Conversation-- Thoughts About Sharing Jesus with Others Witnessing... Giving your testimony... Sharing about what God has done in your life... Many times, these thoughts create a feeling of nervousness, timidity, or even fear within a Christian. Here are some ideas about sharing your relationship with Christ, with others.

"Witnessing Schemes" or "Tools" are meant to assist in explaining the Gospel. Sometimes they seem to confuse or scare more people than they help.

The Apostle Paul used a simple plan. He presented Jesus and His crucifixion without apology, embarrassment, or rationalization and told others about the difference Jesus had made in his own personal life. You don't need to give an eloquent speech or memorize a plan.

The primary thing is not to introduce people to a plan, but to a person. The goal is to share about the relationship you have with God.

Witnessing is every Christian's responsibility and privelege. It is not meant to be a burden, but a joy. It is not meant to scare you, but to bring a smile to your face when you remember how far God has brought you and what sacrifices He made for you.

Where did we ever get the idea that you need some special expertise? Why must we have a gimmick? Is it as simple as introducing two friends?

Please don't get me wrong. I don't mean to totally bash tracts or other tools that Christians use to share about Jesus. But if we present the plan of salvation or tell about the Lord without sharing our personal experiences, I think we've missed the whole point. Witnessing can help the one who is witnessing as much (or more) than the one being witnessed to.

Telling without consistent demonstration means very little. It can even create more confustion. Think of Jesus. In the same way, righteous living unaccompanied by proclaiming the "Good News" can be just as empty.

Begin to build a relationship with a person before trying to discuss Jesus with them. They need to know about you before they can understand what a difference Christ has made. Jesus always reached out to people first and worked to meet their needs. In that way, He helped them see their greater need for a personal relationship with Him.

Trust the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Begin with simple conversation and see where God leads. You don't want to overwhelm them and you don't want to leave them hanging. That's why it's important to follow the leading of the Spirit. Also, you don't want to cram so much into them that it's too overwhelming. Sometimes, we try to share too much, too fast, as if they have to reach a certain level of spirituality right now.

Remember that relationships take time to grow. Where you are now in your relationship with God didn't just happen overnight. Neither will theirs. Give them time (and God time). The Bible says that we are the waterers and that God does the growing. If we do our job, God will take care of His part.

Maybe you don't know how to start. No problem. Look at Jesus. Many times He started conversations with questions. He avoided questions that "trapped" people. He didn't ask the same question everytime. He watched for everyone's individual differences and needs, and went from there. Be open to the Holy Spirit and be open to His guidance.

Mark 5:19 - tell what you know.

1 John 1:1-3 - what authority!

Avoid "Christianese--" you know, the sayings that Christians use that might confuse people. "Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb?" "Are you ready for the great tribulation?" "Have you laid everything on the alter or at the foot of the cross?"

Keep it a dialogue, not a monologue. It's a conversation, not a sermon.

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