A gentleman once approached me with a concern. He said that he would not be attending Bible study again until the format or content changed. I asked him if he felt comfortable sharing what the issue was. He then proceeded to tell me that the current content of the study was “fine,” but he felt that a Bible study should focus on how to share one’s faith.

In my opinion, Bible study is an opportunity for Christians to gather to study the Bible, God’s Word. On the other hand, giving Christians the tools to share their faith in a nonthreatening, attractive manner is essential to our Christian walk.
I will share several ways that I have found to share my faith. Perhaps one or more of these suggestions will give you the tools that you need to have a greater level of comfort in sharing your faith.

Let your example be your ministry: Often when you are calm amidst the anger of another during an altercation; when you show kindness to someone who has been unkind to you or someone that you love; or when you choose to do the right thing especially when it's difficult, others take notice and it may spark their curiosity to try to find out what makes you different.

- Pray with someone who is struggling: When someone shares their struggle, while saying, “I’ll pray for you,” is thoughtful, why not take a few moments right then and there to pray with and for them?
- Practice hospitality: Invite someone you would like to share your faith with into your home for coffee/tea, a meal, or a casual get-together. Use this time to create a relaxed, welcoming environment. Listen and get to know them. Allow the other person to bring up questions of faith. If the subject does not come up at this first visit, plan to meet them for breakfast or lunch or just invite them to take a walk with you or share another mutual interest. Let God take the lead.
- Listen actively: Truly listening to others without offering ways to solve their issues or explain how you, too, have suffered in a similar way builds relationship. In order to best share the hope that you have in Jesus, one needs to truly understand a person’s pain. Is there a better way to do this than to listen without judgement?
- Extend an invitation: Invite someone to attend worship with you, to Bible study, or to work at food pantry alongside you. What better way to share your faith and love for God than to invite someone into something that you are passionate about.

What gets in the way of us sharing the most wonderful part of our life - our faith? Pride, ego, self-doubt, and/or fear may keep us from connecting with another that may need to hear about God’s unconditional love for them. Let us begin today being God’s voice to those who need His touch most. I pray that one or more of these suggestions will encourage you in your Christian walk.

Let’s do ministry together.

You are loved,

Pastor Karen