How You Can Witness Effectively: Starting Well

Paul exhorted Timothy, his young son in the faith, "The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

The Four Spiritual Laws is such a simple, transferable tool that it enables those who receive Christ to go immediately to friends and loved ones and tell them of their new-found faith in Christ. It also enables them to show those friends and loved ones how they, too, can make their own commitment to Christ.

Making the Complicated Understandable

A well-known Christian leader, highly gifted as a theologian, shared with me his frustration with me over his lack of effectiveness and fruitfulness in witnessing for Christ.

I asked him, "What do you say when you seek to introduce a person to Christ?"

He explained his presentation, which was very long and complicated. The large number of Bible verses he used would confuse most people and prevent them from making an intelligent decision.

I challenged him to use the Four Spiritual Laws presentation daily for the next thirty days and report his progress to me at the end of that time. When I saw him two weeks later, he was overflowing with joy and excitement.

He said, "By simply reading the booklet to others, I have seen more people come to Christ during the last two weeks than I had previously seen in many months. It's hard to believe!"

I could quote countless letters and reports from people who have benefited from receiving training in how to use this simple presentation.

A woman who had served with her husband as a missionary in Africa for many years wrote, "You should have seen the transformation in my husband when he returned from one of your training seminars. He wanted to share the Four Spiritual Laws booklet with everyone. He even shared in the swimming pool with water up to his neck! And the best part of all is that he keeps on doing it."

Another shared, "I was afraid at first, but the Lord has changed my attitude, and now I want to go out witnessing. I thank God with all my heart for this change."

Getting Started is First Obstacle

But even a Spirit-controlled person with a tested and trusted tool in his hands can expect barriers of resistance in sharing Christ with others. One of the most difficult barriers to overcome in witnessing is just getting started. No matter who you are or where you are, opportunities are always available. Assume that whenever you are alone with another person for more than just a few moments, it is a divine appointment and as answer to your prayer.

In addition to sharing Christ with students, executives and lay people individually and in groups large and small, I witness regularly to porters, elevator operators, maids in the hotels, taxicab drivers, filling station attendants and people in numerous other types of work, on a plane, it is often easy to engage the stewardess or a seatmate in conversation by having in hand either a Bible, a Four Spiritual Laws booklet, or some other piece of Christian literature.

Following a group meeting, whether a church service, a Bible study, a student outreach meeting or some similar gathering, you may wish to introduce yourself to different individuals. Then, after a warm greeting, proceed with the following questions in whatever way is natural for you:

"What did you think of the message?"

"Did it make sense to you?"

"Have you made the wonderful discovery of knowing Christ personally?"

"You would like to, wouldn't you?"

Then ask, "Have you ever heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?" and proceed to read them to them. If the individuals indicate they have already heard of the Four Laws, ask their opinion, review the booklet, and give them the opportunity to pray and receive Christ, if they have not already done so.

Simple Conversations Starters

There are many effective ways of establishing contact with another person. After a cordial, friendly greeting, you can say:

"This booklet is one of the most widely read booklets in history - more than one billion copies have been distributed in every major language. Have you ever heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?"

Or you might say:

"A friend of mine recently gave me this little booklet which really makes sense to me. I would like to share it with you. Have you ever heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?"

Here is another approach:

"The content of this booklet has been used to change the lives of millions of people. It contains truths that I believe will be of great interest to you. Would you read it and give me your impression?"

You could try this one:

"If you died today, do you know for sure that you will go to heaven?"

If the answer is yes, ask:

"On what basis do you know for sure that you are going to heaven? This little booklet, the Four Spiritual Laws, will help you to know for sure that you will go to heaven when you die."

This direct approach can best be employed when you have only a few moments with an individual. If you have a more unhurried opportunity, you may find it helpful to take a few minutes to establish rapport by sharing a few things of personal interest about yourself and asking the other person about himself, his business, profession or family. Then you can explain that you are a Christian and that you have discovered a remarkable booklet that has been a great help to you and that you would like to share with him. Then ask, "Have you ever heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?"

Other Helpful Suggestions

In making the presentation, show love. Be casual, friendly, warm, and speak with confidence. You don't need to impress people with your brilliance, but neither should you use a half-hearted, hesitant, negative approach that suggests, "I don't suppose you would like to become a Christian, would you?"

When you share the Four Spiritual Laws, you can simply read through the booklet. Generally, you should read aloud from the booklet, holding it so that the person can read along with you. It is also helpful to use a pencil or something similar to point to the lines and words being read to insure better concentration.

At times, the Holy Spirit will lead you to stop and explain something that may be unclear or add a personal illustration. Normally, however, it is usually more effective to read through the booklet before stopping to explain or answer questions. If the person raises questions, you can say, "Let's remember that question and come back to it in a moment after we have finished reading the booklet." Of course, be sure to answer the question later!

Adapted from the Transferable Concept: How You Can Introduce Others To Christ, by Dr. Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.