Are you afraid to share the gospel because your friends might see you differently? This is a common fear for many members when it comes to missionary work. Our friends may have different interests, and we worry that discussing unconventional topics, such as our beliefs, may cause them to avoid us. So what can we do to overcome this hurdle?

As lifetime missionaries, we are encouraged to find people who are willing to be taught by the full-time missionaries. This was taught by Elder David A. Bednar when he said, “[Full-time] missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders.” Here are some ideas for making missionary work a part of your life.

Share an amazing story from the Book of Mormon.

Sharing stories with a co-worker or classmate is already a part of our daily life. Everyone loves a good story and the Book of Mormon is full of them. We can share Nephi’s struggles with his brothers, Lehi’s dream, Teancum’s fearless battles, or even Ammon defending the Lamanite king’s flock. These stories are good even without introducing the Book of Mormon. But telling them that it came from golden plates might make them even more interested.

Invite friends to activities.

When it comes to having fun, our friends are first on our invitation list. One of the purposes of church activities is to have fun, and it is also a great missionary opportunity. If you’re afraid of inviting your non-member friends to devotionals and ward home evenings, try inviting them to Institute activities. Institute has dance nights, sports activities, movie nights and many other fun casual activities.

Share family history.

Family is important for every individual, member or non-member. The Family History program is an amazing missionary opportunity because it connects everyone, both the living and those who have passed away. You can let your friends see old pictures of your ancestors on our Church’s “Memories” app or show them your lineage on the “Family Tree” app. These are interesting conversation topics and a way to introduce the church and the gospel.

Post on social media.

Sharing content on social media apps like Facebook is a great way to spread the gospel. Over a billion people worldwide use social media sharing a massive amount of information between them. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has plenty of shareable content. This gives us a nice opportunity to share our beliefs without even talking to anyone. Though this is subtle way of doing missionary work, it is surely a good way. Because of websites like Mormons.ph, people are starting to notice the gospel and some have already been baptized.

Share a Mormon message that fits someone’s circumstances.

“The Mormon Messages video series contain short inspirational messages regarding principles and values that are important to the world”. If you know someone who is struggling to find peace, share with him or her “The Hope of God’s Light”. If you know a father who feels incompetent protecting and guiding his family, share with him “Earthly Father, Heavenly Father”. These short messages will surely motivate and inspire. They’re insightful, entertaining, emotional and a loving way to share gospel truths.

Share a comforting verse from the Book of Mormon.

There are lots of simple verses that teach principles we need every day of our lives. By sharing few verses with a friend or co-worker, we can brighten their day. 1 Nephi 20:10 can easily comfort and make someone stronger in their times of trial. Mosiah 4:27 can motivate those who think their best isn’t good enough. The scriptures contains power and truth. As you share verses, the Holy Ghost will prepare your friends, perhaps prompting them to want to know more about the Book of Mormon or be taught by the missionaries.

What the Lord needs.

Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “What we desperately need is for member-missionary work to become a way of life—for the Savior’s mandate to share the gospel to become part of who we are.” By making missionary work a part of our lives, our friends will know the truth, we will become true disciples of Christ, and the work of God in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man will be accomplished.