By Tammy Ruggles
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” Romans 1: 16
No one said witnessing was easy. Even the disciples ran into people who were uninterested or downright opposed.
If you’re a new Christian wanting to witness, or one with lots of experience who can relate, hear the ups and downs straight from the witnesses’ mouth:
TJ is a 17-year-old male who attended private Christian schools for three years. He likes basketball, classic cars, and music: “You’ve got everybody believing so many different ways these days. Some people aren’t interested, some are already set in their beliefs. It seems to be easier to witness to adults, because they seem to take it more seriously than younger people. You have to tell them your story. That seems to work with some. If they can hear how your life has been changed, they’re more willing to listen. I‘m not perfect. Some people are put off by hypocrisy. They think Christians have to live perfect, boring lives. Let them know being a Christian isn‘t just about keeping rules. It‘s living a fun life for God. Don‘t come off like you‘re preaching. Come off like Christ has done something in your life. Stress Christ‘s forgiveness.” Best witnessing tool: “Just talking one-on-one.”
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”--Mark 16:15-16.
S.K. is 17 and is an honor student planning her college career. Her interests are making jewelry, cooking, and reading. She attends youth services with friends: “There are so many distractions for people. We have music, magazines, TV, videos, computers, movies, video games. We should use these things for witnessing, and use the media to the glory of God. Instead of getting people to come to us, sometimes we need to go to them. If they like music, talk about some Christian bands. If they like to read, give them some Christian comic books or something. Don‘t thump them over the head with a Bible. Give it to them in little parts at a time. Make friends and be real.” Best witnessing tool: “Giving out Christian music CD’s“.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”–Acts 1:8.
A.M. s a 16-year-old high school senior who has attended church for most of his life and has been involved in community youth activities: “I think it works best when you’re not overbearing. Just present the facts and let the person make up their own mind. You can’t bug them about it too much. People get turned off when you come on too strong.” Best witnessing tool: “An easy approach.”
S.S. is a high school graduate and is preparing to major in communications when he goes to college. His interests are journalism, sports, and music. His church is within walking distance of his home: “Church can be boring for a lot of people. If you tell people about church activities, they may be more interested. Sometimes they just like talking about religion, as long as you don’t push it on them. You have to make it sound as exciting as it really is.” Best witnessing tool: “Getting to know the person you’re talking to.”
There is no trick to witnessing. The ears have to be open, the heart ready to receive. God promised to do His part, if we do ours. Once we put the Word out, the Holy Spirit will do His. We may not see immediate results, but that shouldn’t deter us. Salvation can take place long after the witness has witnessed, the seed has been sown, and the prayers have been prayed.
“I witnessed to a gang member when I was thirteen,” TJ remembers. “He cussed me out and ripped up pages in my Bible. I walked away confused. I thought I had failed. And then three years later he shows up at the church I go to and gives his heart at the altar. I was stunned. Later I talked to him about it, and he said, ‘The things you said…I couldn’t get them out of my mind…I read the Bible for myself…the Holy Spirit started working on me’. You never know who’s going to remember your words, and you don’t know when”
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”–Matthew 28:19-20.
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