Author Archives: James Loftin

The Journey: A Tool For Sharing Christ by James Loftin

The Journey: A Tool For Sharing Christ by James Loftin

When we hear the word evangelism, most of us think of the ways people communicate the saving message of Jesus. Witnessing and preaching are two biblical and effective methods of evangelism. In an earlier article, I introduced a tool for this type of ministry – Words That Shine: Creating a Verbal Witness that is Effective Anywhere. If our churches were filled with disciples who were competent and confident in sharing this type of witness, we would have far more baptisms, celebrate more transformations, and send out more missionaries to the darkest corners of the earth. 

The Power of Questions and Listening in Evangelism

But the art of asking good questions and listening is also a vitally important approach to evangelism. Jesus was a superb teacher and prophet. He asks over 300 questions in the four Gospels. He realized the power of asking good questions and listening well. In Luke 24:13-35, we find the fascinating interaction between the resurrected Jesus and two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Cleopas and his friend had been following Jesus, but the crucifixion and the missing body of Jesus had rocked their world and challenged their hopes. Their hearts were heavy with disappointment. As they walked away from Jerusalem, they walked away from the other Christ followers. Perhaps they were also walking away from their faith. They may have been doing what we might call deconstructing their faith. They thought they were walking alone. 

But Jesus saw and heard them. 

At some point, he physically joined them, although without them realizing who he was. As they walked together, Jesus asked them a question –  and then another and then another. Only after listening to the comments of Cleopas and his buddy, did Jesus respond (Note that his comments were directly related to their voiced concerns). Jesus had much more he could have shared, but he stopped. He gave them the opportunity to end the discussion for the day. They chose to keep talking and their lives were changed. The resurrected Jesus used good questions and active listening to communicate life and salvation to Cleopas and his friend. As Christ followers in the twenty-first century, we should spend as much time developing our listening ministry as we do improving our ability to speak.

Introducing The Journey: A Practical Evangelism Tool

Over the past two decades, the core of my ministry has involved coaching, writing, and creating ministry tools to help families and churches more effectively share the Good News. One of these tools is The Journey. It involves the art of asking good questions and listening well. Churches, international student ministries, and missionaries are using it for God’s glory in China and across the USA.

The development of this evangelism tool began during my dissertation research on the paths people take to begin following Jesus. Over the past century, dozens of sociologists, psychologists, and missiologists – including William James, James Engel, and Bill Bright – have tried to explain the process of conversion. Many created charts to illustrate their understanding of the process. In 2008, I created a cross-cultural version, The Loftin Conversion Scale, which relies heavily on the work of James Engel. I later realized that the scale could be more than a theological or academic way to consider the process of conversion. It could be a door into the soul of a friend, a gentle question that the Holy Spirit could use to unlock honest spiritual discussions. The Journey is a one-question survey that asks a person to choose which of eight options best describes their knowledge of, attraction to, and belief in the person of Jesus. It is a tool that helps us love and serve others by asking good questions and listening with grace. Careful use of The Journey can help friends and family hear God’s call and take new steps in response.

How The Journey Works

A “tool” can be understood as a handheld (portable) device designed to help you accomplish a mission. The Journey is an evangelism tool. The core of this tool can be kept as a photo on a cell phone. This keeps the tool readily available when God opens a door for you to have a spiritual discussion with a friend. Like most tools, The Journey comes with instructions. The key to the effective use of this tool is the prayer and preparation of the witness using the tool. 

At the end of this article, I have included a full copy of The Journey and a list of instructions to help witnesses prepare to use the tool according to our calling to help people know and experience the transforming grace of Jesus. 

What might it look like for you to prayerfully use a tool like The Journey in your life? 

A Testimony of Transformation: Shu Jing’s Story

My wife Vivien and I met Shu Jing in a Bible study for Christian and pre-christian Chinese. All the participants hold PhD’s and have lived in the USA for over two decades. Shu Jing is one of the members who does not identify herself as a Christian.

Several weeks ago, we discussed The Journey in the Bible study group. As always, our Chinese friends were not hesitant to share candidly about their faith or lack thereof. Shu Jing shared that option E. Seeking was the best description of her knowledge of and belief in Jesus – “I am thinking about believing in Jesus, and I am taking steps to learn more about him.”

A few days later, Vivien and I went to her home to deliver a meal and pray with her about the chronic pain and weakness she was experiencing. After sharing a few minutes, Shu Jing changed the subject. Her energy and countenance changed immediately as she talked about something she had experienced the previous night. “In my pain and frustration, I decided I should reach out to God. I prayed. I told him that I need help. And something happened that I didn’t expect and can’t explain. God’s Spirit came to me, and I had a great sense of joy. I was not alone.” We encouraged her and prayed with her, but we were not able to stay longer due to her fatigue. It was obvious to all of us God was working.

Just last week, we followed up with Shu Jing again. She was excited to talk more about her encounter with the Holy Spirit. I then showed her The Journey picture on my phone and asked her if she would still describe her response to Jesus as Seeking. She carefully considered all eight options and replied with tears. “No. G or H are now the best descriptions of my relationship with Jesus. I have been so stubborn. I have waited so long to believe, but today I do.” Hallelujah. 

I pray that you will find ways to use The Journey to help people hear and respond to Jesus’ invitation to join the family of God. Study the user instructions. Listen well. Pray hard. Maintain the relationship no matter how the discussion unfolds. 

O how we need more passion, urgency, courage, and effective strategies to shine more brightly in the darkness! Help us Jesus.

The Journey

The Journey: Instructions

Like most new tools, The Journey comes with instructions. These suggestions come from years of experience. A wise witness will carefully and prayerfully consider these tips.

  1. The Journey is most effective when used in a relationship with people who have begun to trust you as a friend. It has been used as impromptu “street” evangelism tool, but the most helpful discussions and most tangible fruit have come when shared between friends.
  2. Introduce The Journey to your friend as an instrument created by researchers to identify the changes people make in their lives regarding values, worldview, and faith.
  3. Every journey is different. Some people may start at A and move to H in a matter of days or even hours. Others take years. For many, the feelings and actions related to one stage will overlap with the next stage. Some people may even revert to a previous stage for a season before moving forward. Don’t try to force someone’s experience into the limitations of this linear scale.
  4. You don’t have to “finish” this discussion in one sitting. Relax. This is just a discussion between friends.
  5. Be intentional about responding graciously to whatever answer or comment your friend offers. It is not helpful to them or the Kingdom if they only tell you what they think you want to hear. Accept them where they are. If they give you any response, they have given you a huge gift. They have been honest with you. And they have heard themselves “locate” their life in relation to Jesus. They won’t realize this yet, but this is the work of the Holy Spirit drawing them home.
  6. After your friend selects the option that best fits them now, you might eventually ask them where they hope to be in the future. If they are at D now, where do they want to be… and when do they think they will be there? Be prepared – your friend may be satisfied with their current knowledge/attraction and have no plans to change. If so, don’t challenge their position (or preach to them). 
  7. Ask if there are any issues that are keeping them from moving forward? For example, they might feel the need for more knowledge about the Bible or they are too busy with school or work. The point is to get them thinking. Resist the need to resolve all obstacles in this one meeting.
  8. The Journey was not designed to provide an opportunity to preach. It is primarily a tool to help you LISTEN to your friend as they honestly identify where they are and perhaps, where they hope to be someday. The Journey can be one aspect of your ongoing witness to your friend. As your relationship continues, you will have opportunities to share the Hope that is in you.
  9. You may, however, want to use the tool to share about your own journey (testimony vs preaching). After you two talk about their journey for a few minutes, you might ask if they would like to hear about your journey. Or you could begin your next meeting with something like, “Last week, we talked a bit about that survey and your journey. I thought today you might want to hear about my journey…” In this context, it is most helpful to mainly focus on the parts of your journey leading up to Christian commitment – how and why you first began to follow Jesus. Check out our resource LIGHT STORIES for help in creating brief and effective testimonies that will be better understood by people from backgrounds different from your own.
  10. Admit your own limitations. No matter how long you have been following Jesus, you too do not understand everything about God, the Bible, faith, etc. Try to answer any questions your friend has but be humble and real. Share some of your own questions – either current questions or from earlier in your journey. But graciously share what you do know: Jesus is alive and he has changed your life.
  11. If your friend has come from another country, ask them to select the option that best describes them when they first arrived in your country. Ask gentle questions for clarification. For example, if they chose C, you might ask what they knew about Jesus then and how did they learn those things.

After talking about their knowledge/attraction when they first arrived, ask them to select the option that best describes their current knowledge/attraction. Be patient and quiet. Give them time to read and think. If their current knowledge/attraction is different from their earlier choice, ask them to explain the change.

If your friend is interested in Christianity or expresses a desire to follow Jesus, try to introduce them to a believer from their own culture and language group as soon as possible. A mature believer who shares the same language will be able to pick up on issues and answers questions that other witnesses will miss or misinterpret.

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Words That Shine (Part 2) by James Loftin

It could happen to you today. It could happen in a coffee shop, in the car, in the gym, on the phone, at work, or at church. Someone may ask you a question that takes your breath away. The question might come from a colleague, a new friend, or a family member. “Why are you a Christian? You seem like a smart person. So how did you begin this Christian thing you’re doing?” 

Some things are clear. You are a Christian. When God graciously ushered you into new life, he gave you the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you. You know a good bit about the Bible and the faith. You have heard countless sermons and testimonies. You may have even shared your own testimony at times. You want to share something that honors Jesus and is helpful to the seeker. In addition to all those realities, the Bible invites us to “be prepared.” Preparation takes effort and time. In life, we are all generally excited about preparing for things we enjoy or deem important. What is more important than shining the grace of Jesus with words that are clear, loving, and helpful?

In Part One of this article, I offered a theological framework and motivation for preparing a testimony that is more likely to be understood and appreciated in all settings. In Part Two, I provide practical guidance on how to prepare that type of testimony.

 

Guiding Principles

  • One Attitude. You are a sinner saved by grace. You are not perfect, but the love of God is changing your life. The attitude of a faithful witness is humility and a love for God and the person who is in front of you.
  • One Link. Realize that God’s Spirit is always ahead of you. Even if the listeners have never heard the Gospel, God has been at work in their lives in other ways. Your witness will not be the first or last link in the chain of events that God is orchestrating in their lives.
  • One Chapter. An effective witness is different than a sermon or a doctrinal teaching. Your witness should not try to cover every biblical doctrine. Your focus is on the person of Jesus and how he has changed your life. You are sharing one chapter of your life – the events, people and thoughts that led up to you deciding to follow Jesus.
  • One Goal. Your goal is to provide a joyful snapshot of the beauty of Jesus and the positive way he has changed your life. Your hope is that the listener will respect your story as a valid testimony even if they disagree with you or are not interested in changing their own beliefs at this moment. 

 

Content

  • How and why did you decide to follow Jesus? In many settings, the words “Christ follower” are less offensive and more understandable than the word “Christian.”
  • Consider using one episode or illustration to try to communicate the wonderful change that God has brought to your life.
  • What roles did friends, family, the Bible, pain, fear, or forgiveness play in your decision to follow Jesus? 
  • How has following Jesus made a positive impact on your life?
  • Focus on Jesus and how you relate to Him. 
  • Assume that the listener knows nothing accurate about the Bible or Christianity or your church or your lifestyle and culture.
  • If you want to include the Bible in your witness, use no more than one verse. Give the reference and if your listener has no knowledge of the Bible, briefly explain what the Bible is.
  • End well. Stop short of offering an evangelistic invitation. Your immediate goal is to joyfully share your personal story. Feel free, however, to end with a statement like, “I would love to talk more with you about my faith if you are interested.” Don’t be surprised if the Spirit is moving and your friend wants to continue talking. The listener may have heard you but needs time to think about your witness before talking more. Peter’s use of the words gentleness and respect suggests that we will want to be patient. Be comforted by the fact that God may use someone other than you in the next phases of your friend’s spiritual quest. 

 

Mechanics

  • Use the 1st person singular pronoun “I”. Using the 2nd person pronoun “you” sounds like preaching and may be offensive. 
  • Use short, simple sentences. English may not be the first language of your listeners, and they may know very little about the experience and concepts you describe. 
  • The entire witness should take no more than 4 minutes (one page or 700-800 words in 11-point font).

 

After writing your witness, share it with a group of Christian friends. Ask for their honest advice to improve the witness – word choice, focus, clarity, length, etc. Make these changes and memorize the witness. You will then “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (I Peter 3:15). 

In part one of this article, I wrote about a man I met in a coffee shop in China. After chatting for a few minutes, he asked me, “Please tell me why so many Americans are religious Christians?” In that moment, I thanked God that I was prepared. I had the desire to shine God’s love in that holy moment, and I had words. I was ready. My response went something like this. “Good question. Yes, many Americans are Christians. I’m not sure how they would answer your question, but here is my answer.” I then shared my witness. It took three minutes. He maintained eye contact the entire time. I ended by asking if he would like to meet again to talk more. I moved from that city soon after that first encounter. I never saw him again. I have no idea if my friend ever trusted Jesus. I do know that God brought us together. I know that I loved him well, and I shared the Good News with him. I’m thankful that God prepared my heart and I prepared my words. I was ready.

Regardless of your personality or vocation, you can be ready to share. Your testimony will point someone to Jesus. Your sharing will be GOOD NEWS. Your words will shine!

Words That Shine by James Loftin

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. – I Peter 3:15 NIV

 

I ducked into a small coffeeshop one cold, wet morning in northern China. As I sipped my latte, I noticed I was being watched. He looked as cold as I did. He was dressed nicely, and I assumed that he, like me, was on his way to work. Regardless of what my mother taught me, staring is not considered impolite in some cultures. I took another sip, smiled, and made eye contact with my fellow coffee drinker. He responded with a little wave as he said, “Good morning” with a heavy accent.

I knew what would happen next. It happened to me almost every day. I was an obvious guest in the country and people are curious. I invited the man to my table, and we began to talk. My new friend desperately wanted to practice his English and learn more about Western culture. He asked many questions about vocabulary, business, the USA, and my life. Some of his questions were more personal than most westerners ask. I understood and engaged him enthusiastically. Eventually, he asked a question that drove my heart back to I Peter 3:15. “Please tell me why so many Americans are religious Christians?” As I shot up a prayer for guidance, I quickly recalled my context. Although there is a growing number of Christ followers in China, the vast majority of people have had no exposure to the Gospel. I realized that I needed to choose my words carefully. 

One does not need to be far from home for this situation to become reality.

Is there someone in your life that has no background in the Church or the Bible? Do you go on mission or business trips that involve cultures where there are few if any Christ followers? Is there someone who has moved to your neighborhood as a refugee, as a university student from another country, or as an international businessperson? I suspect that God has already given you a desire to demonstrate and share the Good News with these people. But here is the question: Are you prepared to share your faith graciously and with words that effectively communicate with someone who is from a faith and background far different from yours?

 

Created in God’s Image

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus looked his disciples in the eyes and made a shocking declaration: “You are the light of the world.” We are created in the image of God. One aspect of God’s image is our Creator’s gracious willingness to bring light into darkness. When Jesus identified his disciples as the light of the world, he announced that in the core of our redeemed souls is the ability and passion to spread the light of Christ. This is our spiritual DNA. You were made for more than the enjoyment of your forgiveness and the other blessings of God. You were made to shine. As we allow God’s Spirit to shine through our words and actions, we bring God glory, and we join God’s mission to transform the world with the love of Jesus. 

 

Transformation Needed

To shine more brightly, most of us will need a transformation of our attitude as well as our actions. As you seek God’s help in reclaiming your identity as the light of the world, the Spirit will change how you see your role in God’s mission and the way you live out your faith. In this transformation, passion will replace dread, urgency will replace idleness, expectancy will replace a lack of faith, engagement will replace spectatorship, intentionality will replace haphazardness, confidence will replace insecurity, and daily shining will replace episodic shining. A casual approach to shining for God will be replaced by an attitude of adventure that seeks to change the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 

Maximum Impact

Our Savior is calling us to live in such a way that our lives will have maximum impact on the world with the good news of God’s love. We are invited to live as lights shining brightly in darkness. This high-light approach to life does not happen without focus and work. Think about Jesus’s lantern illustration in Matthew 5:14-16. To get a lantern to the most strategic place in a room, we might have to string a rope from the ceiling or fashion a lampstand that can hold the lamp high. This strategic shining takes effort. There is a risk and a cost for anyone who determines to reflect the maximum amount of God’s light. But the glory of God and the urgent needs of the world deserve our best.

 

Communicating Clearly

Sharing your faith story is the most important and effective ministry you will ever have. All other ministry methods will be effective only to the extent that you have a clear, winsome, Christ-honoring testimony. For biblical examples, see the testimonies of Paul (Acts 21:37-22:21) and the blind man that Jesus healed (John 9:1-27). Many believers, however, never take time to carefully consider and describe the process through which they began to follow Jesus or the reasons that they began this journey. As important as this preparation is to be an effective witness in one’s own culture, it is even more important for those wanting to make a positive impact for Jesus with people who are from a background and culture far different than our own. 

 

We prepare for many things in life that we deem important or enjoyable. We prepare for a career with education. We prepare for marriage with counseling. We carefully prepare for the dinner we are cooking for friends. Are you prepared to honor Christ with a clear, humble testimony when you are given the opportunity?

This article (Part I) offers a theological framework and motivation for preparing a testimony that is more likely to be understood and appreciated in all settings. Part II of this article provides practical guidance on how to prepare that type of testimony.

Regardless of your personality or vocation, you can be ready to share. Your words can shine!