I have read and spoken to many people on how they prefer to witness to others.I have heard many good ways on how to do it,but not always on when they do it.I would like to find out from the members here,when do you prefer to witness to others about your faith?
Having others see how you deal with life's everyday problems and the kindness you show to those around you is probably the best form of witnessing for Christ. You'd be surprised how often people in trouble will ask for your prayers when they know you pray about your own problems.
Witness???? what "exactly" does that mean. From what I gather, it's explaining your beliefs to another person (not in your "circle") in a attempt to convince them to Convert?? Am I close? My Church calls that "ministering"... Of which I believe that is should be only after a relationship is developed between the two parties. OR is it something different??
Jeff My take on witnessing is that I am telling others what God has done for me, my family, any believers I know. Hopefully in doing that, a door will be opened and they will feel the tapping that God does on everyones shoulder. I am not being critical of what you said, but I try not to convert others as much as show them the peace that I have since I surrendered my life to Christ and let Him run it. This is my own take on witnessing. Carl
Don't worry about being critical about what I said... I really don't know what it means, as I've never dealt with that term. But your explanation makes sense, I wasn't implying that it was to try to convert someone.. I was just curious if my "take" on it was correct or not. o No: Thanks for the answer :TU:
I would say your ministering, witnessing or whatever we wish to call it is right on track. The whole idea is to show people that there is a way to fill that longing,wondering, uncertainty that we all have when we don't acknowledge God as our Creator. Some people deny that it's there, but I believe there is nobody on this earth that doesn't have it. I have never and will never twist anyone's arm, I just want to make sure that there is a way to peace, happiness, and most of all, eternal life in heaven. It's such an easy choice... Carl
I admit to be being bolder typing on the computer than talking in person. I'm quite the late bloomer with my faith, and cars. Seems I got a late start on it all. I do drive the teens from our Evangelism Explosion and enjoy watching them in action. I've learned alot. They visit other youths who fill out the cards in Church, wanting to know more. That works well cause they aren't springing something totally new on people. However, the adult Evangelism Explosion team will talk to folks on the street. I hope to do that soon.
witness?????? If I hauled some one into court, charged with being a believer, could I get enough evidence to get a conviction? If I could, that is the best witness. :TU:
The word "witness" or "witnessing" is the same as "testify" or "testimony" which is a word that is used in the courts to share TRUTH of what you know. In my case/life the easiest time to do this is when someone is hurting or if you feel prompted by a question or comment that someone makes. I believe it is something that is required of every believer and should be shared in a non-offensive way.
I think the most effective way is to try to lead a good life, helping others when I am able, not harming others when I am able, and speaking up even when it is easier to remain silent. I am always willing to discuss issues of faith when others ask, but I think it's the example that matters most. If you have to tell others that you are a Christian, then you probably need to work on it, (which I do constantly). Dan
My thoughts; I usually like to get to know the person and feel the situation out some, and see where they are in life. I am not a very bold person up front, so I do my best to live a Christ like example, (very hard to do at times) so they know something is different about me. Then if they ask I can explain why I don't cuse and drink and go with the girls that do. When I got my new job some years ago everyone would go to the bar for some drinks after work and I never went, so they knew right away something was different about me. It's things like that, that make a person a "witness" without actually "witnessing." If I am working with someone I let them know where I stand on morals and they usually will refrain from cursing or telling perverted jokes in front of me. Which is very respectful of them. So I guess God gives us all different gifts and we should use them accordingly. To whom much is given, much shall be required. Later; Mike
The Great Commission. This has been a good post and I appreciate the open honesty. One thing that needs pointing out is this....witnessing is not telling people that we are a Christian. Witnessing is telling people about who Christ is and what He has done. That, by the way, is a requirement of ALL Christians. The great commission in Mark 16.15 is "to go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature". That is what witnessing means. We are testifying to what Christ has done in us and for us. 26% of this post believe that it can be done by "keeping their faith to themselves". That is contrary to what the Bible teaches which is sharing the love of Christ.... not keeping it to yourself.
Well said! I was just trying to show that there are two sides of showing people that your saved. One is by telling them, and one is by example. However if you are a good example you end up telling them eventually anyway. ------------ 26%! that's sad. It shows how we are guilty of not reading the Bible enough. Now's the time to start. If you don't understand it, ask God to help. Later; Mike
Very good discussion on all points... If I could summarize my technique, I try to go with my strengths and minimize my weaknesses. In other words: - build relationship, then talk about it (that's how I voted) - be available when someone is struggling or hurting (easy for me) - be ready to answer questions when someone asks (also easy for me) I'm gifted in mercy and teaching, so those just kind of flow out of me. On the other hand, I can't talk to a stranger to save my life (or ask directions) so I try to avoid that as an evangelistic technique. Even then, I have had some very good discussions on airplanes or in airports, but I have to believe those were orchestrated from above! Not as well written as I would have liked but I'll not delete it (for what it's worth)...
If I am starting a new job, or if we hire a new employee I try to develop a relationship first , and then when they know I'm not a nut job, then I work "it" into discussions. If I meet a person in McDonald's or somewhere and there is a discussion that boarders on things religious I am open to share my beleifs because talking to strangers is actually easier for me since I don't care what they think of me, this might be my only chance to reach this person. I am amazed at how many people's earlier experience with other Christians were so bad. I try to let people know that not all Christians are the same and above all: Don't judge Christ by his followers. I try to be in the world but not "of the world" when people see how normal I am they feel at ease to discuss God with them because they are pretty sure I won't kidnap them and brainwash them.
Wow,I am actually quite surprised at the statistics on this poll.I figured That working it into a conversation would have been the top vote getter. I am very surprised at the percentage of those who prefer to keep it to themselves,and quite disappointed too.I am not the most vocal Christian,but I am not quiet either. Makes me wonder what it would be like if Peter,Paul,Stephen,John,John,Mark, and Mathew had preferred to keep their love of God to themselves. Thank you Lord for what you have given me,and may I be bold and faithfull enough to continue to show and tell others.
