, or our homes.”
Even the disciples—those who walked with Jesus—struggled with fear after the resurrection. As Pastor David points out, “The tomb is open, but the door is closed. Jesus is on the offense; the disciples are playing defense.” In John 20:19–21 (NIV), we read that they were meeting behind locked doors out of fear, but Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Jesus didn’t just come to calm their fears—He commissioned them to go. And just like them, we are called not only to be saved but also to be sent.
Identify the Fear Holding You Back
David Madden shared three fears that often stop people from sharing their testimony. Which one do you relate to?
Fear #1: What Will People Think?
“I’m afraid of what people might think. I don’t want them to think I’m pushy… I don’t want to be rejected… I don’t want them to talk bad about me.” — David Madden
Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
We can’t let fear of rejection outweigh our love for people.
Fear #2: I Don’t Know Enough
“We don’t have to know it all to show the way.” — David Madden
“I personally can’t think of anyone who’s been argued into a relationship with God.”
Remember the blind man Jesus healed in John 9:25 who said, “One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.”
You don’t need all the answers—you need your story and God’s presence. Your story, no matter how simple, is powerful. David outlines a helpful way to structure your testimony:
- Your life before Christ
- How you came to know Christ
- Your life walking with Christ
- An invitation to others: “Would you like Jesus to do the same in your life?”
In 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV), we’re reminded that we are God’s chosen people, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Fear #3: What If I Fail?
“If someone’s drowning, we don’t think, ‘Well, I better not help because I might fail.’” — David Madden
“We can only make it better, not worse.”
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 reminds us that God gives the growth. You may not see results immediately, but every act of obedience matters.
Start Small, But Start Now
“God, help me overcome this fear. Even in the midst of fear, help me be bold and share my faith.” — David Madden
David shared a powerful story about meeting a Japanese student named Yoshi who had never heard the gospel. After building a friendship, David finally asked, “Do you know anything about Jesus?” To his surprise, Yoshi replied:
“I came to America thinking it was a Christian nation… but no one told me about Jesus. I want to know.”
There are people around you who are more ready to receive than you are to speak. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start now.
Trust God with the Results
“Just because you haven’t in the past doesn’t mean God won’t use you in the future.” — David Madden
“It’s not important who does the planting or the watering—what matters is that God makes it grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7
One of the most moving stories David shared was about a neighbor addicted to drugs. Despite being cursed at and rejected multiple times, David kept sowing seeds. A year later, the young man found Christ in jail through another inmate’s words—but the groundwork had been laid.
“I thought I failed. But God made the seed grow.” — David Madden
Final Encouragement
You don’t need to be fearless—just willing. David Madden challenges us with this simple, powerful prayer: “I’m asking God to make my love for people stronger than my fear of people.”
If you’ve struggled to share your story, you’re not disqualified. You’re simply in process. And the good news is—God isn’t finished with you yet.
“Just because you haven’t in the past doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. God is committed to making us fishers of men.” — David Madden
You can watch the full message below.
David Madden is the Campus Pastor at Church of the King’s West Esplanade Campus in Kenner, Louisiana. He is a passionate communicator known for inspiring messages on faith, purpose, and trusting God through life’s challenges. Alongside his wife Sarah and their three children, Pastor David is dedicated to reaching people, and building lives through outreach efforts across the New Orleans metro area. He holds degrees from Baylor University and Fuller Theological Seminary and continues to invest in helping others grow in their relationship with Christ.
Do you need to be Encourage, Equip, and Embolden to share your faith? Visit our Resources page. There you’ll find a variety of tools and materials designed to support and strengthen your walk with God.
