A Practical Guide To Sharing Christ With Another A Practical Guide To Sharing Christ With Another A Practical Guide To Sharing Christ With Another

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  - I Corinthians 9:19-20

The following is a practical suggestion for sharing Christ with someone else. They are questions that have been refined and proven with time and success. By no means are they meant to simply be a mechanical formula devoid of prayer and invitation to the Holy Spirit for His blessing in this most personal and eternally serious moment, both for the subject and yourself in your fulfillment of His Great Commission. It is assumed that you already have refined your own testimony to what Christ has done for you, both at the Cross and most recently (a short summary and one in length; this prevents rambling when time is precious)! It also assumes that you have a working knowledge of the Bible, both Old & New Testaments, especially in the area of what His Word says regarding this very subject. But remember, it is not necessary that you be a scholar, just one with a genuine personal relationship with Jesus and a subsequent love for Him and His 2 commandments. Let Jesus be your example. And lastly, don't worry about what you don't know. Just tell them what you do know.

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1.		ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SPIRITUAL THINGS? a.   Psychological value: Few people are willing to confess no interest. b.   Assume a relaxed position. Be natural, cordial. Don't let the questions sound like a quiz or threat. Make it conversational in nature. c.   This question could be preceded with your own testimony. d.   Important: Regardless of the response, move on to the next question.
2.		WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS MAN'S GREATEST SPIRITUAL NEED? a.   Psychological value: You're complimenting him/her by asking his/her opinion. b.   This question captures his/her attention and causes him/her to concentrate on his/her spiritual condition. c.   Remember: Regardless of the response, move on to the next question.
3.		HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A CHRISTIAN OR YOUR AFTER LIFE? a.   Psychological value: The person is made to think of his/her own current state of affairs or condition. b.   The question emphasizes that one must become a Christian; it suggests a definite experience. It assumes the person to be unsaved, forcing, him/her to make a strong statement in order to declare him/her self a Christian. And to be honest. Usually, people will not lie about this, some even self-debasingly brag about being a sinner. c.   His/her answer reveals what he/she truly thinks about him/her self. d.   Again, regardless of the response, move on to the next question.
4.		SUPPOSE SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU: "WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?", WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? a.   Psychological value: His/her knowledge is challenged and his/her curiosity aroused, but not by you, but by an imaginary third person. This tends to take you out of the spotlight as he/she tries to answer someone else. Except in your own personal testimony, try to eliminate as many I's & me's as possible. b.   His/her answer reveals his/her theology. You've learned much by listening. c.   The answer is usaully something like, "Well, it's someone who believes in God, or Christ, and does the best he can." Emphasis is on what a Christian does. Say: "That's true, a Christian does do that, or tries to, but what is a Christian?" Continue this until he/she admits he/she doesn't know, or until silence makes it obvious? Again, this is not a test! d.   Now he/she has exhausted his/her ideas and exposed his/her spiritual ignorance to him/her self. His/her curiosity is increased, and he/she is ready to listen to you. (That is, if you have handled this tactfully!) e.   Caution: Never supply an answer to any of the questions. Just move on to the next one. In this way you maintain control of the conversation.
5.		IF YOU'RE NOT SURE WHAT A CHRISTIAN IS, HOW CAN YOU BE SURE THAT YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN? a.   This is very blunt, and should not always be used. It is reserved for those who have claimed to be a Christian, but whose answers indicate that they are not. Concentrate on being kind when you use it. b.   Regardless of the answer (or if he/she doesn't answer, after a few secends of silence) move on to the next question.
6.		WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHAT A CHRISTIAN IS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE? a.   A "yes" answer is a request for information. The rest of your conversation is now an answer to the question that he/she, in effect, has raised to you. b.   Bring your Bible into view now, or better still, ask to use his/her's in most cases. c.   If he/she says no, don't beg! Give your testimony (usually the summary version) and leave him/her with his/her thoughts. You've done all that you can at present. Remember, you do not leave him/her alone. The Holy Spirit will do His mysterious work in your absence (Jn.3:8).

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