Double Take on Faith

Spending last evening making "cold calls" for a political candidate took all of my social skills and more than a little willpower. I was pleasantly surprised, however, with the number of courteous responses from the other end of the line.

I was a stranger---interrupting, taking time, asking about personal beliefs and opinions. And, yet, most people responded respectfully; several even noted their appreciation for my calling, regardless of what they thought about the candidate and related issues.

The experience got me thinking about the way I engage with others about following Jesus. I can easily assume that people do not want me to ask about their beliefs or to hear about my own. 

Interpersonal interactions with friends, neighbors and colleagues stay on the surface because of that assumption.

So I have decided I am going to take another look at Lee Spitzer's book, Making Friends, Making Disciples: Growing Your Church through Authentic Relationships this fall. And I'll look at Jeff Johnson's Got Style: Personality-based Evangelism while I'm at it.

I'm probably not going to become a professional cold caller. But I know I can have more satisfying conversations about faith with others. How is it with you or with your congregation? What ways have you found to move our conversations about faith and life in Christ to the next level?

Add your comments to the notes on our Facebook page or send me an email. We look forward to hearing from you.  

Laura Alden

Publisher, Judson Press