A couple days ago, I was driving while listening to a local Christian radio station. A commercial came on and they were urging their audience to casually bring Jesus up in all your conversations as a means to “introduce him to your friends.” Then I started to think about a witnessing conference that I went to while in the youth group. This conference pushed students to go up to complete strangers and ask, “Do you know where you’re going to go when you die?”
Before I continue, I feel the need to post a disclaimer. I am NOT by any means trying to discredit this type of witnessing, nor am I saying that this is improper or unbiblical.
Here is what has been on my mind… is this type of witnessing the perfect tactic for everyone? Is this how any and every Christian should witness? I’ve tried to imagine myself in the perspective of the “non-Christian” being asked these questions… or talking with a friend and the friend asks the question out of the blue, “so do you know Jesus?” I just honestly think, I would not respond well. Then I started thinking, “so what would I respond to?” Knowing myself, I would respond best to someone who lived a Christian life, was there to talk about Christianity, and was generally open in their conversation about it… but not necessarily putting me on the spot with questions.
Here’s a series of questions to think about and even discuss:
- Is it possible that there isn’t one cookie cutter witnessing method, and there are various ways to reach people and also various methods at which to do it?
- If you did not know Christ, how would you respond?
- Is witnessing more important than discipleship?
- Is church growth an accurate measurement as a sign of your church witnessing? Does church growth = spiritual maturity?
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These are good questions, and a good post. I wonder if those of us in leadership don’t tend to take a ministry style that fits our personality and assume that it fits everyone else. I have never been good at the kind of witnessing you describe. Some people are great at it, but it seems in our culture today “natural” evangelism is more effective
Comment by Kent Sanders — January 21, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
I once heard someone commenting about how they didnt like Billy Graham’s method of evangelism. The person had this problem & that with Graham. So the they were asked “well how do you go about sharing your faith?” They stammered a bit because they confessed, it had been years since they actually had present Christ to any one else. To which then came the response ” I think God likes Billy Graham. And I think He likes Billy’s method better than yours.”
I thought your Q “Is witnessing more important than discipleship?” was interesting. Do you believe it’s either or? If a person is not/has not been sharing Christ with others- are they a disciple?
food for thot
Comment by mike — February 19, 2008 @ 4:50 am
I love this post! It is so true. When I was younger, we were pushed to witness through words more than our walk. In reflection, I never once led anyone to Christ by approaching them first. Instead, the people I “led” approached me. As James said, that’s not to say that it is wrong or unbiblical, it’s just that I have never seen it effective in my culture.
I thought Kent’s comment was really important, as those in leadership, we do tend to push our own preferences as best for all. I think Mike might have missed the point, just read James’ first question, “Is it possible that there isn’t one cookie cutter witnessing method, and there are various ways to reach people and also various methods at which to do it?” It’s not that the “Billy Graham” style is wrong, that may be what God calls some people to do because it will be effective to those they reach, I have just seen it do more harm than good in my culture. Also, I don’t think the question should be “is it either witnessing or discipleship?” I believe we should ask, “Where do we fall short and how can we improve?” It may be different for different churches, but in my experience, I have heard prophetic witnessing hammered into me, but have not had my church reach out to me to help me grow deeper so that my walk improves.
I know this is a long comment, but let me say one last thing. Please don’t take my comment as placing the responsibility on the church. The church can never replace your personal relationship with Christ. In fact, Christ did not set up churches to reach the lost, instead he sent out those he discipled. As a church, we must disciple those who God brings to us so that we can send them out.
Comment by anonymous — February 19, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
This conversation was so interesting I decided to create a new post to continue the conversation. Please check it out.
Comment by James — February 23, 2008 @ 4:13 am