I was given this book for free because I had sent an email asking for more information on the Evangelism/Witnessing weekend that Bright Lights was going to do not to far from here, but no one got back to me for a few weeks until the seminar was over. I had wanted to bring my teen who expressed interest in witnessing to the weekend, but I wasn't really that into it myself. My husband is a very passionate evangelist and I shrink in his presence. I learned not to be outspoken in my faith quickly when I became a believer because it wasn't welcomed discussion in my home. I've satisfied myself that my life would be a testimony for Christ and that I could wait until I was comfortable enough with a person/situation to share the gospel. Build a relationship first, you know? I've read plenty of articles and things that guilt trip Christians, telling them how Jesus commanded us to go make disciples, which He did, and explaining how heartless we'd have to be to not warn people about the misery of hell. |
This book isn't just for "beginners," nor is it only suitable for youngsters. I am personally older than the author. The information/tips, encouragement and insight contained in this book would be beneficial to any and all Christians. I agree with another reviewer who stated the title would be more fitting if it were, "Will Christians Speak?" I know God spoke to my heart while I read this book, so thank you, Grace, for generously offering me this book- now that I've read it, I truly appreciate it.
I just finished reading this book, and I am going to read it again with a highlighter and a notebook handy. I plan to go through it again and take notes & I want to challenge myself to attempt 100 witnessing conversations next year. Why next year? Because I'm a planner and also a procrastinator. Go figure. I don't think God will let me go on this one, and, for added measure, I am going to blog about my interactions to help hold myself accountable. There, now it's out there. Even if no one reads this, I am a person of my word, so I will have 100 posts in 2015 regarding my attempts at witnessing using some of the techniques and conversation starters described in this book. God willing, of course, because I am not the One Who numbers my days.
UPDATE: I have utterly failed at attempts to witness as I so boldly proposed in the paragraph above. We've had several traumatic things happen that sent our family reeling for emotional stability and a sense of "new normal" following life-altering changes beyond our control or ability to predict. I give myself grace. I was pretty confident of the plans I was making- assuming they could certainly come to fruition with hard work because the goal I set was God-honoring. God has taught me so much this year about what it means to lay aside MY plans (even for 'good' or 'godly' activities) and to cling to Him because He is the ONLY shelter from the storms of life. I have been able to share my faith and my struggles with others, and I pray my light is shining despite the turmoil around me, but I am by no means concerned with blogging about my efforts to evangelize. I think, in all honesty, that would probably just open the door for me to become proud of any evangelizing efforts, and pride doesn't help anyone. If someone would like ideas on how to evangelize, read the book!