We started a new sermon series in church which follows with the book Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. I started reading the book last week and it has truly started me thinking what my role is in reaching out to others. I guess I believed that personal evangelism meant that I had to go out, tell people how my relationship with Jesus has changed my life and suddenly they would accept Him and their lives would miraculously change. Amazing. I was never really sure what that all would look like or if I would ever be able personally to do that…but maybe someone somewhere could. Sure sounded amazing. I’ve since realized that I can only ever be a small part of their faith walk. However, no matter how small it may seem, that little part is important and it is the role that God wants me to take.
I have been listening to contemporary Christian music for a long time and reading books related to “Christian growth”. In the past few months I have become more bold and deliberate in playing Christian radio/internet stations or CD’s at my desk at work. I often leave the CD or book I’m reading in plain site on my desk which has sparked quite a few conversations. I work in many different classrooms at different sites, so as I walk into the building, I am usually carrying my backpack in one hand and a book in the other. It works! Just last Friday a teacher that I’ve never met was walking alongside me in the hall and asked what book I was reading. It happened to be Blue Like Jazz and it opened a door which led to a ten minute conversation which only ended because we both needed to get back to work! She left the conversation saying that she would love to chat with me more and told me where her classroom was located and to “stop by”. That was amazing…
That conversation occurred because that teacher approached me asking about a book. During today’s sermon, the emphasis was on “just walking across the room” and beginning to connect with another person. A name of a girl (let’s call her “Amy”–not her real name) I work with was very vivid in my head throughout the entire sermon and it has stuck with me since..thinking it might be a push to “start walking”. In my job, I work with so many people and with her only a few hours each week on a limited basis. Yet, I had the sense that she was struggling with something. Another teacher mentioned Friday that Amy had alluded to feeling like the time she spends at work, while only part time, is the highlight of her day.
I don’t know Amy more than her name and small talk conversations, which have even been extremely limited. Yet, I am feeling a push to walk across the room and just connect with her. So my goal this week is to step out, listen to God’s push and do that…connect. Not tell my life story and how Jesus has saved me and all that awesome stuff. Nope–right now, just connect. Maybe the other stuff will come later. Then again, maybe that is someone else’s role.
I bought the new Jeremy Camp CD and Take a Little Time touched me to reach out, see the world, try to understand…it just takes a little time.
| Lyrics: I picture all the things that I have seen, All the broken hearts and tainted memories All I see are all these needs I’m tired of my selfish tragedies It’s time that we show, The hope that we all know [CHORUS] I came across this torn down empty street [CHORUS] I know it all seems complicated, (CHORUS) |
I have not intentionally stepped out like this with someone I don’t know. I invite you to “travel along” with me on this path and will keep you updated how it’s going. I also invite you to add in any wisdom or experience that might help! Please don’t be shy…I will take all the guidance I can get!!
Filed under: Christian life, Evangelism, Faith, Friendship, My Life
I have been to Bill Hybels church when he has spoke on the topic, just as he does in his book. It is an amazing, digestable concept! We don’t need to scare people into believing in Christ, just be an example and reach out to those around us! Way to go!!
Well-written, Rindy!
It’s scary until it becomes fun, doesn’t it?
The more we see people really long for good friendships (the world can be a lonely place!), the more we remember we’re the King of King’s children and can speak softly (don’t have to preach and yell) the more exciting it gets!
My only suggestion would be to make sure you’re praying intentionally for those you’re reaching out to. He has access to them 24-7 and can bring their thoughts back to something from yesterday’s conversation even when you’re nowhere to be found. He can help choose your words today for them to think about tomorrow. Prayer is a tremendous resource in these kinds of things as well!
You’re going to enjoy this part of the journey! Keep us posted, OK? Your stories will encourage (press courage into) us!
Phil—
I ditto what Phil says, the way we present our lives can have a bigger impact on others than just the way we present our ‘testimony’.
When we deliberately make it a point to being Jesus into every part of our lives, we are changed and others are too!
Good job, take the leap, God sustain you and keep you and you will be blessed.
Thanks for the reminder for me to get my bum out there and speak a little Jesus into people’s lives.
Blessings, Kristina
Sorry, ‘bring’ Jesus into not ‘being’ Jesus, cuz obviously we cant be Jesus.
Good post Rindy! Sometimes we just need to be available, to listen, or to share a word of praise about the Lords goodness to us…
Evangelism can happen in so many ways.
Being open about our faith, without being obnoxious sets people at ease and opens doors for them to come to us when they have questions or problems.
The more we are transparent about our love for Jesus, and His amazing love for us, the easier and more natural sharing with others becomes.
May He Bless you in your walk with Him!
Rindy,
Excellent post! Praise God for how He is working through you to reach a lost and dieing world. That’s the Father’s heart, to win back His children(remember they were lost to sin). He does it through us.
I always say, “why did He save us?” Yes, we know first that it is to bring Him glory, but what else? How about, He saved us to save others. He usually works through His people that are led by His spirit.
Just a tidbit, remember with those we see on a regular basis such as co-workers, we must first live the life of love in front of them. Then friendship in love must come. Then His Spirit will lead you as to what to say, as you listen to His voice.
May you continue in His grace,
Richard
Richard, do you think the three things in your last paragraph are always sequential?
Phil—
LOVE this post. I heard Bill Hybels on a radio interview about the book and what struck me was his idea of giving a testimony in a few sentences. When you tell people you had to go to the doctor, they ask what for? And you can tell them your condition and what he did for you to change that. It totally simplified that for me. Also, I spent a lot of years feeling pressured to learn a marketing strategy and sales pitch which I suck at. I used to wonder why “I wasn’t reaching anybody” and why nobody wanted to come to church with me. Uck. I felt guilty about trying to cozy up to people just to “earn the right to be heard”. I didn’t understand about being a genuine friend and that was good enough. I’m much happier now being a part of someone’s life in whatever way God uses me. Its much easier and I feel like a real person. I just don’t think Mother Teresa made poor children sit in on a worship service before they were allowed to have food or medical attention. That is a peeve of mine. But for another time! Good post. I’m totally with you.
I just ordered the book yesterday.
And what are your thoughts on Blue Like Jazz? I love Don Miller’s stuff…would be interesting to hear your take.
Keep up the great work!
I really want to read that book. I have heard about several times now. Not a big fan of Hybels writing, but then again, I only read one book. Usually when I hear about a book from several sources, it’s a sign to go get it and read it!
I think this is an amazing blog. I plan on buying that book. Thank you for such an uplifting read today. May God keep blessing your heart with names just like ‘Amy’s’ to reach out to. You’ve inspired me!
Thanks to everyone for the great comments and encouragement!! I took the first step yesterday with Amy and made “bigger small talk” finding out a little more of who she is–it went great!
Brandon–a couple of comments from Blue Like Jazz that I loved and fit into this post…
“I imagined life outside narcissism. I wondered how beautiful it might be to think of others as more important than myself…I wondered what it would be like not to live in a house of mirrors, everywhere I go being reminded of myself.”
“dying for something is easy because it is associated with glory. Living for something…is the hard thing. Living for something extends beyond fashion, glory, or recognition. We live for what we believe.”
“The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: Life is a story about me.”
There’s a lot more to the book, and am looking forward to reading more of his stuff.
Keep the comments and discussion coming–I love it!! Enjoy the day!!
Rindy,
BLJ is a great book. If you get a chance, read his second book, which is called “Searching for God Knows What.” It’s amazing…less scattered than BLJ, good thoughts, makes great points.
Hey, Rindy…
Thanks for the comment on my blog… just looked at yours, and I LOVE IT!!! That’s a great book by Hybels… I think it’s definitely one of his best (maybe 2nd to Courageous Leadership, which – if you haven’t read – is definitely worth reading). Anyway, be encouraged and stay passionate about Christ and His free offer of salvation to those far from Him!
Blessings!
Rindy,
As usual, I love the journey! Thanks for going public!
This book is all about cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Another one, in similar fashion, that is just is good, is Reimagining Evangelism. Similar themes.
Evangelism is much easier when its in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, than when its in strained and forced conversations, and guilt driven “have to.”
Keep listening to those prompts.
I’ve read Blue Like Jazz, and its follow up Searching for God knows what. Both i recommend and have used with some 20 somethings i am in conversation with.
Pastor Chris
Http://www.evangelismcoach.org
Phil,
I would say, not always in that order.
Just a general rule.
Richard
[...] bridges with Amy, the co-worker I wrote about in Just Walk Across the Room, has been a struggle because it has been difficult to find the time and it’s just not [...]
[...] this in an email from my mother-in-law. Thanks Donna! And was inspired to share by a post by Rindy. I tried to confirm the authorship but in my limited search I didn’t find it published. [...]
I just began reading this book as well. I really like it because of the encouragement to evangelize, obviously, but also because it stresses just taking the person to the next step… as opposed to feeling like a failure just because they didn’t repent right there! I always feel like I can take someone just one more step on their spiritual journey.
I also like Hybel’s focus on allowing the person to come to their own decision about Christ, rather than sort of forcing it upon them. While I don’t believe that we should witness cowardly, or hide the explicit gospel from the person we’re witnessing to, I do think evangelism can take on a controlling feel if we’re not careful. Hybels shows me that I need to be less afraid of not being successful, and more careful that the person is coming to the revelation of Christ for him/herself. That will ensure their walk stays genuine anyway.
Nice post!