I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a sense of urgency to share the truth and light of Jesus now more than ever. At the same time, I also feel it’s becoming harder to connect with people.
At today’s “watering holes”—the places where life forces us to mingle with strangers—we get out our mobile devices and basically ignore the people around us. We’ve lost those 15-minute windows that used to be “open door” moments.
I think it’s safe to say that deep down, one of the greatest convictions in every believer’s heart is to share Jesus with hurting people who don’t know Him. What would you do if someone came up to you and asked for help? “My life is a wreck and I need something to believe in. Do you have an answer for me?”
I bet all of us would jump at the opportunity to pray with that person and show them how to turn their life over to Jesus.
Unfortunately, such clear-cut situations don’t happen very often.
Why not? Because God made evangelism awkward.
He probably did it on purpose, too. Ephesians 4:11 tells us only some people are given the gift of evangelism—and yet all of us are called to spread the gospel.
How do we break through the power of awkward in today’s culture, when the invisible walls of technology can make even casual conversation difficult?
I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all formula . . . but here’s a formula anyway:
Bold + Awkward + Interesting = God
If you’re bold enough, you can push through the initial moments of awkward. Be prepared with something interesting, and then be satisfied in letting God do the rest through His Holy Spirit.
Jesus modeled the perfect picture of 21st-century evangelism in His dealing with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4).
He was BOLD.
“Can you draw Me some water?”
He pushed through the AWKWARD.
“But You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman.”
He quickly made it INTERESTING.
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.”
He showed Himself (GOD).
“I who speak to you am He” (the Messiah she was looking for).
Isn’t this a practical formula for sharing the truth of Jesus with strangers. Have you ever tried something like this? The waiter or waitress brings your food, and you say, “We’re about to pray over our food. Is there anything you’d like prayer for?” Simple. To the point.
There are many easy, uncomplicated ways you can boldly start a conversation about the gospel.
What touches the interests of today’s generation? We want to help Jesus-seekers scratch an itch and lead them to the One they’re searching for.
When did you last share Christ with a stranger?
Michael Wise
http://www.streamsministries.us
© Michael Wise – Excerpted, abridged and adapted from his recent blog. You can read the full article at http://www.streamsministries.us/ss/display.php?M=724512&C=38e4085918fc08938a2494cd60416412&S=1343&L=2&N=1175
Changi Chapel 
Thanks, John.
The author asks, “When did you last share Christ with a stranger?” My answer: two days ago with about 15-20 strangers. Why do we make evangelism so mysterious and scary? Answer: Because most Christians enter this arena with nothing more than a feather duster whereas God has given us ten cannons, yet seldom incorporated.
I find this verse in Revelation interesting that groups “fearful” with horrible and despicable sins:
Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Bottom line: we too often fear man more than God.
Tim
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By: Tim Ooyman on May 12, 2015
at 2:34 pm