Witnessing by Intimidation
Newsletter Article
October 2003
Witnessing by Intimidation!!
Intimidation. one definition is : [n] the feeling of being intimidated; being made to feel afraid or timid
How many of you are intimidated by witnessing? We are all resistant to rejection and that is the primary reason for feeling intimidated when we are witnessing. What will they think of us? Can I come up with the right thing to say? There are all kinds of thoughts that we get when we start to speak out.
Now, I don’t want you to turn the tables and start to BE intimidating. I have seen where that has been done on the street corners and in the train stations and a lot of other places. You know, the ‘turn or burn’ type of witnessing. That is intimidating and I don’t think very effective at all. Americans in particular don’t submit well to that type of intimidation but I would offer to you a subtle type of intimidation that will work.
Be prepared!
1Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
If we are prepared to give our testimony clearly, confidently and without hesitation, who can argue against personal experience. Study the word and find out what answers it has to objections that are raised. Do your homework. God gave us a brain to be used when solving the problems that come up day to day. I have come to the opinion that there are only a few things we need to do in order to witness one-on-one with non-believers. I am going to summarize them for you.
Here are three steps to witnessing:
1. Build a relationship
Jesus did this with everyone he talked to. He invested time in the disciples. He had a meal with Zachias. He had a drink with the Samaritan woman at the well. (you know what I mean). We must invest time into those we witness to. As a member of CMA, others have gone before us to build that relationship and we benefit from it by wearing the patch that identifies us as a member. For some, we have a relationship already established with those we have never met. Use it wisely and by all means do nothing that would destroy that relationship for those that follow behind us.
2. Listen to them for a ‘way in’
Talk to them about life. Everyday things are the way to find out about folks. What type of bike they ride, how many kids they have, where they live or got to church or their favorite food. All of this can give you a connection so that you can relate to them. The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say when they are needed most if you will slow down and ask Him to provide them. Pray, even while you are talking to them. Ask others to pray for you as you go out to the rallies, meetings and rides that can put us with those we need to talk with.
3. Bring them to a point of decision.
Tell them what Jesus has done for you. Tell about your old life and your new life. About forgiveness. How God forgave you and how you forgave others in gratitude. Freedom. That is the message we have. Freedom from sin, bondage, enslavement to the things of this world. If we have nothing to lose here on earth (and we don’t) then how can we be intimidated by anything on this earth. Try to answer their questions if they have them but most of all, bring them to a point of decision. Ask the question. What are you going to do with Jesus? He died for you and asks that you surrender to Him so you can enjoy the eternal life He died to protect. Ask the question and then shut up. Wait for the answer because if you keep talking they have a way out. You have to put them face to face with Christ and let Him do the rest.
Most of all, don’t be intimidated. Be the ‘intimidator’ by being prepared and not backing down when the point of decision comes. Do it because you love them and they won’t feel intimidated at all and neither will you.
In His Grip,
Jerry Robertson
Chaplain