PDA

View Full Version : Witnessing


Bro Flame
09-24-2018, 06:49 PM
The subject of witnessing has been on my mind a lot here recently. As Christians, each of us should be eager to share our encounter with Jesus to those around us.

In the Book of Acts, it tells us that we will receive power after we're filled with the Holy Ghost, and that this power enables each of us to stand as strong witnesses for the Lord (Acts 1:8). The teaching of the Biblical evidence of Spirit infilling being tongues has lead many to believe that's all there is to the Holy Ghost.

That's far from true.

Of course, we will speak in tongues when we receive it (and when we're refilled), but I find it interesting here that receiving the power of the Holy Ghost is coupled with witnessing. It takes strength to witness; I'm sure it always has. When you're out publicly with unbelievers, or other Christians that aren't on the same page, it is often too easy for us to revert to our shells and keep our lips zipped.

Jesus doesn't want that.

Working with the public, I am given ample opportunities to witness to a variety of different people. I have invited several people to church, and I have a few that are at the door of exactly coming. I need to be praying for them harder than I have been; that conviction will fall on their hearts, and they'll come visit us.

When witnessing, however, I never mention anything that I worry might lead to an argument or debate. That's not what I want. For example, to a Baptist man or woman, I would never hit them with Oneness, holiness, speaking in tongues, or operating in charismatic worship and the gifts of the Spirit. That's foreign to the majority of them. They're faithful to what they know, and while that's certainly admiral, I toss them a smile, and I invite them to come visit my church.

It certainly helps, too, that almost every Christian in my area (regardless to denominational affiliation) knows my pastors. Everyone has good things to say about them, and that has cracked a few doors to where people aren't automatically rejecting or brushing off an invitation.

How do you go about witnessing? Are there any tactics you've used that you found out to be useful, and some that backfired and didn't work?

houston
09-24-2018, 07:03 PM
Inviting people to church is not witnessing.

Michael The Disciple
09-24-2018, 07:24 PM
For example, to a Baptist man or woman, I would never hit them with Oneness, holiness, speaking in tongues, or operating in charismatic worship and the gifts of the Spirit. That's foreign to the majority of them.

What would be left to witness to them?

They need to accept Jesus?

votivesoul
09-24-2018, 10:40 PM
I tell people how Jesus saved me if there is time for the conversation. If the time is short, I offer to pray with or for them as I get to know them and see what needs might exist with them. Depending on the mood, response, and etc., and what I think God wants me to do in each situation, I share more, give them something "to eat", as it were, from the Word.

jediwill83
09-25-2018, 04:57 AM
Stop making assumptions about what would "offend" your listener. Be bold. Understand that God did not empower you with His Spirit so that you can remind random strangers of the "office hours" your particular branch of Pentecost has chosen for God.


Be His hands and feet
Be His heart
Be His mouth


Do this and do it in a way that the observer will glorify God that He has given His Spirit to man.


Live and demonstrate your faith in a way that whoever you are witnessing to can have a encounter with Christ not propped up by setting the "atmosphere" with music or a preaching style.


You demonstrate that God can minister, speak to you and meet your need anywhere and at any time and THEN you're going to see people asking YOU about where you go to church.


Strip away all the props...all the programs...all the ways we have been taught we need to "help" God...strip all that away and open the way for God alone to get glory.

consapente89
09-25-2018, 06:07 AM
Inviting people to church is not witnessing.

I've seen numerous people born again after being invited to a service, so I would beg to differ. Versatility and ability to lean on the Holy Ghost is key in evangelism. Others, we have taught doctrinal Bible studies for weeks and even months before they were willing to come to a service.

When door knocking I tend to follow a 3 point format. Firstly, I tell them who I am, where I am from while giving them a church card and telling them we would love for them to come be with us. Secondly, I ask them if they would be interested in having Bible studies in their homes. Thirdly, I ask them if there is anything they would like us to pray for, and if they seem open I offer to pray for them right there. Again, not something I stick to rigidly, but something that has worked for us pretty well.

Michael The Disciple
09-25-2018, 08:04 AM
I like this video of young people witnessing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XnzJQiQtv0

aegsm76
09-25-2018, 08:08 AM
Inviting people to church is not witnessing.

I would agree. However, in this society it is one method to get to witnessing.
We meet so many people for just a few seconds that it is a good way to start.