I Don't See Myself Preaching - Now What?

When you hear the word #evangelism, what's the first picture that comes to mind?

In this blog we're going to go over:

• What outreach is
• Where it can/should take place
• What you can do about it
  

What It Is

For many people it's someone on a soap box standing on the side of a corner open air preaching, or someone on the sidewalks of New York wearing a big sign saying  "The End Is Near."

That would make most people nervous.

Frankly, I don't think that works too well these days anyways - so you can relax about having to do that.

Sometimes going out on "The streets" to start spiritual conversations with strangers can be a little bit intimidating.

If that is the idea that people have for what outreach is then it's no wonder why the majority of Christians don't participate. It's overwhelming!

But is that what outreach is? Is it specifically going to the streets?

I Remember a conversation between two pastors of an outreach-team that I am a part of fighting over the branding of the ministry.

For the one, "outreach" meant to everyone, anywhere, at any time. To the other it strictly meant on the streets [downtown main street area].

What's the deal? Does outreach have to be on "the streets only"? The answer is NO.

The dictionary says:

Outreach is an activity of providing services to any populations who might not otherwise have access to those services

For Christians this does involve feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and all other forms of help.

But this also includes spiritual outreach: sharing the Good News of Jesus to those who haven't embraced it.

If that is our definition, then look around you. Chances are high you are surrounded by people like this at your work, school, or even home.

Where Can It Be Done

Make a short list of areas you hang out:

If you need some help thinking how about these as examples (where applicable):

1. School
2. Work
3. Home
4. Social Club or Sports Team
5. Friend's Place

Would you say that any of these places are intimidating to go to? Not likely since you go there often.

Would you say that 100% of the people at these places are already believers in Jesus?

Unless you're stuck in a Christian Vacuum, chances are there's at least a few people there that aren't Christian.

And there you have it. Your mission field without having to cross the seas!

What You Can Do About It

This can actually be the tricky part because sometimes it can appear more difficult sharing with those whom we know as opposed to strangers whom we won't ever see again.

Each category has some pros and cons to consider.

Sharing With Those Who You Know

Pros To Consider

• you already know each other
• you already have some sort of common ground
• you might already have built in influence with them via relationship
• they might already trust you and your opinion
  

Cons To Consider

• there could be familiarity between you two [who are you to preach!?]
• if things go weird, you'll likely see them again
• you might know each other, but there might not be a relationship
• they might already know you which means they already don't trust you
  

Sharing With Strangers

Pros To Consider

• if things go weird, you won't likely see them again
• you can hand out free stuff and build immediate connection
• one more time... you won't ever see them again

Cons To Consider

• it can be intimidating to approach people you don't know
• you don't know how they will take your message
• you might not see them again...which sucks when things go well and you want to follow up
  

What You Need To Know

Essentially what it comes down to in both situations is something that you have control over: YOU.

What makes for successful spiritual conversations is your

1. Your approach
2. Your attitude
3. Your motive

It's not important if they know you or not if you have your basis covered in these three areas.

Approach:

Don't come across as a sales person or weirdo and you won't get treated as one. You're not selling, peddling, pawning, or trying to convince anyone of Jesus in these conversations.

If the first words you use to start the conversation are "Would you like to know Jesus?" it's a hit or miss how they're going to react to you.

Imagine if you were trying to set your friend up on a date with the stranger in front of you and you just went up saying, "Would you like to date my friend?"

If anything they might respond, "If you're friend wants to get to know me they can talk to me themselves."

My point is not to say that we're matchmaking with Jesus but rather to say that when it comes to talking to people, that's all we're doing: talking to people.

We don't have to do anything weird or out of the norm to start conversations. In fact, you might even start a conversation and not find an open window to getting onto #spiritual topics.

At this point in the game you just want to start a conversation like a normal person.

Different  opener ideas:

• Give something away for free: food, water, small gift... Bible tracts not so much. They're not very relational. Unless it's well done and you're willing to have a conversation with them.
• Tell them you're a "professional encourager" and would like to encourage them
• Open with a question

Different question ideas:

• What are your thoughts on #Trump? (haha careful with this one)
• What church do you go to? (when they say they don't go to church, follow up with "How interesting! Tell me about that, what happened?")
• Just out of curiosity, would you consider yourself a spiritual person? (If they answer yes, follow up with "What do you mean by that?")
  

Your Attitude

This one is very closely linked to the first one because the energy that you are in will affect how you start the conversation.

If you seem generally interested in the person, they will feel that and be open to you.

If you come across as bored, nervous, angry, obligated,etc., they'll also pick that up and it'll determine the flow the conversation.

In general people like to be around others who have a good attitude.

If you seem excited to be there and talking with them, that energy is going to be noticed.

Smiling is a good option.

Motive

Before you go out ask yourself this, "Why am I/want to do this?" Because the people you are talking to are going to be asking you the same question.

And the answer that you have within you will likely be the answer they pick up when they ask that question too.

Is your motive to love them or is it out of an obligation? Is it because you feel this is important or because you fear being punished by God for not participating?

Evangelism and sharing the faith, I believe, are one of the most important duties ever in a sincere Christian's life because:

A) We're told to do it

B) People who haven't really met Jesus are missing out on so much

It is the greatest adventure ever - including all the miracles, signs, and wonders that can be involved when participating! If you as a Christian haven't ever gone out to share your faith, YOU too are missing out on something amazing.

Sure it can be nerve wracking sometimes but that's only because we're not used to it.

But once you get to see that moment where someone experiences that freedom that Jesus offers (because the Lord is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom and you are representing Him in these meetings) and you get to see that freedom settle in their hearts and express itself on their faces... you'll see why it's all worth it.

I remember going down to the homeless shelter in my city here and I was talking with a girl involved in prostitution. I asked her if she wanted to feel the love of God right then and there and she said yes.

So I put my hand on her forearm and just waited. It took maybe 20 seconds, but when I looked back at her she was weeping so deep!

God was touching her through me with an experience only she knows and even if it was only for a few minutes, she felt loved for once. That's powerful. That's exciting. And that's what's waiting for you out there!

Our motivation for sharing with others should be that we really believe this stuff and that we really care for others.

If you don't currently feel that way don't beat yourself up. If you want to feel that way then all you have to do is ask God "Give me a heart for people like you have."

But I warn you...if you're serious about that prayer, God will be serious to answer you and you'll get it. Trust me when you do, nothing will be the same.

So What Are Your Thoughts?

Where do you prefer sharing your faith: streets or in familiar areas? Or if you haven't started yet, where would you want to try first? Comment below and let us know. What are some tips you can give us about approach, attitude, and motive?