Earlier this morning Monieca said, “Someone just pulled in the driveway.” I looked out the window and saw two men – not so young men at that – slowly walking on the sidewalk. Their appearance, combined with it being a Saturday morning, led me to assume they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. So I went outside to meet them.
I can’t say I was excited to see them – because I wasn’t. I’m in sweat pants, I haven’t showered, my hair’s a mess, and I don’t want any company. It’s Saturday morning – leave me alone.
While introducing themselves to me, one of the men forgets the name of his sidekick and jokingly calls him “Clyde.” Not an impressive beginning to the conversation. Instead of having a printed pamphlet, they were using an iPad to show their materials. They jump right into their memorized presentation without even asking my name, so I interrupt them and tell them my name. I also tell them I have relationship with Jesus Christ and I pastor a Baptist church. After a very brief comment, the one gentleman jumps right back into his presentation. At this point, I cut him off, tell him I’m not interested, and walk back inside the house.
I’m sure these two men have had similar experiences many times.
Laying aside the theological issues (and those are significant), I want to comment on a couple of practical lessons from my encounter.
- Having a conversation with someone is very different than trying to sale someone something. Their focus was not on me. It was on their memorized presentation. There was absolutely no personal connection.
- As followers of Christ, we are to care about the gospel AND the person with whom we are sharing. You can attempt to persuade me if I feel like you care about me and I’m a person to you – not just an object.
The New Testament clearly teaches that followers of Christ are to share the gospel and do the work of evangelism. Jesus commanded us to “go” and “make disciples.” While there are many ways to do this, not every way is effective.
Just talk to people like people. Be interested in them. Do that and they are more likely to listen to what you have to say about Jesus.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Emily Walker says
Good reminder that we must connect with the person and not just have a memorized “elevator speech”.