Lesson 82 - SHALOM INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

Lesson 82

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1)

The St. Paul School
with Frank Eiklor, Walter and Cecilia Contreras and Eileen Young

HOW TO START A WITNESSING CONVERSATION

INTRODUCTION

Every true Christian wants to tell others about Jesus. It's not difficult if someone brings up the subject of God and asks you to give your opinion (a great time to give your personal testimony). That's like having a running start.

But how does a normally timid Christian bring up spiritual things to another person who isn't asking questions but still needs to hear the good news? Like a neighbor? Or someone on the job? Or a classmate in school? How can you initiate a conversation without giving the appearance of what some would call a "fanatic" or "weird"?

I like to teach the more quiet or timid Christian what I call the "Survey Approach". People are used to taking part in all kinds of surveys. I use a series of questions that allow me to get someone's attention and then carry the conversation as far as that person's interest and hunger will allow.

For more on sharing the Gospel see our article, A Simple and Effective Plan for Sharing the Gospel.

MY "SURVEY APPROACH"

First I say, "I'm taking a survey on spiritual matters and would like to ask you some brief questions and get your answers."

If the person does not say no and begin to walk away, I proceed with my questions (have them in a notebook that the listener can see).

DO YOU BELIEVE GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE" (Most answer "Yes".)

DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A SPECIAL CREATION OF GOD? (Most say "Yes" or "I would like to think so").

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF JESUS CHRIST? (Most will give a positive opinion-a few will go negative. Go to the next question).

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE TAKES PLACE AFTER DEATH? (You'll hear all kinds of answers. Unless the listener is a believer who says "I'll go to heaven because Christ is my Savior", just ask the next question).

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BIBLE? (Most will have a positive view of the Bible. But even those who say they have another religion-or no religion like the atheist or agnostic-may let you ask your next question).

HAVE YOU EVER FOUND THE KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES? (I then show them [carry a New Testament with you] John 20:31,"But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through His name." Then I say, "God wants to give you eternal life. That's why Christ came to die for our sins and be raised from the dead. And that leads me to my final survey question").

IF GOD WERE TO PROVE HIMSELF TO YOU, WOULD YOU TRUST AND FOLLOW HIM? (Some will receive Jesus right then, if you lead them in a simple prayer. Others will appreciate your promise to pray that God will lead them to the truth that is in Jesus. If the door opens to friendship, get their names and addresses and stay in touch).

ONE THING IS FOR SURE

This survey will let you drop a seed-or many seeds-of the gospel into each listener. And that is all the Holy Spirit needs to begin the process of turning a listener to your survey into a believer in God's Son.

For more on sharing the Gospel see our article, A Simple and Effective Plan for Sharing the Gospel.

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