Tips

,

We Need More W.A.T.W. Types @ Christmastime

,
We Need More W.A.T.W. Types @ Christmastime

What is a W.A.T.W type? I’ll get to that in a moment.

Christmas is probably the most universally celebrated holiday of any on the calendar. For almost an entire month, there is a party atmosphere everywhere with all kinds of traditions around lights and trees and decorations and special food and songs a seemingly endless array of gifts.

While we as believers know why this celebration is so special (“there is born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”), but most in our culture give nothing more than a superficial nod to some little cuddly baby born in a manger.

What can be done to bring more attention to the centerpiece of this celebration? Be more like W.A.T.W. What?

,

Fast Facts on What To Do When You’re on the Ropes in a Witnessing Encounter

,

Jason Carlson (Christian Ministries International)

  • Sometimes in our apologetic conversations, whether with cultists or skeptics, we will be confronted with a question or challenge that we simply don’t have an answer for. What should we do in those situations?

  • Avoid the temptation to make up an answer. Not only is this dishonest, but it’s not really helping the person you’re witnessing to.

,

It’s Summer: Look Around and Engage

,
It’s Summer: Look Around and Engage

Summertime always seems to be a greater opportunity to engage in gospel conversations.

  • There’s more light.

  • There are more people out and about.

  • There are more relaxed environments.

  • People seem happier and more relational.

Ask Questions – Strategic Questions – More Questions

One of the best ways to transition conversations is to ask questions. People seem more willing to answer some good, caring, non-intrusive questions than to just engage in small talk, so prepare yourself with some key questions to ask in all kinds of settings.

Take a look at the following questions and then start looking for opportunities to ask and see where the conversation leads. …

,

Are You Being Honest with Yourself about Your Gospel Witness?

,
Are You Being Honest with Yourself about Your Gospel Witness?

Sometimes our biggest struggle with being a good and faithful gospel witness is being brutally honest with ourselves about why we don't consistently think, live, and breathe an evangelistic heart like we may think we do.

Ouch, that can sting as it does for me when I take stock of my desire, burden, and intentionality with gospel conversations.

,

How Do I Share What I Believe?

,
How Do I Share What I Believe?

I’ve investigated a number of murders over the years motivated by nothing more than an act of disrespect. The pursuit of power is one of three motivations driving criminal behavior, and it often manifests itself as a response to a simple act of insolence. When a gang member feels disrespected, for example, he may retaliate violently. As humans, all of us are repelled when we feel dishonored, insulted or belittled in some way, even if most of us won’t react as aggressively as gangsters. If you’re trying to persuade someone, it’s important to understand the relationship between respect and reach. The more we respect and honor the dignity of others, the more likely we’ll be able to reach them with an idea, concept or worldview. Jesus reiterated the importance of respecting others in his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:

,

Do You Know What Non-Christians Wantfrom Faith Conversations?

,
Do You Know What Non-Christians Wantfrom Faith Conversations?

ead this quote slowly and thoughtfully: “However willing they may be, Christians’ ability to witness for Christ may be impeded by the simple fact that they don’t have meaningful relational connections with non-Christians, or the conversational skills necessary to talk meaningfully about faith.” (Conclusion to a Barna Research Report, February 19, 2019)

As you pray and seek to be a faithful gospel witness for the Lord, note some of the findings by Barna Research: