Are Christians called to evangelize atheists?

TL;DR:

Christians are called to proclaim the gospel to everyone, including atheists, so they can hear and respond to Christ. God’s Word commands us to be His witnesses to all people, leaving the results in His hands.

what does the bible say?

Christians are called to share the gospel with everyone, including atheists, because God desires all people to know Him. The Old Testament sets the precedent, showing that God’s people are to live wisely and shine as a light so that even those outside His covenant recognize His glory (Deuteronomy 4:6–8; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). The New Testament expands this mandate, commanding believers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20) and reminding us that faith comes through hearing the gospel (Romans 10:14–17). Loving unbelievers, including atheists, involves both care and clear proclamation of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (John 13:34; John 15:12; Romans 5:8). Practically, evangelizing atheists requires courage, perseverance, and a focus on faithfully sowing God’s Word without manipulating responses, trusting Him to bring transformation. God calls us to evangelize all people—regardless of their current belief—so they have the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.

from the old testament

While the Old Testament primarily addresses God’s covenant people, it also emphasizes that His ways are to be proclaimed so others may see His glory. For example, Deuteronomy 4:6–8 encourages Israel to live wisely and follow God’s commands so the nations will recognize God’s greatness.
Passages like Isaiah 42:6 and Isaiah 49:6 show that God calls His people to be a light to the nations—not only to the covenant community, but to those who do not know Him, even atheists who are opposed to God.

from the new testament

God called us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20), which would have to include any and all atheists in those nations. There is not a single person Christians are not called to evangelize; the good news should be shared with everyone.
Romans 10:14–17 tells us that people cannot call on Christ without hearing the gospel, meaning Christians have a responsibility to speak it to all, regardless of prior belief.
Jesus commands His disciples to love everyone (John 13:34; John 15:12), which includes speaking truth in love. Loving unbelievers involves both caring for them and proclaiming the message of salvation even to atheists.

implications for today

Did the sower of the seed in Jesus' parable only sow on the good ground ready to receive the seed (Matthew 13:3-9)? No, even the hard ground was sown upon (verse 4). When Paul preached in Gentile cities, did he ask all atheists to please leave before he started his sermon? No, he preached for all to hear (Acts 16:6). Did our Lord say, "You will be my witnesses to everyone who already believes in God"? No, He simply said, "You will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8).

We are responsible to share the gospel with everyone, including atheists; God is responsible for the outcome. We cannot force anyone to believe in Jesus or to convert to Christianity. In witnessing to atheists, our goal is not to argue or philosophize; it is to inform them of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Each person can freely reject the love of Jesus if he or she chooses to do so. The parable of the sower and the seed, mentioned above, illustrates that not every person who hears the gospel will respond positively (Matthew 13:3-9).

Our concern in sharing the gospel with atheists is often that we will be rejected. We tend to fear rejection. Yet God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). We are not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Those who do reject us ultimately reject God: "The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me," Jesus said (Luke 10:16). We must be willing to share Christ even in difficult situations, knowing God will use His Word to change lives for eternity. There will be many former atheists in heaven because someone shared the gospel with them and God changed their heart.

understand

Christians are called to share the gospel with everyone, including atheists.
Loving unbelievers requires both care and clear proclamation of Christ.
Evangelism demands courage, perseverance, and trust in God for the results.

reflect

How do you respond when the opportunity arises to share the gospel with someone who identifies as an atheist?
How aware are you of the common objections or misunderstandings atheists have about faith, and how can you respond with both truth and grace?
How willing are you to step out of your comfort zone to proclaim Christ, trusting God with the results?

engage

What practical strategies help us overcome fear or hesitation when sharing the gospel with someone who rejects God?
How do we discern when to speak boldly and when to patiently sow seeds of faith in conversations with atheists?
What are the most effective ways we can address the intellectual, emotional, or experiential concerns atheists raise while remaining loving and faithful to the gospel?