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Tough People and Tough Questions

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So far in this series about sharing our faith, I've talked about what the Gospel message is, why we are to share our faith (and part II), tools for sharing, and how to utilize questions (thanks, Randy Newman and  Sovereign Grace Church - Fairfax, VA!). Today I will share how to handle tough questions and tough people.

If you haven't done so, before continuing, check out my last blog post and watch the video of a message preached by Randy Newman. His teaching is better than anything I could share here.

I will share more some suggestions rather than step-by-step tips. When you think back to your road to salvation, you probably weren't won over by a formula, and neither was I. But I was won over by honest people (thanks, Mom and Dad) willing to engage honest questions from an honest seeker. Below are some thoughts.
  • Pray, pray, pray. And then pray. When you talk to your Heavenly Father, pray for the person, their situation, their doubts and their longings. Ask for wisdom and the words to answer, and be open for the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide your words.
  • Good scholarship is important. When sharing your faith, especially with someone you know, learn about their background, and study how to effectively engage those questions. If the questions are about the truthfulness of Scripture, study about the history and congruency of Scripture. If the questions are about other faiths, find resources that compare and contrast religions or sects.
  • Genuinely engage the person's questions. We are in a dialog, not a lecture. Engage the person. Ask them questions (again, I'd refer you to Randy Newman's message). Answer their questions. Explore and study together.
  • Share your life. Being a geniune friend is a huge witness. Spend time together - watch the big game together, go to dinner, hang out, work on each other's homes and yards together. This doesn't take the place of sharing the Gospel, but it is an opening to share your faith on a friend level.
  • Don't be afraid of the words "I don't know." We don't have to know everything. And sometimes the answer, "I don't know" can say more than what you do know. It's shows honesty. But don't leave the question unanswered; here's a chance to explore together.
Above all, truly caring about the person is what will say the most. Don't be afraid of the tough questions; foster the relatonship, and let the questions sort themselves out.

You'll Never Convince Me

Sometimes you'll encounter particularly tough people. Sometimes people are looking for a fight or argument. There are a few ways to handle.
  • Ask questions. Engage the person. Find out why they feel the way they do. Show an interest in their point of view.
  • Let them argue. I know, for some of us, this is especially difficult. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is let them argue. Let them speak. Don't provide answers, but answer with questions.
  • Let them go. Early on I talked about the path to salvation. So did Randy Newman. Sometimes our job is simply to plant a seed, remove a rock, till a little soil or water. Once you've done that, sometimes your responsibility is done.
Other ideas? Please share them in the comments. I'd love to hear them.

We're at the end of the series. If you have ideas or questions, please reach out to me or comment here. I'll do my best to help out. Or I may ask you a question.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of your salvation. I thank you for dying in my place, bearing the punishment and wrath due me for my sin. Thank you for forgiving me. Please help us as we share the same redeeming work you're working in us with others. Give us the words to speak, the actions to share, and, most of all, give us a heart to see the lost as You do - as sheep without a shepherd. Thank you.

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