Many of us want to share the Gospel with others, but we overthink it, say the wrong thing, or are afraid of being drawn into theological debates we are not prepared to have.
That's the beauty of the 5 Gospel Symbols. They were never created in a seminary classroom. They were born out of a desperate man, a good pastor, and a humble paper napkin in West Monroe, Louisiana.
The Man Behind the Message: Pastor Bill Smith
In order to appreciate the significance of the 5 Gospel Symbols, we have to learn about the man behind the message.
William "Bill" Smith was no celebrity pastor or best-selling author. He was an elder at White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana. He was a humble servant of the Lord who knew the power of the Gospel and the importance of being patient in explaining it to others.
Bill Smith was a teacher of grace and mercy in an era of much legalism in the Churches of Christ. He was a mentor to many members of the Robertson family and was a spiritual guiding light to Phil and his wife Kay, as well as Phil's brothers and sister.
Missy Robertson (Jase's wife) wrote of his passing: "I have never known a world without this amazing man in it. He was a mentor to my dad, my husband, and recently to my son Cole."
But perhaps the greatest impact of his ministry came from a meeting that never would have occurred if circumstances had been different.
A Sister's Plea and a Parking Lot Encounter
Phil Robertson was a 28-year-old man in the mid-1970s, and he was a mess. Phil was a star quarterback at Louisiana Tech, where he started ahead of Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, but he walked away from a possible football career to do what he truly loved: duck hunting and drinking.
Phil was managing a bar, drinking, and killing his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Kay, by the time he was in his late twenties. Phil had gone from teaching to alcoholism, adultery, and violence.
Kay had finally had enough of Phil's self-destruction, which she witnessed on a daily basis. She picked up the phone one day and called a number from a TV program, asking for Pastor Bill Smith, and met him at his office. That night, Kay gave her life to Jesus Christ, which, at first, made things at home even worse.
Phil laughed at Kay's new conversion, calling her a "Bible thumper" and a "holy roller." Phil drank more than ever, and one night, he threw an entire Thanksgiving dinner on the floor, accused Kay of having an affair (when she hadn't), and Kay knew she had to make the hardest decision of her life. She packed up the three young sons, Alan, Jase, and Willie, and left Phil.
For three months, Phil Robertson lived alone, wallowing in squalor, drinking himself into an even deeper pit. It was during this time that Phil's younger sister Jan asked Pastor Bill Smith to meet Phil and tell him, "If you could convert my brother, if you could convert him, he would bring many, many people to Jesus."
Phil Robertson refused Pastor Bill Smith's advances, but Kay, with the help of Pastor Bill Smith and White's Ferry Road Church, waited patiently.
And then came the moment that changed everything.
The Conversion That Changed a Dynasty
Phil showed up at a parking lot where Kay was working. When Kay came out to the car, Phil was there. He was broken, crying, and begging Kay to take him back. "I'm gonna quit drinking. I'm gonna quit all of it. I'm gonna turn my life around." But Kay knew that love wasn't enough. Phil needed Jesus. Kay told Phil that she would meet him, but only if Phil would agree to meet Pastor Bill Smith. Phil was agreeable.
That night, Pastor Bill Smith sat down with Phil. He opened up the Bible. For several hours, the two talked. Phil would say that Pastor Bill Smith never had to tell him to repent. "I knew what repentance meant." But after several meetings of Bible study, Phil was able to grasp the Gospel for the first time in his life. Pastor Bill Smith told Phil about Jesus.
"He came down to Earth, died for our sins, rose again, ascended to heaven, is coming back. And I looked at Bill Smith, and I said, 'It sounds too good to be true.'" But Pastor Bill Smith knew Phil was ready. "It is too good, but it is true."
Phil made the choice. In front of Kay and his three young sons, Phil repented of his sins. He was baptized by Pastor Bill Smith in the river.
"Down into the water I went," Phil later recounted, "and when I came up from that cleansing flood, I knew I was a changed man."
Jan's prophecy was correct. From that day on, Phil Robertson became one of the most prolific evangelists the Christian world has ever known, leading thousands, maybe millions, to Christ through Duck Commander, Duck Dynasty, the Unashamed Podcast, and countless speaking engagements.
It all began with a pastor, a napkin, and five symbols.
What do the 5 Gospel Symbols Mean?
As Pastor Bill Smith led these Bible studies with Phil Robertson, he used a napkin to draw five symbols to describe the Gospel message to those they were evangelizing.
The symbols are the entire story of Jesus Christ in chronological order. When someone asks, "What do these symbols mean?" you can now answer them clearly and confidently:
1. He Came
The Symbol: A downward arrow pointing to earth.
The Meaning: "The first symbol means that Jesus came to earth. God didn't stay distant—He stepped into our world to rescue us."
The Scripture:
- John 1:14 – "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
- Philippians 2:6-7 – "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
- Galatians 4:4 – "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law."
God became flesh. The Creator became a part of His creation. That is the definition of humility and love.
2. He Died
The Symbol: A cross.
The Meaning: "The second symbol represents the cross—where Jesus died. Why? Because we all have sin, and sin separates us from God. Jesus took our place, paying the price so we could be forgiven."
The Scripture:
- Romans 5:8 – "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
- Isaiah 53:5 – "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
- 1 Peter 3:18 – "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
The cross is not just a religious symbol; it is the place where our debt has been paid in full.
3. He Arose
The Symbol: An empty tomb (represented by a curved line).
The Meaning: "The third symbol is the empty tomb. Jesus didn't stay dead. He rose again! That proves He has power over sin and death. Because of that, we have hope beyond this life."
The Scripture:
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
- Romans 6:4 – "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
- 1 Peter 1:3 – "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
- Romans 1:4 – "And who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."
The resurrection is the proof that everything Jesus said is true. Death could not hold Him.
4. He Ascended
The Symbol: An upward arrow pointing to heaven.
The Meaning: "The fourth symbol reminds us that after Jesus rose, He ascended into Heaven. Right now, He's in Heaven, interceding for us and preparing a place for those who follow Him."
The Scripture:
- Acts 1:9 – "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
- Hebrews 4:14 – "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
- Ephesians 4:8-10 – "When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people... He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe."
- Psalm 68:18 – "When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious—that you, LORD God, might dwell there."
Jesus isn't absent. He's actively at work, interceding for His people and preparing our eternal home.
5. He Is Coming Back
The Symbol: A downward arrow pointing back to earth.
The Meaning: "The final symbol means that Jesus is coming back. He promised to return and make everything right. That's why we live with hope and urgency."
The Scripture:
- Revelation 22:12 – "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."
- Acts 1:11 – "Men of Galilee, they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
- Titus 2:13 – "While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
This is not the end, my friends, but the beginning of eternity with Him.
From West Monroe, LA, to the World: The Unashamed Movement
What started as a discussion between a pastor and a broken man has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Phil Robertson (until his passing in May 2025) preached the Gospel on many Sundays at White's Ferry Road Church. He, along with his sons Al and Jase, and nephew Zach Dasher, also co-hosted the Unashamed Podcast, which has produced over 1,150 episodes in six years.
The podcast world, which refers to its members as "Unashamed Nation," is a worldwide movement. People listen each week for stories, in-depth Bible studies (such as "The Kingdom"), and the Robertsons' unapologetic approach to the Bible and life.
There are also over 800 episodes of "At Home with Phil Robertson" with even more of Phil's wisdom, humor, and biblical teachings—all for free.
The success is undeniable. When "The Blind" movie, which tells Phil and Kay's conversion story, was released in 2023, there were baptisms on opening weekend at theaters everywhere. At the University of Mount Olive, 11 students gave their lives to Christ after a special screening.
The actor playing Phil, Aron Von Andrian, was deeply moved by the scene of Phil's conversion and found himself "in a puddle of tears on the floor of my hotel room" as he cried at the Gospel message he was portraying.
Jase Robertson: Carrying the Napkin Forward
Jase Robertson is one of the most vocal evangelists of this movement if Phil Robertson is considered the patriarch.
Jase Robertson, the COO of Duck Commander and co-host of Unashamed, has taken his father's napkin illustration to heart and openly discusses how the 5 Gospel Symbols have become his primary means of witnessing.
On the Unashamed Podcast, Jase Robertson discussed how he takes the 5 Gospel Symbols and draws them on his checks when he eats out at restaurants. It has become such a habit that people ask him what they mean. This provides him the opportunity to witness to people.
Jase Robertson also wears 5 Gospel Symbols hats to events and wherever he goes. "I'm often approached by people asking what the symbols mean," Jase has said. "It gives me a perfect time to share the story behind the symbols, which is the Gospel."
The genius of Jase Robertson's strategy is in its simplicity. He simply wears the symbols and waits for the Holy Spirit to open doors.
The doors never stop opening.
The Unashamed Nation
The Unashamed Podcast has created a community of witnesses to the 5 Gospel Symbols.
The Unashamed Nation is not just people listening to the podcast. It is people witnessing to the 5 Gospel Symbols.
In the Unashamed Nation Facebook group, thousands of people share their experiences of how they are using the 5 Gospel Symbols to witness to people. Steve Lewis and Tonya Anderson faithfully run the group.
- Tattoos – Many people in the Unashamed Nation community have tattooed the 5 Gospel Symbols on their arms.
- Car stickers – The symbols are displayed on cars, and conversations are sparked at gas stations and parking lots.
- Custom jewelry – The symbols are worn as bracelets, necklaces, and rings, and they spark conversation in everyday life.
- Printable cards – Christians print these cards, which contain the symbols, and distribute them to others during witnessing opportunities.
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T-shirts and hats – Displaying these symbols on 5 Gospel Symbols apparel in public creates an abundance of witnessing opportunities.
Al Robertson wore a 5 Gospel Symbols hat from 611Armory and was kind enough to mention us on the podcast!
A Tool for the Great Commission
Jesus Christ gave us the Great Commission, and He made it a command, not a suggestion. He said, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
The 5 Gospel Symbols are a tool to help us fulfill that command. When someone asks you what your hat, shirt, and symbols drawn on your check mean, you are not just having a conversation; you are witnessing.
Here is an example of a conversation that could ensue:
Person: What do these symbols mean?
You: I'm so glad you asked! These five symbols tell the story of Jesus Christ. Would you like to know more?
And then, using the simple descriptions provided above, you explain what each symbol represents.
The goal is to tell a story, not to lecture.
The goal is to communicate, not to argue.
And if the conversation goes further and you sense that the individual is interested in learning more, you could then ask, "Have you ever thought about where you stand with God?"
This is not a pressure tactic; it is an invitation to know Him personally.
The 2024 Trademark Update
In 2024, the 5 Gospel Symbols were officially trademarked by an organization within the WFR Church family. This was to protect the integrity of the message.
So what does that mean?
For Personal Use:
- You can still use the symbols for personal witnessing
- You can get a tattoo, stickers, giveaways, and drawings on a restaurant check without a license
- You can still use the symbols in church teachings and witnessing without permission
For Commercial Use:
- Anyone who wants to make money off the symbols must get a license
- This ensures that the symbols are still connected to the true Gospel and are not used to further false gospels
Equipment for the Believer
These five symbols are not just a design. They are equipment for the journey.
They remind us that the Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand but powerful enough to change a life. Just like it did for a man in a Louisiana diner decades ago.
Phil Robertson had been running from God for 28 years. He was drunk, violent, unfaithful, and blind to the things of God. By the world's standards, Phil was a lost cause.
But a faithful pastor took the time to draw the five symbols on a napkin and explain the most beautiful truth in the universe: Jesus came, died, rose, ascended, and is coming back.
Phil believed. He repented. He got baptized. His life was never the same.
Thousands have followed in his footsteps, not because of Phil, but because of Jesus. The symbols are not magic; they are a tool to help regular people like us share the extraordinary message of the Gospel.
Your Turn to Share the Gospel With the Symbols
You may have been a Christian for any years and want to learn how to start a conversation about Jesus.
You may be a new Christian and want to learn a simple way to share with others what Jesus has done in your life.
You may be reading this and have not given your life to Jesus, but are curious about these symbols and want to know their meaning and application to your life.
Regardless of your situation, the 5 Gospel Symbols are an invitation to you.
To the Believer: These symbols are a tool. Study them. Wear them. Share them. You do not have to be a theologian or have a presentation. You just need to know the symbols and be willing to share them. You can download the Free Gospel Symbols Field Manual and print it to prepare for conversations.
To the Seeker: These symbols tell your story of what God has done to rescue you. Jesus came to this world, died on a cross in your place, was raised from the dead, went to heaven, and is coming back for you. The question is: What is your response like Phil Robertson's response?
"It sounds too good to be true."
"It is too good, but it is true."
Take the Next Step
The 5 Gospel Symbols were started by Pastor Bill Smith and Phil Robertson in West Monroe, Louisiana. But they do not have to end there.
They can start with you at your workplace, your neighborhood, your school, your restaurant, your gym.
All it takes are five simple symbols, and the desire to say, "I'm so glad you asked. Let me tell you what they mean."
He came. He died. He arose. He ascended. He's coming back.
That's the Gospel. That's the hope. That's the message that needs to be shared.
Will you be the next one to draw the napkin? Will you be the one to answer the question, "What do those symbols mean?" when you are wearing the merchandise with the symbols on it?