Fear not: I
Use words to talk about Christ
By Dena Williams
chuckled as I read Peter W. Marty’s conclusions on how to share the faith (August 2013, page 3). His suggestions are so Lutheran. We deeply fear off ending others when
we share our faith. Best not to use words, just help oth- ers, watch your language, act respectable and others will notice. Many peop le really want to know and talk about faith. T ey just don’t know how to begin. T ere are ways to share our faith that use words—
really. I share these suggestions with congregations. People bring back stories of how they initiated a conver- sation about faith with strangers, friends, neighbors or family members. T ey report with pleasure and surprise that no one was off ended. Rather, others oſt en entered into the conversation with appreciation and enthusiasm.
10 ideas for talking about Christ
• Download a well-known sacred tune for your cell- phone ring tone. “Amazing Grace” at the nail salon gets the conversation going. • When a friend, co-worker or stranger tells you his or her troubles, say, “I’m going to pray for you.” People who believe and those who don’t aren’t off ended by your prayers. • When a conversation reminds you of last Sunday’s sermon or Bible study discussion, bring up what you heard, not in a preachy manner but as a way to consider the issues. • Carry and share your pastor’s card with worship times printed on it. People hand out their business cards regularly. Pastor, hand them out as you greet people at the conclusion of worship. T e following Sunday, ask for “card stories”: “Did anyone share a card this week? How did that go for you?” • Hum a hymn. Try it in the line at the grocery store. I’ve oſt en heard, “I know that song” or “I remember that hymn from when my grandmother took me to church
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www.thelutheran.org (click on “study guides”).
February 2014 35
when I was little.” Sometimes people begin singing the • lyrics.
Many topics of conversation provide openings for
recalling and sharing Bible stories, such as the good Samaritan, the Sermon on the Mount, a Psalm. • Teach children and grandchildren Bible stories and Sunday school songs—they’ll share. A 3-year-old singing “Angels We Have Heard on High” while she swings at the playground prompts faith conversation. • Wear “holy” jewelry—crosses, yes, but also shells, doves, rainbows, etc. When someone compliments the piece, you have an opportunity to say, “It reminds me of my baptism” or “It’s a sign of God’s promise.” • Invite others to social events at church such as pot- lucks, fundraisers, bazaars but not worship. It’s much less intimidating than worship. • Add the tag “TBTG” (thanks be to God) to your Face- book posts that share personal good news. Begin to watch for opportunities and they will come.
Your fi rst attempts to bring God into a conversation may well be scary. I have yet to hear anyone report that carrying out one of these suggestions led to any unpleas- antness. Sometimes people will ignore your eff ort, but it’s unlikely anyone will be off ended. Even if there isn’t an immediate positive response,
a seed may well be planted. Jesus sent out the 70 as lambs among the wolves. Undoubtedly, not all their eff orts were met with enthusiasm and conversion. But remember, the 70 “returned with joy.” Even when others may not receive the message of God’s love for them as a result of our eff orts to “use words,” we will grow in faith and hope. We, too, will return with joy.
Author bio: Williams is an ELCA pastor and writer in Denver.
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