Will McRaney Jr., in his book The Art of Personal Evangelism, gives some great conversation tips when we are trying to share our faith with non-Christians.
These tips are:
- Use common language, not religious terms
- Avoid being argumentative
- Listen without interruption when the other person is talking
- Recognize that no means no, at least for the time being
- Respect the time and schedule of others
- Try to maintain goodwill so that you canengage in future conversations
- Avoid talking down other religious groups or individuals
- Remember that people have intellectual limits, so do not overwhelm them with too many Scriptures
- Try to leave with a win/win approach, not create winner and loser
- Remember that many people are not avid readers so other forms of material will be needed--videos, DVDs, CDs, etc.
In the past, people would debate various points of faith. Today, however, debate and argumentation are death for reaching people. People are tired of religious fighting over head matters with little care for the poor, world hunger, or many other things Jesus concerned himself with.
Instead of argument and debate, we must ask questions, actually listen to the answers, share our own experience, and invite others to join us in this experience.
What do you think of these conversations tips?
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