Lutheran Hour Ministries presents MISSION U School of Witnessing

Who we are Outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide Flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, began in 1930 Programs proclaim the Gospel, equip Christians to share the Gospel and reach out to believers and nonbelievers Visit for more information!

Equipping to Share: Everyday Evangelism

Christian Witnessing To “witness” means... to speak from personal experience; to introduce others to Jesus

Effective Witnessing is… personal. relational. It takes place when: you listen; you are genuinely interested; you hear a person out and then speak.

Always Be Prepared

WITNESSING HINDRANCES What hinders your witness?

Fear? Common Fears: – rejection – the unknown – confrontation – embarrassment – being tongue-tied – saying the wrong thing – finding the right time

Inadequacy? Lack of... – knowledge – personality – confidence – authority

Consider the source. Satan seeks our failure. He controls us with lies: – You can’t do it. – This will be a terrible experience. – This isn’t necessary.

The Solution: Fear is a spiritual problem with a spiritual solution. Confess your fears and search His Word. Trust in His promises. Ask for power through God’s Holy Spirit.

The Solution: Satan says, “Be afraid to witness.” God says, “You have nothing to fear!” – Read Luke 12:11-12 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Luke 12:11-12 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Overcoming Fear… by His power in us! “For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a sense of power, of love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Are you fearful and feel ill equipped? Ask! Be empowered by the Holy Spirit!

Overcoming Fear… with common sense! Follow James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – Be a good listener. – Think before you speak. – Don’t get pulled into a debate!

Consider... “Less than 5% of people react to a Christian witness in an ugly or unpleasant way, although many decline or are indifferent.” - How to Share Christ Confidently We have no right or reason to internalize negative reactions: – “… he who rejects you rejects Me” ( Luke 10:16b).

Overcoming Obstacles… through prayer! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Overcoming Obstacles… through prayer! “… If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Write the name of one person at this workshop. Commit to praying for him or her.

You Are Qualified! God has chosen and appointed you. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Satan says: You are not capable or qualified to witness. God assures you that you are!

Make the Most of Prayer. In John 16:23b, Jesus says, “... My Father will give you whatever you ask in My Name.”

Make the most of His offer by asking for the opportunity to introduce Him to someone; a loving and winsome approach; an open mind and heart in the hearer; the ability to listen and perceive; the right words and way to present Jesus; a positive and lasting response. Trust He will keep His promise.

So... Get Over Yourself! Witnessing is not about me! It’s about Jesus. It’s all about His mission, His message, and His power; and the person who needs to know Him. It’s our privilege to participate!

Be Led By Love. Love makes us want to witness—not guilt, duty, or egotism. love for God love for His children “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear …” (1 John 4:18a).

You Know the Mission. “And you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

In other words … in my family, with my friends, on the job, in my community, in the grocery line … wherever God leads.

You Know His Message. “By this Gospel you are saved … that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day …” (1 Corinthians 15:2-4a). “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that … we too may have new life” (Romans 6:4).

You Know His Message. Consider how this message shapes your story. How has Jesus changed your life?

His Great Commission: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

It’s Your Privilege, not your perfection! God has shown me mercy as an example to all. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15b-16).

It’s Your Privilege, not your perfection! The witness is not that you’re perfect, but that God is so loving and patient He forgave even you!

Our Job By Privilege We don’t want followers of us; we seek followers of Christ!

Our Job By Privilege “For when one says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos, are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe as the Lord has assigned to each his task. “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:4-7).

Our Job By Privilege Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Only the Holy Spirit can work in someone’s heart. Our job is to plant and water seeds.

Privileged To Share 1. Form a group of three with someone new. 2. Introduce yourself (name, congregation). 3. Have each share one of the following: – Who in the Bible would you be? – Discuss a time of reconnecting with God. 10 Minutes!

Privileged To Share 1. What was easy about sharing? 2. How would your wording differ if sharing with a non-Christian?

Privileged To Share Who? Where? What is your prayer? Stop and pray for that person.

Everyday Opportunities: Stop! Ask yourself, Who in my life needs Christ? Who can I pray for regularly? Does no one come to mind? Surrounded only by Christians? Think again...

Who Do You Know? Children Parents Siblings In-laws Friends Neighbors Classmates Co-workers People at the gym People at the coffee shop Hair dresser Mechanic Mailman University students

Be Quick To Listen... As a friend, as a learner For his or her worldview

Worldview: It’s the set of assumptions through which one perceives the world. UltimateAllegiance

Worldview: As a Christian, what is our ultimate allegiance? What alternatives does the world adopt? UltimateAllegiance

How Might Actions And Assets Reflect Ultimate Allegiance? Do, have Think, feel Believe, value UltimateAllegiance

Alternate Worldviews: Any ultimate allegiance other than Christ ends in failure and disappointment! Job: What if I get fired? Family: What if there is a divorce? Me: What happens when I fail? Spouse: What if my spouse leaves? Church: What if my church offends? Possessions: What if I have everything?

Share God’s Promises: To be with us always. Isaiah 41:13 To deliver us from trouble. Psalm 50:15 To always love us. Romans 8: To remove our sins. Psalm 103:12

Share God’s Promises: To never leave us. Joshua 1:5 To provide an exit when tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 To know we’re free from sin, death. Romans 8:1-2 To prepare a place for us in heaven. John 14:2-3 To give us perfect heavenly bodies. Romans 8:11

Worldview Keep focused on the ultimate allegiance. The Holy Spirit transforms from the inside out. UltimateAllegiance

Case Studies 1. Form groups of Read both parts of the case study. 3. In this case, you are the “Believer.” 4. Discuss ways to approach or respond to the “Unbeliever” in word and deed.

The Importance Of Obedience… to the Holy Spirit’s prompting: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26 ).

The Importance Of Obedience… It will be made known to you … when to move. when to yield. Obey. It is God's mission, God’s message, and God’s timing.

Brief Encounters Don’t ignore Social Media. Facebook Twitter

Brief Encounters Initiate conversation with kindness. – Say “hello.” – Maintain eye contact. – Hold the door. – Let others ahead of you. – Perform simple courtesies. – Ask for help. – Remember and repeat his or her name.

Sharing in Brief Encounters Use F-O-R-M-S as a guide: Family: “Is your family around here?” Occupation: “What do you do for a living?” Recreation: “What do you do on the weekend?” Motivation: “What motivates you most?” Spirituality: “Does spirituality play a role in your life?” By listening, you can learn what is important to them and where they are spiritually.

Practice Find a partner. Initiate a conversation using FORMS. Take turns.

Purposeful Responses Prepare for typical questions and turn answers into transitions for sharing faith and encouraging conversation. – What do you do? – What did you do this past weekend? – What brought you (to this place)?

Long-term Relationships Family and friends: LISTEN. Keep their trust. Love unconditionally.

Long-term Relationships Family and friends: Remember silliness, not just seriousness. Don’t become frantic! Trust God’s timing. Offer and request continual forgiveness. PRAY!

Long-term Relationships Before each meal, thank God for His blessings, including this person. If they ask you to back off, then back off (but don’t forget to pray). Pray for others to witness in their lives.

Long-term Relationships Identify a friend or family member to pray for: Pray for more witnesses in their life; for those God puts in their life—friends, colleagues, neighbors, acquaintances; that the Holy Spirit will open your loved one’s heart. If comfortable – share and pray now.

Invite Them “What are you doing tomorrow?” “Would you like to come to church with us?” There are three typical responses. All equal success. – “Yes” – Questions prompted about your church and faith = faith-sharing conversation. – “No” + explanation = you know where they stand. Keep the invitation open.

Reaching The De-churched There’s a reason why they stopped going to church.

The challenge is discovering why. Listen to their words. Hear their heart. Don’t judge. Don’t become defensive. Remember James 1:19. “My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Anything I Can Do? Whether a perception or a reality, love unconditionally. encourage forgiveness. promote reconciliation—if appropriate.

Befriending In Times Of Crisis Be there. – The ministry of presence is vital. Listen. – You don’t need to answer. Grieve. – Acknowledge their loss. – Don’t try to fix it. – Mourn with them.

Befriending In Times Of Crisis Support in practical ways food babysitting Point to Christ Use discernment. Wait for Holy Spirit’s summoning. Proclaim the hope found in Christ.

Sharing the Gospel GOALS: Make it personal: use their heart language. Make it conversational: steer clear of church-ese phrasing or odd word choices. Make it an invitation: “This relationship I have with Jesus Christ is one you can have, too. May I tell you about it?”

Practice 1. Select an image of God that is close to your heart—Father, Good Shepherd, Potter, Healer, Comforter, etc. 2. Recall a time God has been that in your life. Homework: Find a verse that supports your image of God.

Practice 1. Find a partner. 2. Pretend your partner is not a Christian. 3. Share your image: How did you experience this image of God?

Marked Bible Scripture is our weapon to combat the devil! Highlight: Sin: Romans 3:23 Savior: Hebrews 7:25 Salvation: Romans 10:9-10 New Life: Romans 6:4 God’s Love: 1 John 4:19; Psalm 139 Sorrows: Hebrews 2:18

Using Scripture John 3:16: God so loved _____ that He gave _____ His only Son so that if ______ believes in Him, ______ won’t die but ______ (will) have eternal life. (Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ) Try it!

Responding To Objections Identify the source of the objection. “Why do you ask?” For a serious problem, get professional help.

Responding To Objections Empathize: put yourself in their shoes. Address the objection. If you can’t, then research and return. Stay on topic.

What If They Say “Yes”? Pray with them. Stay connected. Invite them to church. Network them with other believers.

The “Yes” Prayer My Father in heaven, I realize I am a sinner and fall far short of what You want for my life. I cannot of my own power save myself or earn eternal life with You in heaven. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for me and by the power of His resurrection, make me alive. Help me turn from my sins and follow You. But even when I fall into sin, You have forgiven me through Your gift of faith in Jesus. I am grateful for Your gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Witnessing Is All About God It’s not about me! It’s His mission, His message, and His power! It’s our privilege to participate.

More from LHM Regional Outreach Conferences Five14 International Ministries Partnerships Project Connect The Lutheran Hour Men’s NetWork JCPlayZone Para el Camino Outreach ResourcesFaith-Focused Resources

Ongoing Education Web-based Training Special Speaker Series – Monthly Webinar – Second Saturday of the month – August - May – 10– 11 AM CST

Ongoing Education Web-based Training MISSION U Web Office –Second and fourth Friday each month –11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST –August – May

Stay connected! To view upcoming web training dates, topics and speakers, visit whatsmissionu.com.