Evangelism

Mary Schaller argues in this article that Christians need to learn the art of spiritual conversations with those who do not profess to be Christians. Several paragraphs are helpful (and sound like they came right out of Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied!) The key is to figure out how to empower Christians to engage in meaningful conversations about God with those who believe differently. This is not something we leave to the “professionals,” but rather something anyone can do on any day of the week. Everyone can have conversations, so let’s start there. If our conversations can build trust and prove that…

If you have read Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied, you know that I advocate a question that works all the time. What are your spiritual beliefs? But I may have a new favorite. Or at least, a close second. In this article, the author suggests  a powerful ice-breaking question is: What do you think happens when we die? I like it a lot and his article breaks down the two types of responses he gets. Then you can keep asking more questions. I plan to put this question in my arsenal and ask it to one particular person that I have…

People collect many things: stamps, cars, tree ornaments. I like to collect questions. Whenever I find good questions I try and write them down so that I can use them in the appropriate situation. I came across and old article in Leadership Magazine by Judson Poling in which he argues for answering questions of a seeker (or at least the initial question) with a question. That second question can reveal what is hidden and often what motivates the question. Often what we need to do is get to the heart of the questioner before we give an answer. These questions…

I recently sent this out to my church. I thought the wording might be helpful to you. End of the world? Unfortunately, the supposed end of the world is making the news. If you haven’t heard, it is coming May 21st!!   Check out the article here for more info. This, of course, is false teaching as no one knows the day or the time. However this might also present an opportunity if this topic comes up at work. Simply say something like, “Yes its amazing how far some people can get from the teachings of Jesus. Jesus himself said no…

Step 3 in Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied is asking good questions that open up the conversation with an unbeliever. I saw Os Guiness at a conference several years ago. In his talk he made several points: 1. Most of our communication lacks persuasion. 2. We assume an enormous amount of interest.  We assume they are open, interested, and needy. The truth is many people are closed, uninterested, and unneedy. So how do we communicate with those who might be closed and uninterested? Os encouraged asking questions as a indirect, involving, and subversive way to communicate with an unbeliever. He suggested the following as…

From  BTW Tim Keller, Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything, p. 201 (my italics): The gospel produces a constellation of traits in us: We are compelled to share the gospel out of love. We are freed from the fear of being ridiculed or hurt by others, since we already have the favor of God by grace. There is a humility in our dealings with others, because we know we are saved only by grace, not because of our superior insight or character. We are hopeful about anyone, even the “hard cases,” because we were saved only because of grace ourselves….

For Heaven’s Sake – Remember Their Names My son is playing Little League baseball. As I watch him practice and play, might God also have another purpose for me? Might there be some divine appointments with these other parents? Maybe. So how do I go about building relationships week to week? Step 1 – Remember their names! As I have said before, every hint I pass on, I have learned by failing. This is no different. The first week I went to practice I spent a long time talking with another father. But at the end… I could not remember…