When you think of initiating spiritual conversations, especially with people you don’t know yet, what are your thoughts and feelings. If you are like many, you might feel a sense of inadequacy or unpreparedness. Yet, despite how afraid we often are about sharing our faith in Christ with others, during the time I’ve spent on campus, I’ve learned that when asked, most people say they would like to be able to communicate their faith better.
But still, given our general fear of starting conversations with complete strangers, why should we do it? First of all, the originator of initiative evangelism was Jesus. We learn in Romans 3:10-12 that no one seeks God on their own. Yet in Luke 19:10, Jesus came to seek and save us. He took the initiative to come to us, commanded us to do likewise, and to take the gospel to everyone (John 20:21 and Mark 16:15 are some examples of this). We then see that the example set by the Apostles and the early church was to initiate conversations with others. Acts is full of stories like this.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
– John 20:21
Now thousands of years later, for many reasons it is something we are often uncomfortable doing. Maybe we feel that others won’t want to talk about what they believe and what we believe. Maybe we just feel that we aren’t equipped to share more about what we believe. Next time we will explore some of the myths we believe about initiating conversations with others, but I would like to hear from you. What are some myths you think are out there that keep Christians from talking to people they don’t know. What are some myths you find yourself believing that keep you from starting conversations about Christ. Do you start conversations with strangers about what you believe? Why or why not.
Jim King says
I think a common fear is we think we have to have all the answers. The fact is in intiating spiritual conversations I think it’s best not to come across like you have all the answers. Yes, know what and why you believe like 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Key in on gentleness and respect. Huge behaviors needed in conversations with others.
Steve Steiner says
I agree. I do think it helps to be prepared, and I think we’ll talk about that more on Thursday or Friday, but, it is definitely true, one of the scariest things at least to me is knowing “what if I don’t know what to say.” We can trust God to give us the right words to speak in different situations, but we also have to do our part and be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have. Since my next article is on common myths, I’ll add this.