Every heart with Christ, a missionary; every heart without Christ, a mission field.
-Dick Hillis, Author and American Missionary to China
We’re afraid of ridicule. Maybe nervous that we won’t have all of the right answers. Maybe we’re putting off having that conversation with a coworker or loved one because…well, there’s always tomorrow, right? Interestingly enough, world renowned illusionist and outspoken atheist Penn Jillette has something to share on the matter:
“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward–and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me along and keep your religion to yourself–how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?“
It’s not always easy or comfortable to share your faith with someone, but as beloved children of the almighty and loving God, it’s our duty to step out in love and share the wondrous fact of salvation and eternal life. It’s something that anyone who has a relationship with Jesus can do, regardless of education or profession. Founding Pastor Rick Duncan has a few suggestions on where to begin:
- Start wondering about the spiritual condition of everyone you see.
- Focus on five non-believers you know, and pray every day for them.
- Every day, tell somebody you know something good about God.
- Find a question (or two) that you can use.
- How can I pray for you?
- Do you have much of a spiritual background?
- How would you describe your spiritual journey?
- How do you make the most important decisions in your life?
- Sometime I’d like to share with you what’s most important in my life. Would that be ok?
- Be ready to share the good news in a simple, non-threatening way.
Here at CVC, we’ve adopted a growing method to sharing your faith in a simplistic manner. All it takes is some paper, three circles, nine words, and someone to talk to. Click here to view how this Gospel conversation works!
