Have you ever driven down your street and suddenly been burdened for your neighbors? Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation with a co-worker, and just had a burning desire to share Jesus with them? Have you ever been so riddled with fear to share your faith, that you've quickly put those thoughts out of your mind, and went on like any other day?
I have!!
I think most of us who love Jesus have had similar experiences. Much of the fear comes from the thinking that we will be rejected for speaking of Jesus, or we won't know what to say, or the person won't have any interest.
Last evening, I was in a "simple church" seminar hosted by Tony and Felicity Dale. Their teaching was so simple and profound, I had to share it.
First, let's set the record straight, our neighbors, co-workers, family members, and our world are interested in spirituality and the person of Jesus. They are, however, cautious of Christianity and church. So, let's try a new approach. Instead of inviting your un-churched friends to church, invite them into a discussion of spirituality.
What will this look like?
There's a mom who lives on the other side of the wall from us here in Philly. We've been friendly for a long time and help each other out every now and again. Grant and I have been praying for our neighborhood for a LONG time now (the first step in this process is PRAYER!). So, God kept laying Stacie on my heart. Well, one day, I finally got up the courage to ask her to simply read the Bible with me. I told her, I wasn't interested in teaching her anything about God, or Jesus, or how she should live. We would simply read some vital parts of the Bible and then talk about them and she could discover for herself, who God is and decide what that means for her own life.
How did she respond?? She said she'd love to do that. I was shocked! I honestly did not expect her to agree to it. She shared that she had never read the Bible, but knows people who do and realizes that it has moral teachings that could help her raise her son. At that point, I was completely blown away!
What will we do? Here's an awesome tool, that Tony and Felicity shared that I think will help you too.
It follows this pattern: ?, a light bulb, an arrow, and an ear.
First just read a verse or two (You can start in Genesis or John). Then:
1) Ask QUESTIONS that came to mind as you read the verse(s). (Think of a question mark.) The important thing is that everyone ask questions, but no one offers an answer. Rely on the Scriptures to be the authority, not yourself. (ex. How could God created everything we see in 6 days? Why did God need to rest?)
2) Talk about IDEAS that came up as you read. (Think of a light bulb.) You may remember a similar verse somewhere else, or related to the passage. Or, maybe this verse has given you understanding that you didn't have previously (ex. God created the world. God created me.)
3) Talk about something that has IMPACTED you in this verse, that you need to make applicable to your life and circumstances. (Think of an arrow, piercing your heart, causing you to make a change) (ex. If we are made in God's image, I need to treat all people with kindness.)
4) Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about this. (Think of an ear.) Go tell others what you read and the impact it's having on your life. This creates a moment where your discussion with one other can become discussions with 2 others, then 4, then 8... This method is easily reproducible. (By the way, this is the same way that church-planting movements in other countries begin!)
It's that easy!! A question mark, a light bulb, an arrow, and an ear.
You don't have to give all the answers, you don't have to spend hours studying before your meeting. There is no pressure on you. You can expect the Holy Spirit to show up and the Scriptures to do its work (the Word is the seed!).
I just love how this method takes the pressure off me, and puts it where it should be, the Word of Truth, and the Power to change lives.
So, I'm excited to begin this with Stacie! Pray for us!
Who can you start using this simple tool with?? The harvest is ripe, the laborers are few, and YOU are one of them. Get out there and share the Hope within you. Share the Truth in your hands. Your friends are waiting!
PS - if you want a outline of 20 essential passages, I can share that with you...
