by Calvin Landrus, SRCFC National Director
As a person receiving Solid Rock's Email Updates, you are connected to an organization whose purpose is to do evangelistic outreach work in the climbing community. The Bible calls all Christ-followers to be His witnesses. So then, why don't we share our faith and have spiritual conversations (aka God Talks) very often? I believe one reason is that we carry too much baggage with us into the dialogue.
Let's start with a question to get to the heart of the matter. When you think of evangelism, what comes to mind? Perhaps hellfire and brimstone, street preaching, Billy Graham or even being scared and frightened. Does anything positive come to mind? (
Post your answer in the Where Climbers Gather member's section) Becky Manley Pippert, author of the classic evangelism book called Out of the Salt Shaker, once had a reply to that question that went like this, "It's how many people did I turn-off this past week." Sometimes we feel like we have two choices: to be obnoxious and mow over non-Christians or just love them, be sensitive and....remain silent.
I believe if we deal with the baggage we bring into any spiritual conversation then we can speak the confrontational truth in a loving way (Ephesian 4:15)! Let me share four things I have recently learned from Pippert that I'm implementing to accomplish this.
DUMP the THEM and US mentality. Everyone struggles with the big questions of life. We all wonder why bad things happen. We all think about what happens to us after we die. We all consider what our purpose for being here is. Focus on how we are all on a similar journey called life and that we all start separated from God (Psalm 14:2-3).
DELIVERING all the answers is not REQUIRED. The church and Christians are known for preaching sermons and giving all the answers. But what do we find often in the Bible? More often than not we find stories being told and questions being asked. What did Satan do with Eve? He asked a question and in doing so, brought to the table a ton of false assumptions. This resulted in Eve changing her worldview about God so radically that He became the enemy. Start by asking a few questions and by telling morsels of the stories from the Bible and about your life journey.
DROP your prideful attitude towards using TOOLS. We don't want evangelism to slip into the department of sales but there are techniques and strategies that others have used that you might find helpful. Spend some time learning and practicing with tools others have used. Get some items in your life that tell climbers you are Christian (
read a recent report in our member's section). I'm not God but if you ended up in heaven and He asked you about your lack of witnessing, how silly you might sound when you say, "Well, at least I never used any techniques." Lay down your pride and give many things a try; God will make up the difference.
DIG into the assumption that their response won't be POSITIVE. Sometimes we give ourselves too much responsibility. We say that if our approach isn't perfect than God can't use us. Remember God is at work and is so much bigger than our weaknesses or awkward style. Also, you might say that, "I'm just so afraid of offending." An insensitive person would never make that statement. More than likely, you are assuming they will be offended. If a positive assumption is not possible, at least start with a neutral one. Step out in boldness with the scripture in mind from 2 Peter 3:9:
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."This is the first of several articles on evangelism. There are a couple of links to the forums. Post your comments and questions. We all need all the help we can get in doing this very important work that God has commanded each Christian to do!
