Derwin L. Gray, author of Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good-News People to a Gospel-Starved World, expresses his heart for Jesus and offers wisdom for sharing your faith with others.
Q: What’s one thing you want more people to know about you that they may not realize?
Most people know me as a pastor and author, but I’m also a big-time largemouth-bass fisherman. My personal best is 8.44 pounds! For fun, I once caught a 110-pound wels catfish in Spain. I also love grilling steaks.
Q: What inspired you to write the book Lit Up with Love?
I was heartbroken by how many churches in America were closing. But deeper than that, I saw that many Christians had closed their hearts to sharing their faith. Lit Up with Love was born out of this burden. At its core, evangelism is about what you love. When you truly treasure Jesus, you want others to experience His love, too. This book is my invitation for the Church to reopen her heart, not out of guilt, but out of grace.
Q: Could you give our audience a taste of what you share in your book about love-empowered evangelism?
Lit Up with Love is all about helping you share Jesus in a way that’s fueled by grace, not guilt.
- Love-powered evangelism: Instead of fear tactics or pressure, I teach how to share the gospel by pointing to the overwhelming love of God and His desire to make people whole.
- A holistic approach: Evangelism isn’t a one-time event — it’s a way of life. Your everyday actions, your story, your compassion all point to Jesus. Evangelism and discipleship belong together like roots and fruit.
Q: How have you personally experienced love-empowered evangelism and discipleship?
Back when I played in the NFL (1993-1998), I had a teammate named Steve Grant. We called him “The Naked Preacher” because after practice, with just a towel wrapped around his waist, he’d walk around the locker room sharing Jesus. It wasn’t just his words – it was also his consistent, humble life and his love for God and for us that lit a fire in me. He showed me that evangelism and discipleship aren’t about having all the answers, but about living with integrity and love.
Q: Could you share about an important disciplemaker who invested in your life?
Alan Bacon was the first man who discipled me. He didn’t just teach me Scripture; he modeled what it looked like to love God deeply and love people well. Alan taught me how to live with purpose, how to share the gospel, and how to keep Jesus at the center of everything. He passed away a few years ago, but his impact on my life still echoes in every sermon I preach and every person I disciple.
Q: How would you encourage someone who is hesitant to share their faith?
Before you ever talk to someone about Jesus, talk to Jesus about that someone. Evangelism isn’t about how clever or convincing you are, but it’s about trusting the Spirit of God to do what only He can do: open hearts. Your job is to sow seeds with joy and boldness. God will take care of the growth. So take a deep breath, pray, and then love people with your words and life.
Q: Could you share about a time when you were hesitant to share your faith and what happened next?
Most times I get the chance to share my faith, I feel some hesitation. I get nervous just like anybody else. But then I remember what Jesus has done for me, how He’s healed me, rescued me, and walked with me through every season. That’s what gives me courage. When I pray and ask the Spirit for help, He calms my heart and opens the door for real conversations that can change lives.
Q: How is God encouraging your heart these days?
My heart stays encouraged because the tomb is still empty. Jesus is alive. The kingdom of God is advancing. The gospel is still transforming lives, including mine. And that gives me hope every single day. No matter how dark the world may seem, the light of Jesus keeps breaking through.
Lit Up with Love
Want to learn more about how evangelism and discipleship intersect? Read the first chapter of Derwin’s book, Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good-News People to a Gospel-Starved World.
Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, N.C. He is also the author of several books, including How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation, and his latest release, Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good-News People to a Gospel-Starved World. You can follow him at @derwinlgray on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as www.derwinlgray.com.
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