Reaching People with the Gospel Without Being “That Christian”

“Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ… I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”

— 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (NLT)

Most people don’t turn away from Jesus because of Jesus. They turn away because of the people who claim to represent Him. In this 2-Part blog, we are going to look at reaching people with the Gospel.

You know the type—stubborn, judgmental, always correcting others, but never listening. Maybe you’ve even worried that you’ve come across that way. That’s what makes this passage from Paul so refreshing. He wasn’t trying to win arguments—he was trying to win people.

This blog is about what that looks like in real life.

Two men sitting on a wooden deck in outdoor chairs, one in a polo and shorts pointing to the other’s tattooed arm, with a speech bubble that reads, “So, what’s the story on that one?” — Conversations start with curiosity, not correction.

What Paul Actually Said—and Why It Matters

In 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, Paul opens a window into his mindset. Though he had every right to live freely, he chose to meet people where they were. He connected with the culture, language, and background of the people he was talking to—not to blend in, but to break down walls.

This wasn’t fake. It wasn’t about performance. It was personal.

Paul didn’t use one-size-fits-all answers. He paid attention to who was in front of him. He knew that reaching people with the gospel required more than knowledge—it required humility.

Two women seated at a small restaurant table with sandwiches and drinks, one wearing a cross necklace and asking, “What’s new?” — Every deep conversation starts with a simple question.

A Wake-Up Quote from Charles Swindoll

Pastor and author Charles Swindoll puts it like this:

“Here we have a little glimpse of Paul’s behind-the-scenes thoughts regarding the spread of the gospel. What he says here raises a question. When was the last time you had a non-believing family over for dinner? Or the last time you went to one of their backyard parties? You might say, ‘Well, I’m not willing to compromise.’ Is that good? Paul didn’t see it that way. He was willing to adapt—but not to sin—in order to be around those who were not like him. Why? To bring them to Christ.”

That hits hard. And it’s true.

In too many circles, we equate separation with holiness, as if pulling away from people who don’t believe is the best way to represent Jesus. But Paul moved toward people, not away from them.

Two men at a baseball game, one with tattoos and colorful hair drinking a beer, the other wearing a shirt that says “Not Perfect, Just Forgiven,” both laughing together. — You don’t have to look alike to love the same things.

What John MacArthur Noticed About Paul

Bible teacher John MacArthur wrote:

“Paul never changed or diluted the message, but he would change his method of presentation and his personal behavior if it would help win someone to Christ.”

That’s it. Paul never gave up truth. But he gave up himself—his preferences, his comforts, his style—so someone else could get a clearer picture of who Jesus really is.

The Apostle Paul addressing a group of Greek philosophers in an ancient courtyard setting, with classical columns and stone architecture. — Paul reasoned with the philosophers of Athens—not to win an argument, but to open hearts.

How Paul Actually Did This

Paul didn’t just write about finding common ground—he did it.

In Athens (Acts 17:16–34)

Paul found himself surrounded by Greek philosophers in the intellectual hub of the ancient world. Instead of quoting Old Testament scriptures they didn’t know, he quoted their poets and referenced their altar to an unknown god. He used their language to point them to the truth about Jesus.

didn’t start with condemnation—he started with curiosity. He walked them from where they were to where they needed to go.

With the Jews (Acts 21:17–26)

When Paul returned to Jerusalem, he was warned that many Jewish believers thought he had abandoned the law. To show he wasn’t disrespecting Jewish customs, Paul willingly participated in a purification ritual—even though he didn’t need to. Why? To avoid unnecessary offense and keep the door open for meaningful conversations.

A family with two children arrives at a backyard party carrying brownies and soda, surrounded by adults holding wine and beer. — You don’t have to blend in to belong—you just have to show up.

What It Might Look Like Today

So how does this play out in your world?

Here are some everyday ways to build relationships that lead to gospel conversations—without being “that Christian”:

🍽️ Invite a non-Christian coworker to lunch—yes, even the one who swears constantly and overshares. You’re not endorsing their lifestyle, you’re earning their trust.
🏡 Say yes to the neighbor’s backyard barbecue—even if you know there’ll be drinking and music you don’t love. Be a light by being present, not preachy.
💬 Ask the guy with tattoos about what they mean—instead of silently judging. You might learn something that opens a real connection.
☕ Join a community group outside of church—a book club, a hiking group, or your kid’s sports team’s parent committee. Show up consistently and be kind.
📱 Follow up when someone vents on social media—send a private message asking how they’re really doing. You’re planting seeds of care.

This isn’t about fitting in. It’s about not shutting people out before they’ve had a chance to see what Jesus is really like.

Two mothers talking over a backyard fence while children play nearby; one offers fresh-baked cookies to the other’s kids. — Being a good neighbor might start with cookies and a kind word.

What This Doesn’t Mean

Let’s be clear: Paul never said to water down the truth or overlook sin. This isn’t about becoming a chameleon. It’s about removing the unnecessary barriers that keep people from hearing the message.

You don’t have to quote Scripture in every sentence.
You don’t have to correct every belief.
You don’t have to be the morality police at every dinner table.

You just have to care enough to show up, listen, and relate.

Reaching People with the Gospel Looks Like This

Paul’s strategy wasn’t complicated:

He listened.
He learned how others saw the world.
He spoke in a way they could understand.
He built trust before delivering truth.
He knew they needed what he had, Jesus!

And guess what? That’s exactly what Jesus did too. (We’ll explore that in Part 2.)

Coming Up Next: Jesus Did It First

Paul didn’t come up with this idea—he copied Jesus. In the next blog, we’ll look at five real-life moments when Jesus reached across social, cultural, and moral lines to connect with people. And how you can do the same.

Final Thought

If you’ve ever wondered why the people around you shut down when you talk about your faith—it may not be what you say. It may be how you say it. Or when. Or whether they believe you actually care.

Let’s be real and kind. Let’s be ready to reach people with the gospel in a way that doesn’t make us “that Christian.”

Call to Action

If this hit home, we’d love to stay connected.

📝 Check out our other posts on Evangelism: https://discipleblueprint.com/category/evangelism/

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📝 And don’t miss Part 2: Stop Expecting the Lost to Act Saved—Learning from Jesus.