How to Share Your Faith on Your Summer Holiday!
How to Share Your Faith on Your Summer Holiday!
Summer holidays are often a time to unwind, explore new places, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. But what if this summer you could also use the time to make a spiritual impact?
Whether you're traveling abroad, staying local, or simply enjoying a slower pace, your holiday can be a great opportunity to share Christ with others. Evangelism doesn’t pause when the suitcase is packed!
Here’s our top tips for being evangelistic during your summer holidays:
1. Start with Prayer
Before you even set off, take time to pray. Ask God to open doors for meaningful conversations, and give you a heart that’s sensitive to others.
Consider asking yourself:
Who might I meet on this holiday/vacation?
How can I reflect Christ?
What opportunities might arise to share my story or listen to someone else's?
When you start your holiday praying for God’s direction, you’ll be more aware of the opportunities God places in your path.
2. Live Out Your Faith Practically
Holidays are meant to be peaceful and relaxing, but travel delays and accommodation issues can bring out a whole host of emotions. Whether you're in a hotel, on a campsite, or on a family day out, people notice how you treat others, how you handle stress, and how you engage with the world around you. Be kind and patient with service staff - airline, hotel and hospitality workers- and give thanks in all circumstances, even the tough ones.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5 v 16-18
3. Use Natural Conversations
You may be nervous about the idea of sharing with people, but opportunities can arise naturally when you’re genuinely interested in people. Ask questions, listen well, and share your own experiences when appropriate. People are often more open on holiday as time away from the regular daily patterns can cause people to reflect on the deeper meaning of life.
“United Beach Missions (UBM) work on the beaches and in cities around the UK and in Europe, engaging with tourists about the Gospel. We often find that people are more open and willing to chat when they are outside of their home context. Those barriers that many of us would have up, protecting our time and headspace, have come down. It’s nice to be able to chat with people even if the topic is something they might typically avoid in day to day life.
It’s not the case that everyone will enter into a deep conversation about the eternal things of the gospel, but we do find that people are happy to chat about spiritual things. Many people are also very willing to take a book (who doesn’t want to have something to read on the beach?) or other tracts and resources we have on offer.” - James Lycett, Executive Officer of United Beach Missions.
4. Be Ready to Share Your Story
Your testimony is one of the most powerful tools you have. You don’t need to have a dramatic conversion story—just be honest about how your faith has shaped your life. People connect with stories, especially when they’re shared with humility and sincerity.
Think about:
What has God done in your life recently?
How has your faith helped you through challenges?
What does following Jesus mean to you personally?
More top tips for sharing your testimony can be found here.
https://evangelism.intervarsity.org/resource/30-minutes-shareable-testimony
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sharing-your-testimony/
Being ready to share your story means being prepared, but also being sensitive to the right moment.
5. Carry (on) Resources
You don’t need to pack a suitcase full of books, but having a few resources on hand can be helpful. Reading a Christian book is also a good conversation starter on a plane or by the pool.
“I often read while I’m on airplanes and it can be such a great opportunity to start conversations with others! Rather than just scrolling on my phone, bringing a physical book with me as I travel invites others to ask questions. I have often been asked, “What are you reading?”, and if it is a Christian book or my Bible (as I often don’t have time for my morning devotions before my flight!), it’s a wide open door to share about things of faith. Then, if I finish my book on my travels, I might leave it somewhere for someone else to enjoy!” - Brianna Taylor
A gospel, short evangelistic book, or even a link to a helpful website such as https://www.tell-me-more.org/ can be a great follow-up after a meaningful conversation.
You could also:
Leave a Life Magazine(UK)/Book(US/CA) at the airport or on a train for others to read.
Some airports have a book swap area which is perfect for leaving an evangelistic book.
Leave an evangelistic book on your Airbnb bookshelf.
Offer to pray for someone and keep in touch.
6. Engage in Local Church or Mission Opportunities
If you're traveling, look for local churches or ministries you can connect with.
Being on holiday doesn’t mean taking a break from meeting with other Christians, and attending services will be a great encouragement for the local church. Not only will you have an opportunity to experience what it is like to be a visitor, but you may get some ideas to take back to your home church.
If you come across an evangelistic ministry, try to encourage and support their work. Even just stopping to say you will pray for their work will be a blessing to them.
United Beach Missions run free family events around England, Wales and Ireland with the aim of sharing the gospel.
7. Be Evangelistic with Your Family
If you're holidaying with family, especially children or teens, use the time to nurture their faith. Holidays offer a break from routine and a chance for deeper conversations.
Ideas include:
Devotional dippers for a quick travel family devotion.
Talking about creation while exploring nature.
Read a Christian biography together.
So as you pack your bags, don’t forget to pack your faith. You never know who you might meet, what seeds you might plant, or how God might use your holiday for His glory.
