Trained to Witness part 1
I was trained (Centuries ago. If you don't believe it, ask my kids!) to be a
pastor at a quaint seminary located in France. I was taught apologetics,
systematic theology, dogmatics, hermeneutics, Hebrew and Greek and all the other
"methods" of effective witnessing and ministering. I also received practical
training by taking preaching opportunities, giving Bible studies to possible
interests, door-to-door ingathering, and colportoring (going door to door to
sell religious books).
Because we had been given all the "latest" and "greatest" techniques in the
classroom, my classmates and I felt as if we were "experts" in all these areas,
and were anxious to try out our newly acquired skills! Unfortunately, reality
set in when we tried to apply what we had learned . . .
My most difficult experiences originated in the area of colportoring. I had so
many door slammed in my face that it's a wonder my nose never got stuck! Some
compassionate souls took pity on me and bought some of the items I was offering,
but I always left their homes feeling unsure if they would actually READ what
they had just purchased!
When it came to giving Bible studies, we were convinced that we were invincible.
We all had our Bibles organized in such a way that we could give studies on
fifty different topics. Surely that was enough to guarantee that no one could
challenge us on a topic not listed among these subjects! Our egos were quickly
deflated when the people we studied with asked questions that led in an entirely
different direction than what was in the study. As a result, we found ourselves
in a constant state of frustration, sweat and tears.
I still vividly remember a lonely man in who had requested Bible Studies. I was
in for a surprise when I entered his apartment. He had wallpapered his walls
with pictures cut out of adult magazines, and there was absolutely no safe place
to look! I had to try to keep my gaze either on the dirty floor or on the
disheveled man himself. The worst part was that he was obviously NOT interested
in studying God's Word. It seemed that all he wanted was someone to talk to, and
the entire time we were there, he kept up a steady barrage of stories about
himself and his endeavors. My partner, although much older and more experienced,
didn't fair any better than I at interesting him in God's Word, and neither of
us could wait to get out of his apartment and breathe some fresh, clean air!
Looking back at all these experiences, I realize how ill-prepared we really were
to effectively make a difference in these people's lives. But when I think about
what might have caused our failures, I realize that even our very purpose was
tainted. Our training had taught us that our goal was to convince people to join
our church, our denomination! It is little wonder we didn't know how to
successfully deal with our given opportunities and were so easily discouraged!
It was only years later that I discovered that Jesus Himself left us guidelines
on how to effectively proclaim God's Kingdom. The 10th chapter of Matthew became
my only instruction of how to reach out to others. Strangely enough, Jesus'
instructions did not agree with what I had been taught all those years before .
. .
I would like to share with you some of the insights Jesus left for us in this
chapter, so that perhaps you, too, might become successful in your witnessing.
"Freely you have received, freely give." (Matt 10:8 NIV)
Selling religious material is not what Jesus is advocating here. Instead of
being motivated by making money on our materials, our motivation should be love!
After all, the eternal destiny of these people is at stake. What else could be
more important?
"Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given
what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father
speaking through you." (Matt 10:19-20 NIV)
No human-based training will prepare you for what really lies ahead. No degree
or diploma will ensure anyone of becoming a terrific witness for the Lord. The
only criterion for this is complete dependence on God's Spirit. He is the only
One who will direct us effectively on how to handle our circumstances. He will
guide our words and give us the necessary insights. He is the One who is best
equipped to address any opposition, for He is the only one who can really read
the human heart.
If I had known Him in the above-mentioned experiences, my approach would have
been quite different and glory would have been given to God, our Father. Why?
Because with God's Spirit as my partner, I would have had nothing to worry
about. Nor would I have needed time to prepare the Bible study in advance,
unless I had been specifically instructed to do so, by Him! Just imagine having
Him as our partner! Indeed, we would have nothing to worry about!
"So do not be afraid of them." (Matt 10:26 NIV)
The fact is, Jesus encourages us to confide completely in Him and to not worry
about anything! This means that we don't need to worry about people slamming the door
in our faces. We don't need to worry about what they might or might not say or
think, or even what kind of wallpaper they choose for their walls! We don't need
to worry about transportation, about clothing, about food . . . We don't need to
worry about anything at all! If we put our trust in Him, He will open doors and
provide for our necessities.
"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for
the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his
keep." (Matt 10:9-10 NIV)
This was quite different from what we had been taught at the seminary, but it is
oh, so true! Jesus is faithful, and you can be assured that He will provide not
only the words, but the means as well. In whom should we trust? Money or our
Provider? Training or God's Holy Spirit? Training is good. Don't get me wrong
here. However, God does not require any preparation from us to witness
effectively. Remember, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor 12:10 NIV)
Let's go tell our neighbors the special message God has for them. Would you like
to come along? Then let's ask HIM for direction!
Rob Chaffart