Abrupt? Awkward? Bold?

November, 2002

by: Dave Hintz

During my college years, I went on a summer Mission Trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The purpose of the project was to train the students in basic ministry skills like organizing outreaches, leading Bible studies, and lastly, sharing the Gospel. The methodology of sharing the Gospel consisted of cold–turkey random evangelism. My palms still sweat when I think about approaching herds of teenage boys and asking them about Jesus. Once the conversation got started walking them through the plan of salvation seemed easy and natural. Often, initiating a spiritual conversation serves as the most difficult aspect of evangelism. Thus, in this month's article, I hope to impart some words of wisdom so that you can turn conversations towards Christ.

1. Learn to be openly spiritual. The quickest way to make people think that you have joined a cult is to proclaim Jesus after two years of silence about God, church, and spiritual matters.
2. Develop the art of deep conversation. What's easier, going from talking about the Lakers to discussing Jesus or, conversing over the meaning of life and bringing up Jesus?
3. When people have a problem in their life, tell them that you will pray for them. This action touches many non–Christians as they love having pious people praying for them. After a while, I usually follow up and tell the individual that I have been praying for their present crisis as well as their relationship with God. I then ask them how the situation is going and then inquire about their relationship with the Lord.
4. Try the direct approach. After a convicting sermon at last year's Mission's Conference, I sat down with my landlord and told Him, “You have been in my prayers and I have been burdened for your soul. If you don't mind, I want to share something eternally significant.” With his permission I was able to unfold the Gospel.
5. Learn to ask questions which transition into the Gospel. “Do you ever think about spiritual things?” has led to numerous opportunities. During the course of the conversation I inquire about their perception of God, Jesus, sin, and the Bible. When I feel as if I understand where they are coming from I then say, “Would you like to know what the Bible says about those issues?” If someone has had a negative experience with Christianity try, “It seems to me that many people have misrepresented Christianity to you. Would you mind if I take some time to clarify those misperceptions?”

Above all, pray for opportunities and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting to share your faith. Be aware that there exists a fine line between forcing these conversations and being bold. Where that line is drawn can be subjective. Yet, a forced Gospel presentation that may be awkward and abrupt will accomplish more than silence.