Discover how vulnerability can open doors for gospel conversations. LCM Missionary, Matt Lofthouse, shares personal insights on evangelism, authenticity, and finding strength in brokenness

In the neighbourhoods I visit alongside churches — places where life is often raw and relationships are built slowly — authenticity matters more than almost anything else. People can tell when you’re not being genuine. And if they sense you’re hiding behind a polished exterior, they’re unlikely to open up themselves.

And often this means showing more of ourselves than we might feel comfortable with.

What if we’re misunderstood? What if we say too much? What if we’re not ready?

These are real questions. And they’re ones I’ve had to wrestle with myself.

A few  years ago, my marriage broke down. It was a painful and disorienting time. I found myself mentally and emotionally depleted, unsure how to move forward. But in the midst of that, I began to see how God could use my story — not just for my healing, but to help others see his care.

Vulnerability Creates Space for the Gospel

I was recently out with a church, meeting local residents on their doorsteps.Tim was one of them. He was defensive at first — even mocking. But when I asked about a tattoo on his arm, he told me it was for his late wife. That moment shifted the tone completely.

He began to open up about his grief, his depression, and his health. I shared a little of my own story — not in a dramatic way, but simply to say, “I understand something of what you’re describing.” That honesty made a difference. It helped him feel safe enough to keep talking. We ended up chatting for nearly an hour.

Tim still identifies as an atheist. But he accepted a Bible. And he kept engaging.

That conversation didn’t happen because I had a clever argument. It happened because I was willing to be open.

In evangelism, vulnerability isn’t about offering solutions. It’s about offering presence. It’s about showing that faith isn’t a shield from suffering — it’s a place to bring it

Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness

There’s a misconception that being vulnerable means being fragile. But in Christ, it’s the opposite. Vulnerability is a sign of strength — of knowing where your security lies.

Jesus didn’t hide his scars. After his resurrection, he showed them to Thomas. They were part of his story. Revelation speaks of the Lamb who was slain — even in glory, Jesus bears the marks of suffering.

If he can carry his scars, so can we.

That doesn’t mean we share everything with everyone. There’s wisdom in knowing what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to. For many of us, past experiences have made us cautious — and rightly so. But we shouldn’t let fear have the final word.

Ask God for discernment.

What parts of your story might He want to use? Where might pride or self-protection be holding you back? Who might need to hear that they’re not alone?

Freedom to Be Honest

For Christians, the call to vulnerability isn’t about being emotionally exposed for the sake of it. It’s about recognising that our identity is secure in Jesus. We’re not defined by our past, our pain, or our performance. We’re held by grace.

That gives us the freedom to speak honestly — not because we’re trying to prove something, but because we know we’re loved.

Still, it’s not always easy. There are days when it feels safer to keep things surface-level. But I’ve found that when I’ve taken the risk to be honest — whether in church, on the streets, or with friends — it’s often led to deeper connection, and sometimes, gospel opportunity.