COFFEE, CONVERSATION, COMMUNITY, & COSMIC CONVERGENCE
4 TIPS ON HOW TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT JESUS
Whether you just became a Christian or were totally motivated by a message you heard at church, telling others about Christ is an exciting thing. But it can be easy to overthink. Sam Chan, author of How to Tell People About Jesus (Without Being THAT Guy), gives four pieces of advice on gracefully starting a conversation about Jesus.
Tip #1 MERGE UNIVERSES (aka cosmic convergence)
When we talk to others about Christ, a good place to start may be inviting a non-Christian friend to an event with other Christian friends, and vice versa. It can be easier to become comfortable with people in groups, as it can help buffer any awkwardness that may occur more during initial introductions in one-on-one settings. The event does not have to be Christian-related either; the point is to strike up a connection. This natural setting helps foster community among people with different backgrounds so that everyone has the chance to learn about each other. It opens the door to understanding, empathy, and ultimately connection, where it otherwise may not have been. Following this piece of advice first can make the transition of inviting a friend to a solo get-together less intimidating.
Tip #2 COFFEE, DINNER, GOSPEL
Chan explains that grabbing a cup of your preferred beverage with your friend is an easy way to get to know them with less distraction and more directed conversation. However, this solo endeavor can be short and sweet, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself or the outcome! It’s just one step towards building a better bond before introducing a more personal invitation, such as dinner at your home. As you grow in your friendship, the conversation should flow toward deeper topics, such as personal worldviews, opinions on religion, and, thus, hopefully, Christ.
You’re not looking for a debate. you’re looking for a better understanding of their point of view.”
Tip #3 THE ART OF LISTENING
Since communication is a two-way street, let your pal talk for as long as they want, and encourage it by asking questions such as, “Why is that important to you?” or “What got you interested in that?” Be present by not letting distractions get in the way – put that cell phone away! Be open to all they have to say, including any objections they may have. You’re not looking for a debate. You’re looking for a better understanding of their point of view. Finally, if or when it comes time to talk about Jesus, knowing how to introduce Him can help prevent a person from tuning out since there is a lot of misinformation and bad impressions.
Tip #4 LEARNING TO TELL A BETTER STORY
The safest place to begin can be by sharing your story about how you first got to know Jesus. Since it is a personal experience, it is easier to speak about as you already know the details, and it is close to the heart. Therefore, it is not an arguable idea. Instead, it’s offering your friend a lens to view Jesus through. Dr. Chan says he likes to use the story of Jesus turning water into wine because isn’t it interesting that this story involves drunk people? However, that wasn’t the point. The point is that Jesus was trying to show others what life could be like with Him: fun and full of joy (not necessarily with alcohol, but rather the excitement of a celebration). Hopefully, these lil nuggets of wisdom can help you share the gospel in more meaningful and impactful ways so you can go “… and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)