Starting a Christ-focused conversation is the first step in sharing your faith with those who so desperately need it. However, if you spend any time engaging in faith-centered conversations with unbelievers, you will find that they seldom accept the gospel message without raising some objections.

Because these objections can become obstacles that keep them from embracing the truth of the gospel, it is important to be familiar with and prepared to respond to them. It is vital, though, to remember one thing―your objective is to persuade someone to put their trust in Jesus; not to win an argument. Never lose sight of this goal. Be gentle and respectful, not antagonizing or condescending or overbearing. Why? If you make someone feel dumb or angry, they won’t want to listen to anything you have to say, and in turn, may never be open to receiving Christ as Savior.

Although the objections raised can be many, most seem to fall into similar categories of thought. In this document, seven of the more common objections raised in conversations about the gospel are addressed. Initially asking good questions following an objection will cause the other person to think about WHY they believe what they believe, and their answers usually reveal significant information. Listening well after you ask, “Why do you say that?” or “What do you mean by that?” will help you determine what their mindset is based on and what your next step should be.

The recommended responses to the seven common objections that follow―based primarily on the answers to the questions you asked―should always be presented with tact, gentleness, and respect.