Tips

Gospel statement: Proclaim that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day as the nonnegotiable facts that define the gospel.
One‑line gospel: Our sin separates us from God; Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to take the penalty for sin; trusting Him for our salvation brings forgiveness, new life and the promised resurrection.
Purpose of the facts: Use Paul’s sequence to show that the gospel is historical (1 Corinthians 15:5-8), revealed and rooted in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Let the shirt do the heavy lifting: Wear the verse so it sparks curiosity and invites comments that open doors for gospel conversation.
Respond briefly then pivot: Acknowledge their reaction to the verse, then say one clear sentence connecting the provocation to the gospel centered on 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.
Create a bridge line (Depending on your shirt’s verse): Memorize a short bridge like: “That verse made me wonder what really saves us; Paul summarizes the gospel this way…” then state 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 in plain language.
Stay invitational: Use the shirt to invite reflection, not to win an argument. Keep tone warm, curious, and respectful.
Use the unexpected to disarm: An atypical verse lowers defenses because people expect the usual evangelistic approaches; capitalize on that lowered guard to be clear and kind and engaging with truth.

Read surrounding verses: Read at least the chapter containing the shirt verse and the chapter before it to capture the author’s flow and intent.
Identify the genre and purpose: Note if the verse is prophetic, poetic, narrative, or apostolic teaching (didactic) so you handle it appropriately when explaining it.
Trace key phrases: Look for repeated words or themes in the passage that naturally connect to the cross, the grave and resurrection.
Check immediate cross‑references: Find 1–3 related passages that connect your verse to the gospel narrative, Christ’s suffering, death burial and resurrection texts or fulfillment of Scripture/prophecy.
Ask yourself three context questions: Who is speaking, to whom, and why. Answer them succinctly before you wear the shirt.
Prepare a 30–60 second context summary: Write one short paragraph that explains the shirt verse in its local context and how that context points to the gospel facts of 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.
Pray about it: Ask God for scripture clarity and to be able to explain the context simply. Ask for accurate responsiveness to the listener’s questions.

Start with curiosity: Use an open question tied to the shirt verse such as “What do you make of that line?” then listen.
Listen before teaching: Let the person speak for at least 30–90 seconds so you can connect what you say to their worldview.
Give the context summary: Offer the 30–60 second explanation you prepared that links the shirt verse to bigger gospel themes.
State Paul’s gospel clearly: Say the facts of 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 with no jargon: Jesus died for sins, was buried, and rose on the third day according to Scripture.
Explain the meaning briefly: Tie those facts to personal consequences: repentance for the forgiveness of sins, restored relationship with God, and new life by faith.
Make a simple application: Ask one direct, non‑pressuring question that flows from the gospel, for example: “If it’s true (and it is), what does that mean for you?”
Offer a next step: Suggest a short follow up read like 1 Corinthians 15 1-8. Then pray together.
Use your testimony: Share a 30‑second personal story that models life before and after trusting Christ. Link the reality of being a new creation in Christ to the resurrection’s hope for eternity with God.

Memorize key lines: Know 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 and your 30–60 second context summary by heart.
Carry a giveaway: Have a small card with the shirt verse. We offer business card gospel tracks specifically for your shirt. Remember 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, and a one‑line gospel summary to hand out when asked.
Practice common replies: Prepare brief answers for typical questions like “How do you know?” and “Why does it matter?” Keep answers simple and scripture‑based.
Pray and partner with others: Coordinate with a friend or church to debrief conversations and to pray for people you meet.
Be ready to listen later: If someone needs space, offer to follow up and thank them for the moment.

Keep the gospel central: Let the shirt invite conversation but let 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 carry the message.
Be humble and winsome: Truth is strongest when presented with gentleness and respect.
Repeat less, connect more: Focus on clarity, listening, and a single invitation rather than a long lecture.
Make studying a habit: Regularly refresh your understanding of the shirt verse, its context, and 1 Corinthians 15 so your explanations remain faithful and fresh.
Pray