156 million. That’s the number of people in the U.S. who are unchurched according to George Barna, market researcher and author of “Churchless.”

To put that in perspective that’s just under half of the 315 million people—adults, kids and teenagers—who live in America.

That’s a lot of people. And some of them just might be in your family.

Of course, being a Christian isn’t just about going to church; it’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ. The One who loves us most offers an incredible invitation to all to enter into a friendship, a really close friendship, and join a family of believers.

Friendship…family…and love. All good things.

But how do you communicate your faith and share the best news in the world with others—especially the people in your family who don’t yet know God?

When I was young, my parents divorced and my mom remarried when I was in college. The man she married (let’s call him “Ed”) was vehemently against our faith. In fact, we weren’t allowed to mention the name of God in his house.

Every Christmas Eve my siblings and I would go to church services before our holiday dinner, and Ed would grumble, “Why do you always have to go to church on Christmas Eve? Christmas isn’t about God; it’s about family!”

Really?

Christmas actually is all about God. It’s the celebration of the birth of His Son. But I didn’t correct him. Instead, I started praying and kept praying for Ed for more than a decade.

Twelve years passed, and Ed was diagnosed with a fatal illness. He only had a short time to live. One day, I went to the house to attempt to share with him one last time. I remember saying, “Don’t you want to know for sure that you’re going to heaven?” Ed said nothing. He just stared out the window and refused to engage with me.

Two days later, he passed away. But not before my mother had the opportunity to pray with Ed at his bedside to receive Christ as his Savior. And now this stubborn old man is free of pain, and will forever know joy unspeakable and be at peace.

I stand amazed at the goodness and grace of God.

At times, sharing your faith with your family can be challenging. But it is infinitely worth it. Here are some essential things I’ve learned:

1. Pray and never give up. Start with prayer and persevere in prayer for those you love. Ask God to open each person’s heart to God’s truth and remove the obstacles. Pray for your immediate family and your extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and others).

2. Live what you believe. Actions often speak louder than words. As you demonstrate the love of Christ to your family by loving, listening, being kind, and in other ways, they will begin to see a clearer picture of what Christ is like. Don’t feel like you have to be perfect. Be real. Be vulnerable and be a Christ follower.

3. Ask them to church or to an event. I’ve heard that most people go to church for the first time because they were asked. Ask the ones you love to join you. And when the service over, ask them what they thought of it. It’s a good way to start a dialogue.

4. Don’t be pushy. Even though you love your family, you can’t make anyone do anything. It has to be his or her choice to start the journey of knowing and loving God. Sharing your faith doesn’t have to be awkward or contrived. When the time is right, tell others about what God has done for you—how he has worked in your life—and what he can do for them.

5. Know that it takes time. Some people come to Christ quickly; the majority of people do not. Just as it takes time for seeds to grow when planted, it takes time for the seeds of faith to grow in someone’s heart.

6. Remember that it’s a journey. The path to accepting Christ is different for everyone. Some people gobble up the Good News while other take years, even decades, to make the most important decision of their lives. Don’t feel pressured to say everything all at once.

7. Know that it’s not all up to you. Don’t feel like you have to be the one to make things happen. The Holy Spirit convicts hearts and shows people where they need to change. God works in his own ways and timing.

So, go out and live what you believe. Every day. As you pray for your family and seek to serve others, trust God for the results.

After all, He loves your family too.

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